Moscow Mule
Here's an old-time cocktail that was popular in the 1940s and '50s. A Moscow Mule is traditionally served in a copper mug with plenty of ice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Big-Batch Bloody Marys
Tailgates, game-day parties and big brunches call for a Bloody Mary recipe that caters to a bunch. This one has a little bit of a kick—just enough to get the crowd cheering. —Taste of Home Test of Home Kitchen
Salty Dog Sangria
Mix up grapefruit vodka, ginger ale, grapefruit juice, a little wine and simple syrup and what do you get? A perfectly refreshing and beautiful sipper fit for any holiday or special gathering. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri
Calandria
A friend and I invented this perfect-anytime drink. It’s similar to a caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, but is vodka-based. Of course, there are endless flavor possibilities for this drink! —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Rubies on Ice
Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York
Cotton Candy Champagne Cocktails
This champagne is not only pretty but it's delicious. Once the cotton candy it melts away, leaving behind its pink color. Perfectly whimsical and elegant made for your special valentine.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jalapeno Pomegranate Cocktail
This spicy and sweet sipper gives you a little fix of jalapeno flavor minus the heat. Start a couple of days ahead to flavor the vodka. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
Midwest Mary
In the Midwest, Bloody Marys garnished with meats, cheeses and veggies are works of art. My beverage has skewers of bratwurst, cheese curds and dill pickles. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Perfect Lemon Martini
Time to relax with a refreshing lemon drop martini! The combination of tart lemon and sweet liqueur will tingle your taste buds. —Marilee Anker, Chatsworth, California
Rhubarb Lemonade Slush
My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon
Black Russian
Here are no-fuss black Russians that are smooth as silk. Perfect for those who aren't sure what they want. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry-Orange Vodka Slush
Years ago, my mother made a rosy and refreshing party drink I’ve never forgotten. The sparkle comes from fruit juices, vodka and lemon lime soda. —Melinda Strable, Ankeny, Iowa
Irish Creme Drink
We top off holiday celebrations with this creamy beverage. With sweetened condensed milk and ice cream, it's like a liquid dessert!—Fred Schneider, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Cranberry Cocktail
I adore the combination of flavors in this recipe. The secret is to thaw the lemonade so it’s still slightly icy—this way the cocktail will be cool and refreshing. For a no-alcohol option, use peach juice and lemon-lime soda instead of schnapps and vodka. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas
Witches' Brew
Stir up Halloween beverages that are as bewitching as the rest of your menu. For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the vodka. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dill Bloody Marys
With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini
I describe this cocktail as slightly tart, a little sassy and completely delicious. I make a big batch when I'm hosting a party because it tends to disappear quickly. Garnish with fresh mint and cranberries for an extra-special touch. —Kelli Haetinger, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Pumpkin Pie Martinis
My girlfriends begin requesting this cocktail in fall and continue to ask for it through the holidays. Every sip is like a taste of pumpkin pie! —Cathleen Bushman, Geneva, Illinois
Rosemary & Thyme Lemon Cocktail
A bubbly drink means it's time to celebrate! Try dressing up the usual hard lemonade with sprigs of rosemary and thyme for a refreshingly different cocktail any time of year. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Strawberry-Basil Cocktail
This cocktail of sun-ripened strawberries and tender basil is so refreshing without being overly sweet. It’s our favorite. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Bloody Mary
Horseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange & Coffee Martini
With its pretty jeweled color and complementary orange-coffee flavor, this impressive martini lends an elegant, upscale feel to any party.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Black-Eyed Susan
The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Raspberry Truffle Cocktail
This adults-only hot chocolate is a decadent addition to any holiday gathering. It can easily be adapted to dairy lovers' tastes by substituting chocolate milk and heavy cream for the almond products.—Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York
White Russian
This creamy coffee-flavored drink is a star at any occasion and perfect for any season. White Russians are equally appropriate before or after dinner.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Martini
The variations on martinis seem endless. But this sweet chocolate martini recipe is both creative and sophisticated in taste and presentation. It's a great way to finish or even start a meal.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Blackberry Beer Cocktail
This refreshing hard lemonade has a mild alcohol flavor; the beer adds just enough fizz to dance on your tongue as you sip. Sorry, adults only! —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Spiked Lemonade
Rum gives a tropical addition to this fabulous homemade lemonade. If you have vodka on hand, try that instead of the rum. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Martini
Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hop, Skip and Go
Here's a different drink for a beer-drinking crowd. It gets a touch of sweetness from lemonade. Make it in a blender for a frothy, fun look or mix in a pitcher for less foam.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange Cranberry Splash
I created this citrusy cocktail while tending bar on the Jersey shore. For a festive finishing touch during the holiday season, garnish each glass with fresh cranberries. —Ralph Florio, New York, New York
Blueberry Thirst Quencher
I first enjoyed this cocktail at a Derby day party and fell in love. With its beautiful color and zesty flavor, it’s a festive surprise for a summer picnic or party.—Peggy Foster, Florence, Kentucky
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Caroline Stanko