The cosmopolitan is not a complicated drink. How to make a cosmopolitan will help you dazzle your friends with sophistication and great taste!

Even though the cosmopolitan was created in the 1980's, it has already become a classic. One common misconception about the cosmopolitan is that it is a martini. It is not a martini, but a vodka based drink in a martini glass. It was created to give people who liked to be seen drinking from a martini glass something other than the traditional martini.

You'll need the following equipment and ingredients in order to make a cosmopolitan. The measurements are important when mixing the ingredients, as too much cranberry juice can make the drink too red rather than the pink that it should be.

• 1 1/2 oz. lemon/citron vodka

• 1/2 oz. Cointreau/Triple sec

• 1 oz. cranberry juice

• 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

• 1 slice of lemon/lime

• 5-8 ice cubes

• Cocktail shaker

• Martini glass

• Cocktail strainer

1. Chill the martini glass by either placing it in the freezer or filling it up with ice cubes and cold water.

2. Fill the shaker with the ice, vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice.

3. Take the martini glass out of the freezer or dump the water and ice out. Cut a slit halfway through the lemon/lime round and place it on the rim of the glass. Take the lemon/lime slice and run it over the length of the rim.

4. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for no less than 5 seconds.

5. Uncover and strain into the martini glass.

6. You can choose to leave the lemon/lime round on the rim, or squeeze and twist it and place it into the drink.

7. Cheers!

Cointreau is preferred over triple sec, but not mandatory. The cosmopolitan is supposed to be very strong with the cranberry juice adding subtle flavor. If you don't have fresh squeezed lime juice, bottled lime juice will suffice.