Drinks

After straining, this punch should be as clear as a glass of Chardonnay.

This recipe deviates from a classic milk punch, leaving some of the milk solids in, lending a heavier, silkier feel.

Since you’re already taking a couple of days to make punch, might as well make fancy ice. Try freezing water in balloons. Run the frozen ovals under cold water until they just fit inside your glasses.

Like eggnog? This punch’s for you.

Ruby port gives this milk punch a bright pink hue.

The lemony sugar syrup that results from muddling citrus zest and sugar is called an oleo saccharum, literally, “oily sugar.”

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

At Clove Club, they use dandelion and burdock bitters in this winter warmer of a drink. They’re tough to find, though—Angostura bitters are your best bet (and the drink won’t suffer for it).

This cocktail from Uncle Boons in New York is made to pair well with Thai food.

Play beverage director Jim Kearns describes this tipple as “dark, evocative, and complex”—all good things when you’re angling for a little mystery.

We like this Shirley Temple recipe with just ginger ale, but some versions use lemon-lime soda, or a combination of ginger ale and lemon-lime soda. No matter what, don't forget the cherry!

This light and sexy drink has a little vermouth, a little gin, some fresh citrus and ginger syrup, rosewater, and the catnip of the liqueur world: St. Germain. At the Museum of Sex's bar, Play, it’s served in a peacock-feathered martini glass and crowned with a dried rosebud.

The spicy and perfectly tart shrub (flavored drinking vinegar) gives this pitcher-friendly cocktail a refreshing quality.

The addition of an anise-flavored liqueur turns this hot cocoa into the liquid version of chocolate-covered licorice.

“A vegan green smoothie with some depth: I love the subtle savory quality the kale adds to the classic PB–banana combo.” —Dawn Perry, senior food editor

Coconut water is known for being a big source of hydration. It's a perfect potassium-rich pairing for a little vodka, lemon and aromatic Earl grey simple syrup.

Blood orange kicks up the vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants in this bracing cocktail. Citrus is a great way to release a little extra water weight—so you can detox (a little) while you drink.

The compote in this winter refresher provides a nice dose of antioxidants from fresh cranberries and cleansing notes from the ginger. Excess sugar is kept to a minimum with natural honey.

A trick we like: Peel all overripe bananas and put in the freezer, then use to make supercreamy smoothies.

To faithfully re-create this cocktail, do as Nostrana in Portland, OR, does and seek out blue plum brandy from Oregon’s Clear Creek Distillery.