Holiday Cocktails

In this stylish little giftbook, Strand (Intimate Gatherings) offers some 50 holiday drink recipes for the times when good ol' eggnog just won't do (though she provides a recipe for it, of course). In keeping with the season's general decadence, her""Very Merry Cocktails"" section features libations heavy on the creams, juices and sweet liqueurs: the Starry Night mixes coffee and Irish cream liqueurs with vodka, and is finished off with a dusting of cocoa around the rim of the glass, while the Evergreen shakes up tequila, whipping cream and cremes (de cacao and menthe) into a deceptively strong concoction. Her section on Champagne Sippers includes a classic Kir Royale, as well as the fun Santa Baby, which marries Chambord and champagne (with the addition of a few pomegranate seeds to""rise and fall, dancing in the champagne bubbles""). She also includes punches fit for a festive crowd--Wassail, the traditional Norwegian beverage, and 'Tis the Season Sangria--as well as non-alcoholic options like Gingersnap Punch and Hot Vanilla Cream. With bright, full-color photographs in every spread, hints on important barware and even recipes for garnishes, this book should offer plenty of inspiration for the happy host or hostess.