Name This Cocktail

From several years of bartending, I know that alot of people want to order a cocktail, but really don't know what to order. It's difficult to remember the names of all the drinks and you might not know what tastes good mixed together. Many people will chicken out and get a beer or glass of wine at this point. But believe me, any bartender worth their jigger would love to create a cocktail for you, or suggest one you might like. Don't be intimidated! It's your money, be adventurous.

Holding an interesting drink is a great conversation starter. You might even start a trend throughout the party!

The best time to make a request for a custom cocktail is NOT in a mega-crowded, four-deep at the bar, blaring music kind of place. Wait until the line at the bar thins out so you can make sure you have the bartender's full attention. He/she might even let you sample a couple different things, especially if they are really bored! Look for the most competent and/or friendly bartender.

If a bartender makes something fabulous for you, give a good tip!

Here's a new one I've created, based on my love of a classic cranberry-vodka, and my preference for a bit of carbonation. Also, I enjoy having a tall glass because it lasts longer! This cocktail does not have a name yet. If you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments. My mom thought of "Cosmo Kiss," which I like, but no man would ever feel comfortable ordering that in a bar! And it's really not a particularly "girly" drink. I searched the internet and the closest I could find was a drink called a "COD", but that drink calls for a splash of Sprite, instead of filling half the glass with Sprite. If nothing else, a bartender will be able to figure it out if you order "A Cranberry Vodka with orange vodka, and about half full with Sprite."

NAME THIS COCKTAIL

1.5 oz orange vodka

cranberry juice

Sprite

lime garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour orange vodka over the ice. Fill half the glass with cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail). Fill the glass to the top with Sprite. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Do not shake in a cocktail shaker or you will flatten the carbonation. Plus, it will make the drink pink instead of the cool effect of clear Sprite sitting on top of red juice.

TIP - If you make this at home with Diet Sprite and Diet Cranberry Juice Cocktail, it will save you a bunch of calories. Most bars don't have anything diet on hand except Diet Coke.