Cocktail

This drink is sometimes called Champagne Velvet, and in certain quarters is known as the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Shandygaff, a fine euphoric title.

The best way to get warm and cozy after a day outdoors is with this drink, in Ireland known simply as "hot whiskey."

Variants: Hot Brandy Toddy, Hot Rum Toddy

Passion-Fruit Champagne Cocktail

This is a refreshing and fast adults-only dessert for any summer meal. Active time: 15 min Start to finish: 15 min

This drink is sometimes known as a Napoleon.

Variant: King's Peg (Napoleon)

An old-school ice cream scoop turns out beautiful curls of melon; the pink peppercorn and bay–infused wine syrup keeps things interesting.

"While staying at the Rio hotel in Las Vegas, I went up to the VooDoo Café & Lounge," writes Adam Lantheaume of Billerica, Massachusetts. "I highly recommend the view; from 51 stories up, it is spectacular. I also recommend the apple Martini, which I've been trying to make at home for friends. Can you help?" If you prefer shaken Martinis, simply fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes and add half of the liquid ingredients. Shake, and strain into three Martini glasses; repeat with remaining ingredients. (The Rio uses DeKuyper brand Sour Apple Pucker for the schnapps.)

We thought we would update the popular Cosmopolitan by substituting Champagne for the usual lemon vodka. We garnished the drinks with skewers of sugar-coated fresh cranberries (thawed frozen ones will work just fine, too).