Cranberry Cordial Cosmo

A month ago I blogged about a Cranberry Cordial. Then I got a cold and I never told you what to do with it. You can find the cordial recipe here.

And now, at least, what to do with it. The cordial is vodka and cranberries, diluted with cranberry juice and sweetened with sugar. But, straight out of the cordial bottle, it’s too strong to drink. You can dilute with club soda and embrace the crispness of cranberries.

Or, you can make this Cranberry Cordial Cosmo. A classic Cosmo is made with citrus vodka and cranberry juice. Lots of vodka and a touch of cranberry. Here, the vodka started as plain and became intense cranberry when converted into a cordial. I use orange liqueur — your choice — plus fresh lemon juice for the citrus flavor. And some simple syrup to ensure this Cosmo is as sweet as it is supposed to be.

Trust me, please. This beverage can be as “standard” as your margarita, a drink to be cherished year-round. Yes, cranberries have been for the fall and winter holidays. Time to adjust your thinking. It’s time for Cranberry Cordial Cosmos year-round.

Yield: 1 big one or two modest ones

Ingredients:

3 ounces Cranberry Cordial
1 ounce orange liqueur, something good and therefore NOT mere Triple Sec
2 ounces of freshly squeezed lemon juice, although you can do lime
2 ounces of simple syrup, or less if you want more bite in your drink.

Preparation:

Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and vigorously shake for a minute. Pour into a glass rimmed with sugar.

Cranberry Cordial Cosmo