The Stylish Girl's Guide to Fabulous Cocktails

In this essential guide,the always-stylish ColleenMullaney takes you on ashopping spree for themost sought-after mixeddrinks. With dozens ofrecipes for vodka, tequila,rum and champagnecocktails and more, you’llalways be in style.

� Celebrated lifestyle expertColleen Mullaney has writtennumerous books, includingIt´s 5 o´Clock Somewhere andFairy Parties. Colleen has alsoappeared on HGTV and MarthaStewart Radio. She and herfamily live in Westchester,New York, where she loves tothrow fabulous cocktail parties.

For more stylish lifestyle tips,recipes and crafts, please visitcolleenmullaney.com

161 Avenue of the AmericasNew York, NY 10013sixthandspringbooks.com

ISBN 978-1933027968

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ENTERTA IN ING � C O C K TA I L S

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for delicious drinks� Lists of essential

barware and ingredients�˝Drinkstrology˝cocktail

horoscope, cinematiccocktail pairings, music

playlists andmore!

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have never beenso chic...Finding the perfect cocktail forany occasion is as crucial aschoosing the right outfit. Whetheryou´re toasting a special event,enjoying a romantic evening fortwo or mixing up a batch of drinksfor “girls´night in,” you´ll findthe ideal concoction in thismust-have guide.

6

Cocktails are the trend du jour. They´re hotter than hot. And likethe latest designer shoes, the more you want them, the moreexpensive they get. But why limit yourself to the offerings at thebar when you can make one yourself to suit your every mood,every occasion, every outfit? Get ready to mix and match–literally.

Champagne is celebratory. It´s theevening gown of the cocktail world. And wine is like a great pair of jeans thatwill see you through any occasion withstyle to spare.

I´ve included more than eighty of myfavorite cocktails—ones that I´ve createdthrough countless hours of sipping and mixing (I hope you appreciate mysacrifice), as well as a few timelessclassics. With each recipe I make mysuggestion of which shoes best reflectthe spirit of the cocktail. It´s up to you todecide which comes first, the shoes orthe cocktail. Look for the entertainingand shopping tips, guides to matchingcocktails with your favorite movies orfashion personality and even a cocktailhoroscope! Finally, in ˝Accessories˝ you´llfind cocktail bar lingo, downloadableplaylists and more.

In the end you´ll see that all gotogether. Life, cocktails, style...but notnecessarily in that order.

In my previous cocktail book, It's 5 o'clock Somewhere, I took readerson a world tour of cocktails, focusing on drinks inspired by my favoriteinternational cities and global hotspots.In this book, I set out to do something alittle different: to create and share drinkrecipes that every stylish girl should havein her cocktail wardrobe. Whether you´rehosting a special event, having aromantic evening for two or mixing up abatch of drinks for ˝girls´ night in,˝ you'llfind the ideal libation to do so in style.

Each chapter in this guide focuses on a different spirit and its uniquecharacteristics. We all know thatdifferent shoes have distinctivepersonalities. You have your flats thatmake you feel grounded, boots that giveyou attitude and heels that give you alift. In much the same way, each spirithas its own personality. Gin is the classicconfidence-builder, like those blackpatent-leather pumps and gold bangles.

Cocktails are the new blackINTRODUCTION

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7

None of these cocktails should be drunk while

donning a robe and slippers.(Unless of course the robe is silkand you have a pair of to-die-for

heels on.) I also discouragedrinking alone, so all the recipes

are for four. Besides, whowould you share all that

style with?

Note

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8

BarwareInvest in a fewessential tools toensure your cocktailswill be delicious and chic.

SpiritsSince you will be mixing them with otheringredients you don´thave to buy top-of-the-line spirits, but buy good quality.

Vodkastraight or

flavored (citrus is a good basic

choice)

White Winea variety, such as

chardonnay, pinot grigio and

sauvignon blanc

Proseccoa sparkling white

wine similar to champagne

Champagnebrut and/or rosé

GinRum (white)

Tequila blancoBrandy

Liqueurssuch as Cointreau,limoncello, Godiva

Milk Chocolate liqueur, Tuaca and

St-Germain

■ Glass pitcher

■ Shaker—metal or glass with a strainer top

■ Bottle opener

■ Citrus juicer

■ Muddler

■ Bar towels

■ Ice bucket

■ Ice tongs

■ Ice cube trays

■ Picks

■ Stirrers

■ Straws

■ Coasters

■ Cocktail napkins

■ Blender for frozen drinks

Cocktail Bar Must-HavesIf you´re going to put together a superb cocktail, you have to have the right tools. After all, it´s not very stylish to serve yourguests out of a plastic punch bowl and Dixie cups.

