Preparation

Step 1: Begin by rimming your glass with sugar to create a festive look and add a touch of sweetness to the cocktail. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini or coupe glass to moisten it. Dip the rim into a plate of granulated sugar, pressing lightly to ensure even coverage. Set the glass aside to allow the sugar to set.

Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, cranberry juice, and simple syrup. Use citron vodka if you want a more pronounced lemon flavor. Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker to chill the mixture thoroughly and enhance the drink’s refreshing qualities.

Step 3: Shake the mixture vigorously for 15-20 seconds. This step is crucial as it chills the cocktail and ensures all the ingredients are well-mixed, resulting in a balanced and flavorful drink. The shaking also adds a slight frothiness, giving the drink a smooth and velvety texture.

Step 4: Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glass using a cocktail strainer. The sugar-rimmed glass not only looks elegant but also enhances the drink’s flavor by balancing its tartness with a subtle sweetness.

Step 5: Garnish the drink with sugared cranberries or a lemon twist. To make sugared cranberries, coat fresh cranberries with simple syrup, then roll them in granulated sugar and let them dry for 30 minutes. This garnish adds a festive touch and a delightful crunch to the drink.