The cocktail made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice is the Cosmopolitan. Often shortened to “Cosmo,” it is usually shaken with ice and strained into a stemmed cocktail glass, then finished with a lime slice or citrus twist.
The drink’s exact origin is disputed. Bartenders in Minneapolis, Miami, San Francisco, and New York have all been credited with developing versions during the 1970s and 1980s. The modern internationally recognized recipe is closely associated with New York bartender Toby Cecchini, who served a version at The Odeon in 1989.
A classic recipe commonly uses citrus-flavored vodka, orange liqueur such as Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice. The cranberry gives the drink its distinctive pink color, while lime balances the sweetness. Proportions vary, so not every Cosmopolitan tastes equally tart or sweet.
A common mix-up is calling it a type of martini because it is served in a martini glass. It is not technically a Martini; it is a separate sour-style cocktail with similarities to the Kamikaze and Gimlet.