Red Winea variety, such as cabernet,

pinot noir and Chianti

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9

GlassesThe glasses you use to serve the cocktails set the tone.

Here are a few you can´t live without.

White wineglasses

Champagneflutes

Martini glasses

Hurricaneglasses

Mini glasses

Margaritaglasses

Red winegoblets

Highball or Collinsglasses

Lowball/rocksglasses

}

}

■ Lemons

■ Limes

■ Other fresh fruit,such as oranges,strawberries and pineapple

■ Olives

■ Cocktail onions

■ Maraschinocherries

■ Mint leaves

■ Coarse salt

■ Superfine sugar

■ Dark or semisweetchocolate bars forshaving

■ Fruit juices, suchas pomegranate andpineapple

Garnishes and ExtrasEvery cocktail needs the right accessories.

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We begin with vodka because it scores very high on mixability and is probably the spirit you have the most of in your cabinet.And it goes well with just about anything (except maybe balsamicvinegar). I think of vodka as a fine lady who is always polished and doesn´t need accessories but nevertheless wears them well.

Vodka is the most sophisticated of thespirits—a superb choice for a woman ofstyle. It´s a little nostalgic, a tad oldHollywood, a bit Audrey Hepburn inBreakfast at Tiffany´s. Her character livedwith only with a few worldly goods, butalways the best. (Who needs a sofa whenthere are alligator flats to be had?) Notto mention she threw awesome parties.With a bottle of fine vodka, you don´tneed much else to be eternally in vogue.

Vodka is the most popular spirit, andit´s easy to see why. Its smooth flavormixes unbelievably well with any numberof other spirits, liqueurs, fruits and fruitjuices. It goes with everything.

Vodka can take you from morning tillnight. Try a batch of Bloody Marys for

brunch, a Martini Classico at lunch and aCosmopolitan to sip with your girlfriendsbefore, after or instead of a night on the town.

A native of cold climes, vodka will notonly warm you up in the winter (try aChocolate Cashmere Wrap) but alsomakes smashing cocktails for any timeof year (go for a refreshingly lusciousCover-up in beach weather).

When you have the right little blackdress, you don´t need much else.Likewise, Vodka doesn´t need muchaccessorizing either—just a couple of cubesand a splash. When you drink vodka youdon´t have to talk much; it speaks volumesfor you. Vodka allows you to saysomething without saying anything at all.

Vodka Cocktails

is a perfect match for that little black dress, red lipstick, pearls and kitten heels.vodka

DRESSED TO KILL

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Martini ClassicoSERVES 4

13

ShoesMatch this

classic with blackpatent-leather

heels—and pearls, of course!

Every stylish girl needs to know how to make a great martini. For a kick, usecitrus or fruit-infused vodka. For afiery finish, try chili pepper vodka andjalepeño-stuffed olives.

2 cups ice8 oz. (237ml) vodka2 oz. (59ml) vermouthOlives for garnish

● Fill a pitcher with ice. Add vodka and vermouth, then stir. Allow flavorsto marry for a few minutes. Strain mixture into martini glasses, garnish with olives and serve.

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Gin is the classic go-to libation. Need something to kick off thedinner party with the boss? Whip up a Gibson Martini. Girlfriendson their way over for the meeting of your book, knitting or pokerclub? Try a Royal Flush. You can never go wrong. Like a Kelly bag,a navy blue cashmere sweater or ballet flats, gin is iconic.

Gin is a little bit retro, like the TomCollins (try my Tina Collins—who needs aman when you have gin?), but alwaysup-to-date, like the lime and mintdeliciousness of a Limetini.

The woman who drinks gin is sure ofherself and her style. Never showy, shedoesn´t have to make a scene to getnoticed. She knows it´s far sexier to slipinto a room unannounced, and thenhave the room notice her.

Gin gives you strength to overlook—ornot look too closely at—the wrinkles,laugh lines and fine lines, expanding hipsor sagging boobs, but it gives you thecourage to look at what they broughtyou: years of laughter, hard-earnedwisdom, children, carrying on when you

thought you might not and carryingothers when they needed you to.

For better or for worse, gin gives youthe courage to confess things, thingsyou normally would stay far awayfrom—things you thought you wouldnever tell anyone in a million years.

