The Cosmopolitan is a vodka-based cocktail that has become very popular with women, especially since its prominent appearance in the popular HBO television show "Sex and the City."

The Cosmopolitan, or "Cosmo" is a sweet-tart combination of citrus and cranberry flavors that, conveniently, is an attractive pink color when mixed and served properly.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. triple sec liqueur
• 1 oz. cranberry juice
• Juice of 1/4 fresh lime

Preparation:

Combine ingredients, shake over ice, and strain into a cocktail glass garnished with a lime slice or wedge.

Variations:

Some recipes substitute Cointreau liqueur for the Triple Sec, or Absolut Citron for plain vodka (which increases the citrus kick). Still others replace the lime juice with 1/2 oz. of Rose's sweetened lime juice, resulting in a drink more sweet than tart.

Despite the fact that it's served in a cocktail glass, and thus frequently branded a "Martini," the Cosmopolitan is a cocktail that has more elements akin to sours than the herbal genre of the Martini.

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