I used to think the color came from some magical cocktail fairy. Nope. It’s pure chemistry between the cranberry juice and the lime. The ratio matters more than you’d think—too much cranberry, and you’re drinking a sad, tart soup.
The traditional recipe uses equal parts vodka and cranberry juice (usually 1.5 oz each), with a half ounce of triple sec and a half ounce of lime juice. Shake it violently over ice until the shaker is frosty cold. That’s how you get that beautiful, balanced blush.
