Preparation

Step 1: Chill the Glass
Place your martini glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures a cold, refreshing drink and enhances the cocktail’s presentation.

Step 2: Prepare the Rim
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of the chilled glass. Dip the rim into a shallow plate of sugar to coat it evenly. Set aside while preparing the cocktail.

Step 3: Assemble the Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice, orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and simple syrup (if using). Adjust the simple syrup to your sweetness preference.

Step 4: Shake Well
Fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds to thoroughly mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.

Step 5: Strain and Serve
Using a strainer, pour the mixture into the prepared martini glass. The fine strainer ensures a smooth drink without pulp or ice shards.

Step 6: Garnish
Add a lemon twist, lemon slice, or a few fresh cranberries to the drink for a festive touch.

Variations

The Christmas Lemon Drop Cosmo is versatile and can be tailored to suit various tastes:

Sparkling Lemon Drop Cosmo: Add a splash of sparkling water or Prosecco to the finished drink for an effervescent twist.

Berry Blend: Replace cranberry juice with pomegranate or raspberry juice for a deeper flavor and richer hue.

Herbal Infusion: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the shaker for a subtle herbal note that complements the citrus and cranberry flavors.

Citrus Explosion: Use blood orange juice in place of cranberry juice for a sweeter, more citrus-forward cocktail.

Sugar-Free Option: Swap simple syrup with a sugar-free alternative or skip it altogether for a lighter version.