This recipe makes a delicious, but very potent cocktail. Be sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice, and, be sure to warn your guests that it is strong. Have a less potent option to offer those that don't want to "nurse" this cocktail. We garnished this drink with a slice of fresh lime rather than making the sugared cranberries.

COSMOPOLITAN CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

"We thought we would update the popular Cosmopolitan by substituting Champagne for the usual lemon vodka. We garnished the drinks with skewers of sugar-coated fresh cranberries (thawed frozen ones will work just fine, too)."

1 1/4 cups Cointreau or Grand Marnier
1 1/4 cups cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar
4 cups chilled Champagne or other sparkling wine

Stir together Cointreau, juices, and sugar and chill, covered, 2 to 6 hours. Just before serving, divide among 10 Champagne flutes and top off with Champagne.

Makes 10 drinks.
Gourmet
December 1999