Gin gives you courage to do somethingyou´ve never done before but alwayswanted to: take tango lessons, learnItalian, belly dance, go to the moviesalone, be a better friend, wear that lacenegligee set that´s been in your drawerfor a year. Travel somewhere, anywhere.(I keep my passport at the ready just incase. I love to go places. I´ll go anywhere,anytime, as long as there´s beauty tolook at and cocktails to be had.)

Gin Drinks

gives you the courage to say ˝I´m fabulous,˝ and mean it.

Gin

CLASSIC CHIC

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Gibson MartiniSERVES 4

35

ShoesRed patent-

leather pumps are always

in style.

This classic cocktail is timeless andback in fashion. Try a splash of citrusor fruit juice for a sweet infusion.

6 oz. (177ml) gin, well-chilled2 oz. (59ml) vermouth1 cup ice4 pickled onions for garnishCocktail picks

● Mix gin and vermouth in a cocktailshaker filled with ice. Strain intomartini glasses. Garnish with skeweredonions on cocktail picks. Serve.


ShoesSomething with low

heels—one must alwaysshop with style, but

be practical, as you´ll be walking

all day.

The MadisonSERVES 4

I have mixed up these cocktails after many successful shopping days sauntering around New York, fromdowntown and SoHo up to Fifth Avenue and Madison. But when you´re with friends, it doesn´t matter where you shop—just that you do!

8 oz. (237ml) gin4 oz. (118ml) peach brandy4 oz. (118ml) pomegranate juice2 oz. (59ml) tangerine juice1 cup ice4 orange slices for garnish

● Mix all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into martini glasses, garnish with orange slices and serve.

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Gin Drinks


MAKE A LIST OF KEY ITEMSYOU´RE LOOKING FOR. A list and a plan ensure that you willbe focused and avoid buying more tops when you´re actually on a madsearch for skirts!

SAVVY SHOPPERS HAVE A BUDGET.Make smart choices, but if there is anincredible sale on that charcoal-graycashmere sweater you´ve been eyeing,well…need I say more?

WEAR AN OUTFIT THAT’S EASY TO SLIP ON AND OFF. It saves time and lets you shimmy into that divine cocktail dress in a snap! There´s nothing more tiringwhen you´re shopping than fightingyour way through layers of clothing or wrestling with tons of buttons or snaps.

CARRY A LIGHTWEIGHTSHOULDER BAG THAT KEEPSYOUR HANDS FREE. All the better to work the racks or flitaround the shops and sample themerchandise.

Sure, you´ve been shopping since before you couldpronounce Manolo Blahnik, but there may be a trick or two

even you haven´t thought of!

Power-Shopping Pointers

41

BRING A SMALL NOTEBOOK FOR JOTTING DOWN IDEAS ORTAKE SNAPS WITH YOURCAMERA PHONE.It will help you keep track of trends or remember the gorgeous ensemblethat mannequin was wearing.

LEAVE THE STILETTOS OR HIGH-HEELED BOOTS AT HOME.Comfort is key during a power shop.Try wedges—comfort with a heel!

BRING A FRIEND. Not only is it more fun to shop with afriend (and who else are you going tohave cocktails with after?), a friend can also help you pinpoint what looksgood and what is best left on the rack.

FUEL UP FOR A POWER-FILLED POWER SHOP!Have lunch first or bring a snack (butleave the cocktails for after!). Tuck a granola bar or nuts in your bag to keep you going.

AND, MOST IMPORTANT,after all your hard work, treat yourselfto a refreshing cocktail!


Tequila Cocktails

50

ShoesPumps—suede for

fall/winter, linen forspring/summer—give me

a lift and help me forget my weekday

pressures.

Lady RitaSERVES 4

I recently made a big batch of violet-huedLady Ritas for an impromptu Friday night˝Ready for the Weekend˝ party withfriends and neighbors. Pick up some freshlavender from the grocery store, use somein the cocktail and put the rest in a smallvase with ruby-red roses to get theweekend started in fine fashion!

8 oz. (237ml) tequila blanco4 oz. (118ml) Marie Brizard parfait amour2 oz. (59ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice2 oz. (59ml) simple syrup* 1 cup ice 4 fresh lavender buds for garnish

● Pour all liquid ingredients into a pitcher half-filled with ice. Mix well. Strain into martini glasses. Garnishwith lavender buds and serve.*recipe on page 134

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ShoesOpen-toe heels in

a bright color, like red or peacock blue, letpeople notice your

shoes, not your rack.

