How to Make a Cosmopolitan

Yes, they slurped cosmos by the gallon on Sex & the City, launching this pretty-in-pink drink into the super-trend stratosphere. But those ladies had the right idea: this delicious cocktail lives up to the hype.

Instructions

Step 1: Chill glass Chill the martini glass by filling it with ice and water, and set it aside.
Step 2: Fill with ice Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
Step 3: Slice lime Slice the lime in half, and then into quarters. Squeeze two quarters over the cocktail shaker and set the other two aside.
Step 4: Add vodka, liqueur & juice Add the vodka, liqueur, and cranberry juice.
TIP: Use citrus-flavored vodka for added zing.
Step 5: Shake Vigorously shake the ingredients 15 to 20 times.
TIP: Stop shaking when the shaker feels ice cold. Over-mixing will dilute the liquor with too much water.
Step 6: Empty glass Empty the now-chilled martini glass.
Step 7: Strain into glass Strain the contents of the mixing glass into the martini glass.
Step 8: Garnish & serve Cut a wedge from a remaining lime quarter, garnish, and serve.
FACT: Mr. Big—Carrie Bradshaw's love interest on Sex & the City—was based on a real-life magazine publisher. At various times he was at the helm of Vanity Fair, GQ, and Vogue—but never Cosmopolitan.