There are many origin stories for this cocktail so it's really a matter of "find the one you believe the most, and the one I find the most believable is from Cheryl Cook who was making it for people who wanted something bright and colorful to make martini glasses more appealing.
Her recipe was as such: "Absolut Citron, a splash of Triple sec, a drop of Rose's lime and just enough cranberry to make it oh so pretty in pink."
And while I don't have Absolut Citron, here's my recipe to try
- 1.5oz Vodka (whatever you have)
- 0.75oz Orange liqueur (I use Cointreau, but triple-sec or dry curacao works)
- 0.5oz lime juice
- 0.5oz cranberry juice
Throw all that into a shaker with ice, then double strain into either a chilled martini glass or coupe (I prefer the latter). Garnish with a lime wheel.