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A cosmopolitan normally contains vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec, and lime juice. I basically reconstructed a cosmo with the batter ingredients sans the vodka. I figured that vodka wouldn't make a very strong contribution to flavor post-baking. I really wanted the other flavors to pop.
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All of the amounts specified in this recipe are meant to be used with the Duncan Hines white cake mix box. A different brand will have different amounts of water, oil, and eggs. If you are using a different brand of cake mix, follow the directions on the box for the oil and eggs, and just reconstruct the cosmo in place of whatever volume of water it calls for on the box. Or, you can just make it easy on yourself and substitute one of those cosmo ready-made mixes for the water in any white boxed cake mix.
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1. Combine the triple sec and juice in your mixing bowl and swirl it around to mix.
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2. Add rest of ingredients for the cake (egg whites, oil, zest, dry mix), and beat with a mixer until combined and smooth, about 1-2 minutes. At this point, add some dye gel if you want to enhance the color of your cupcakes
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3. Divide amongst 24 cupcake wells, filling about 2/3 full
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4. Bake at 350F for about 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center is clean, and/or they spring back when touched
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5. For the icing, beat 2 sticks of butter until light and fluffy.
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6. Add the juices, zest, and triple sec, and beat to combine
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7. Add the sugar gradually, until desired spreading consistency is reached
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8. Frost when the cupcakes are completely cooled, and enjoy!
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For the icing, I chose to combine all the cosmo flavors (cranberry, orange liquor, and lime) into the buttercream. However, the icing can easily be made with just some (or one) of these flavors. Instead of 1 Tablespoon per flavor, this icing can easily be made with 3 Tablespoons of all one flavor, or split between your two favorites. If you'd like a cream cheese icing, just substitute in 8 ounces of cream cheese for one of the sticks of butter in the icing.
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These cupcakes were incredibly yummy. They were light, not overly sweet, and all of the flavors were fresh and bright. Fresh lime juice and zest really makes a difference here, definitely don't settle for anything out of a bottle.
