What is the standard garnish for a cosmopolitan?

The standard garnish for a cosmopolitan is a lime wedge. This choice reflects the drink's flavor profile, which combines vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and fresh lime juice. The lime wedge enhances the cocktail's tartness, complementing the sweet and citrusy elements of the other ingredients.

Using a lime wedge also showcases the vibrant color of the drink while providing an additional element of freshness that is characteristic of a cosmopolitan. In bartending, a garnish is not only for decoration; it plays an important role in enhancing the drink's aroma and flavor, making the lime wedge an ideal choice for this particular cocktail.

The other options, though common in other cocktails, don't align with the traditional presentation of a cosmopolitan. For instance, a cherry is typically used in drinks like Manhattans or Old Fashioneds, while a lemon twist is more commonly paired with drinks that have a primary citrus base, such as a lemon drop martini. An olive is strongly associated with martinis, particularly gin martinis.