Bourbon

Sandwiching the puff pastry between two baking sheets ensures that the pastry rises perfectly even.

The hot toddy is not simply a mixture of hot water and booze. It’s a miracle worker, a doctor, and a life coach in a cup. And although it does seem to do the trick for everything from a sore throat to a cough, it’s just as good when you’re healthy. This version—from Damon Boelte, bar manager at Prime Meats restaurant in Brooklyn—omits the usual honey or sugar and plays up the herbal and spicy notes instead.

The ice in this spicy grapefruit cocktail dilutes the drink over time, so you can keep sipping well into the party.

At Everyman Espresso, they serve this sans alcohol, but feel free to add a splash of brown before stirring.

For smaller loaves, divide dough and nut paste mixture into four portions instead of two and bake in four mini loaf pans—for 40–45 minutes.

The exceptional texture and glossy sheen of this fudge result from the way you mix it. Make sure the chocolate and condensed milk are barely hot.

Truth be told, the bourbon's optional, and this is equally delicious hot or cold.

For the sweetest new year, serve this sparkly cocktail featuring classic Rosh Hashanah flavors: apple and honey.

The bitterness of the caramelized sugar tempers the sweetness in this twist on an Old Fashioned.

Shortening makes for the flakiest pie crust. But you won’t miss the buttery flavor—there’s plenty in the filling.

Tosca's cocktails are so good people drink them well into the meal.

For best flavor, head to the farmers' market for peak-season fruit. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet until solid.

Cherry Heering is a ruby-red Danish liqueur made from cherries, spices, and a neutral grain spirit. It adds cherry flavor and a mild sweetness, not a maraschino in sight.

Ruby port gives this milk punch a bright pink hue.

This julep riff from Bobby Flay tastes fresh and not too sweet.

Suntory is acquiring Jim Beam, so it's time to meet the world's 5 biggest liquor distributors. You may know Diageo and Bacardi, but United Spirits?

If the rare Pappy Van Winkle is nowhere to be found, try one of these five great (and affordable) bourbons instead

Sweetened condensed milk makes this salted caramel recipe extra-luscious.

Step one: Buy tamarind concentrate. Step two: Make this spin on a classic whiskey sour.

This chocolate-pumpkin mashup is surprising, yet delicious. It’s so good in fact, that you don’t even have to brûlée the top—though that helps give it its showstopper effect.

This complexly flavored pudding owes its smooth texture to a quick spin in the blender.

Good ginger beers are made with actual ginger and deliver a nose-tingling hit of spice along with bubbles. Look for Fever-Tree, Reed’s, or Fentimans brands.