Lillet is a French wine, similar to vermouth. (Technically it’s a blend of wine and citrus liquors, aged in oak. Its ABV is higher than wine but lower than hard alcohol.) It isn’t overly sweet but includes honey, herbal, citrus, and floral flavors.

A Bees Knees has been my cocktail of summer, one of the rare indicators that yes, it is in fact Friday. The name is an homage to the honey simple syrup that offsets the tang of the lemon but also provides added flavor.

Entertainment and libations wrapped into one!  This Christmassy Old Fashioned ‘tis but the worth of a moment.  A few party tricks (smoked rosemary branches, and walnut-stuffed dates) add to the festivity and are easier to execute than first-glance might suggest.  

 This fall-inspired sangria strikes a perfect balance of tricks and treats—it’s loaded with figs, apple, and cinnamon, and is topped off with a creepy floating ice-hand for a good-spirited spook!

If you’re new to the spritz scene, it’s a refreshing and dry (slightly bitter) bubbly cocktail with a low alcohol content. 

The fizzy, tart, and refreshing Moscow Mule is a favorite—and the best part is of course the copper mug it’s served in.  A girlfriend recently shared this healthy “mule makeover” with me though and I love it even more than the original.

Don’t try to make your own clay cup, or smash your favorite mug today.  But make some homemade chai and try, even if for five minutes, to ease your mind into the present moment.  Sipping hot, homemade chai tea.  Doesn’t that feel good?

With a big warm smile, the bartender handed me a Carajillo.  It’s a cocktail made from liquor and coffee.  Sometimes it’s served hot, but mine was cold.  And damn was it good.