Valentine's Day Drinks

Valentine Drinks: Cosmopolitans two ways

Cosmopolitan Cocktail or Champagne Cosmopolitan

I love Martinis. For Valentine’s Day I’d happily choose a pink version of the Martini – The Cosmopolitan. But, my wife would prefer a Champagne Cosmopolitan. Which version do you think we’ll be drinking?

Here’s my favorite recipe for a Cosmopolitan:

Cosmopolitan

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka
• 3 ounces (1/3 cup) triple sec or cointreau
• 3 ounces (1/3 cup) cranberry juice cocktail
• 3 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 large or 2 small lemons)
• 4 2-inch lemon peels/twists

PREPARATION
Pour all ingredients except lemon peels into a pitcher.
Fill a large cocktail shaker 1/4 full with ice. Pour approximately 1/2 of the mixture (two servings) into the shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. It’s important to have a well-chilled drink. Then strain into martini glasses and add lemon twist garnish.

Note: I like to chill my glasses. I put them in the freezer or stick them in an ice bucket ahead of time.

Here’s my wife’s favorite Valentine’s drink, the Champagne Cosmopolitan:

Champagne Cosmopolitan

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces Cointreau or Triple Sec (Grand Marnier will also do nicely)
• 8 ounces cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fine or extrafine granulated sugar
• 4 cups chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine

PREPARATION
Stir together Cointreau, juices, and sugar and chill, covered, 2 to 6 hours.
Fill 2/3 of champagne flutes with the mixture, and top off with Champagne to serve.
Serves 6-8.

Choose your favorite and enjoy a special Valentine’s Day.

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