One of my favorite Summer cocktails is the bramble, a mix of gin, lemon, fresh blackberries, and blackberry liqueur. It's also a recipe that's easy to play around with, which makes for a fun day of improvising — something I did this past weekend. Instead of gin, I chose tequila as the base spirit; to me, tequila is the perfect complement to warm weather and fresh fruit. For anyone craving a Read more

Happy Cinco de Mayo — now let's raise our margaritas for a virtual toast! Before you go out and order the classic cocktail at your local bar or restaurant, make this recipe at home. Not only will it taste better, but you'll also save on calories: a lot of restaurant and bar margaritas are made with mixers that contain corn syrup and ingredients you can't pronounce. This recipe, which purists Read more

It's cold outside and I'm feeling festive, and something about warm drinks filled with Winter spices gets me every time! Since Winter is not going away any time soon, neither is the temptation of an eggnog habit. But, instead of reaching for fat-filled boozy eggnog, hot buttered rum, or spiked hot chocolate, make yourself a hot toddy instead. This classic cold-weather warmer has all the same Read more

Bloody Marys are the quintessential brunch time drink; some might even argue that it's liquid salad. My feeling is that as long as you don't overdo it, they're a fun way to get lycopene in your diet. Ever since I discovered shochu — a low-calorie alternative to vodka — I've been playing around with different cocktail recipes. My latest is a lighter version of the Bloody Mary but with an Asian Read more

Classic shrimp cocktail is one of the world's greatest appetizers. The traditional recipe involves boiled shrimp, but during the Summer, why not use the grill to impart a smoky flavor on the shellfish? That's what this incredible recipe does! The shrimp are seasoned lightly with smoked Spanish paprika before being charred on the grill. Chili sauce and horseradish are combined with seasonings and Read more

When it comes to brunch drinks, there's nothing like a mimosa, but if you have them on a regular basis (like I do!) for a special occasion such as Easter, it's nice to change things up. My favorite new libation is this amazing cocktail that combines limoncello with mint, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. There's a little bit of work involved because you puree the mint, lemon peel, and limoncello Read more

Whenever I come across strawberries that are about to go bad — the mushy ones with lots of wrinkles and a deep red color — I set them aside and use them in a cocktail. Many recipes involve muddling the strawberries to extract the juices, so it doesn't really matter if they aren't the prettiest of berries. For adventurous home mixologists, I highly recommend you make use of blemished berries Read more

If you think tequila is only good in margaritas, think again! The Mexican spirit is a wonderful base for all sorts of cocktails. In this recipe, tequila is paired with sweet strawberries, tart lemons, and fragrant mint. The method is adaptable: if you prefer a strong drink, use more tequila, and if you're partial to weak beverages, add more club soda. This refreshing cooler is the perfect way to Read more