Ingredients:

  • 5 fl oz (45 ml) high-quality Vodka
  • 75 fl oz (22 ml) Cointreau or quality Triple Sec
  • 75 fl oz (22 ml) Fresh Lime Juice (must be freshly squeezed)
  • 1 fl oz (30 ml) Pure, unsweetened Cranberry Juice
  • Ice (for chilling and shaking)
  • 1 large piece Orange zest or peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Glass: Fill the serving glass (Martini or Coupe) with ice water, or place it in the freezer for at least 5 minutes. A warm glass is the enemy of a brilliant cocktail.
  2. Prep the Garnish: Using a peeler, shave a generous strip of orange peel. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Juice: Measure and freshly squeeze the required amount of lime juice.
  4. Combine Liquids: Pour the vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and cranberry juice directly into the cocktail shaker tin, ensuring precise measurements using a jigger.
  5. Add Ice and Seal: Fill the shaker 2/3 full with high-quality ice. Ensure the shaker lid or tins are sealed tightly.
  6. The Frosted Shake: Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink rapidly and dilute it slightly. The outside of the shaker should be thoroughly frosted.
  7. Discard Chill Water: Tip the ice water out of your perfectly chilled serving glass.
  8. Strain: Double strain the cocktail (using both the Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer) into the perfectly chilled glass. This ensures a silky smooth texture free of ice shards and pulp.
  9. Express the Citrus: Hold the prepared orange peel over the drink (skin side facing down). Pinch or twist the peel sharply to 'express' the fragrant essential oils over the surface of the cocktail.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Run the expressed peel around the rim of the glass before dropping it into the drink, or discard the peel entirely if preferred. Serve immediately.