Cosmopolitan Cupcakes

This post is a little late, but things have been pretty hectic around here recently, and it won't get any calmer for... several months? Oh boy.
These cupcakes are from the little birthday celebration I had with my college friends :) I figured the recipe was a great choice for a 21st birthday :)

These pics are pre-Fancy Schmancy Camera!

Cosmopolitan Cupcakes
Courtesy of The Novice Chef
Yield: 2 dozen cupcakes
Cosmopolitan
(This party was pre-21st birthday, so I had to make do with what I had. This is the recipe Jessica uses)
Jigger cranberry flavored/infused vodka- 1.5 fluid oz
Cointreau- 1/2 fluid oz
Fresh lime juice- 1 tsp
Cranberry juice- 1 1/2 fluid oz
Twist of lime zest for garnish
*Pour all ingredients into a shaker with lots of ice, shake vigorously for several seconds then pour into a cocktail glass.
The Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Butter- 1/2 c, room temp
Sugar- 2 1/4 c
Eggs- 2, room temp
Salt- 1/2 tsp
Baking powder- 2 1/2 tsp
Flour- 3 c
Buttermilk- 1/4 c, room temp
Cosmopolitan- 1 1/4 c
Zest of 1 lime
Pink food coloring (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until combined. Add lime zest and beat for ~10 seconds.
2. Combine salt, baking powder and flour in a separate bowl.
3. Alternate dry ingredients and the Cosmopolitan, beating on low until mixture is combined. Add buttermilk and beat to combine. *Add pink food coloring.
4. Line cupcake pans and fill cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 for 18-22 minutes, or until cupcakes spring back in the middle when touched lightly.
Glaze
Heat 1/2 c Cosmopolitan in a sauce pan over medium heat until thickened and slightly reduced. Allow to cool slightly, then brush glaze on the tops of the cupcakes while they are still warm.
Cosmopolitan Buttercream
Ingredients:
Butter- 1 1/2 c (3 sticks), room temp
Powdered sugar- 4 c
Meringue powder- 1 tbsp (optional)
Cosmopolitan- 3-4 tbsp
Pinch of salt
Pink food coloring
Directions:
1. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides of the bowl, then add powdered sugar one cup at a time.
2. Add meringue powder and salt, and beat for ~10 seconds.
3. Add the Cosmopolitan one tablespoon at a time, then add the pink food coloring.