American
Spiced Pumpkin Vodka
Try this pumpkin-infused vodka in the Smashing Pumpkin Martini, or use it to invent a holiday cocktail of your own.The bar at Fifty Seven Fifty Seven in New York City, where it was created, uses a liter-sized Stolichnaya bottle to hold the vodka-pumpkin mixture while it steeps.
Minted Mai Tai
The mai tai was invented in 1944 at the original Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California. There are many variations of the drink, including this mint-accented version. Look for almond syrup in the coffee-and-tea section of the supermarket.
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Try this healthful and satisfying drink in chilled glasses on a warm summer day.
Tropical Fruit Smoothie
Here's a great breakfast or after-workout cooler that's ready in seconds and tastes as good as one you'd get at a juice bar.
Basic Mead
The mead you make with this recipe will reflect the qualities of the honey you use. Consult our guide to mead and consider using a first-rate varietal honey. Because mead is fairly high in alcohol (10- to 12-percent by volume), I recommend 12-ouncebottles over 22-ounce ones.
Strawberry-Kiwi Sangria with Rosé Geranium
This sweetly refreshing summer cooler contains no alcohol, but the wild-berry tea and pureed strawberries give it that sangria color. For guests who prefer their beverages a bit more spirited, B. Smith recommends adding white Muscat or light rum to taste.
By B. Smith