I threw together this deliciousconcoction to distract guests from an overcooked rack of lamb. Once everyone tasted the tequila andsmelled the rosemary, they thought the lamb was the culinary highlight of the year. I make Happy Accidents all thetime now. And to think they were bornout of a dire situation!

2 rosemary sprigs8 oz. (237ml) tequila blanco4 oz. (118ml) limoncello2 oz. (59ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice2 oz. (59ml) freshly squeezed lime juice2 cups ice8 oz. (237ml) lime-flavored seltzer

● Place the rosemary sprigs in a pitcher.Pour in tequila, limoncello and juices.Muddle the rosemary to release its flavor.Let the mixture sit for a few minutes tolet the flavors marry. Strain into ice-filledrocks glasses. Top with seltzer and serve.

Happy AccidentSERVES 4


Which Stylish Girl Are You?There is no one way to be stylish. Each of us has our own unique style that is an extension of our personalities, but there are a few categories that most of us fit into somewhere. Check out the list below to see which cocktailbest fits your style. And, of course, if your look spans morethan one category, feel free to try more than one cocktail!

The Minimalist Featuring simple shapes, neutrals, and monochromaticpalettes, your clothing style extends to your home décor. Your wardrobe is pared down to just the absoluteessentials, pieces that work perfectly for you andnothing extraneous.YOUR COCKTAIL: Just Peachy page 97

The LadyUnabashedly feminine, your style is demure butfun and never stodgy. If you could visit anyperiod in fashion history, it would be the 1950s,with its full skirts, heels and ladylike gloves.YOUR COCKTAIL: The Slicker page 19

The Maverick Not afraid to experiment and never a slave tothe latest trends, you make your own style.It´s no surprise when people copy your look.YOUR COCKTAIL: Mai Tai page 78

54


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Classic Chic Polished and pulled-together, you exude class and elegance. You´re effortlessly chic in simple,but high-quality pieces. Timeless, yet anythingbut boring, your look never goes out of style.YOUR COCKTAIL: Limetini page 38

The Bohemian Mixing elements of hippie, gypsy and ethnicstyles, boho-chic is updated and modern. Yourlook is casual and effortless, but not sloppy, invibrant colors and prints embellished withdangling earrings and stacks of bangles.YOUR COCKTAIL: Margarita page 56

The Bombshell You´re not afraid to turn heads. Sexy, but never over the top, you show off your curves in form-fitting, feminine styles. High heels, red lipstick and just a touch ofcleavage complete the look.YOUR COCKTAIL: Mango Mojito page 75

The Eclectic You love mixing styles, even eras, combining new and vintage pieces to create your ownstatement. What you choose to wear varies from day to day—it all depends on your mood!YOUR COCKTAIL: Springtime in Paris page 101


Shoes Sexy slides

in a hot color.

Blueberry MojitoSERVES 4

74

Bursting with fresh blueberries and mint, these lovely libations are a pleasure to behold and to drink.

10 mint leaves10 lime slices (about 2 limes)—6 for the cocktails, 4 for garnish1 cup fresh blueberries2 oz. (59ml) simple syrup*4 oz. (118ml) fresh lime juice8 oz. (237ml) white rum2 cups ice cubes4 oz. (118ml) seltzer to top

● In a cocktail shaker or bar glass, combinemint leaves, lime slices and blueberries.Muddle ingredients well with a muddler or barspoon to release the flavors. Add simple syrup,lime juice and rum. Shake well. Pour mixtureinto lowball glasses. Add ice and top withseltzer. Garnish with lime slices and serve.*see recipe on page 134

rum drinks

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Tantalizingly cool with a citrus bite, thiscocktail fits the bill for a day at the beachor a late-afternoon cool-down.

10 mint leaves2 cups fresh or frozen mango2 oz. (59ml) simple syrup* 2 oz. (59ml) freshly squeezed lime juice8 oz. (237ml) white rum3 cups ice cubes4 lime wedges for garnish4 straws

● In a blender, place mint leaves, mango, simple syrup,lime juice, rum and ice cubes.Blend until smooth. Pourmixture into highball glasses.Garnish with lime wedges, add straws and serve.*see recipe on page 134

Frozen Mango MojitoSERVES 4

Freshpre-cut and

packaged mango isoften available in the

produce section of localmarkets. Save yourselfsome work so you have

more time to enjoyyour creation!

75

ShoesPatent-leather

thong sandals—they´ll shine just

like you!

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For parties, save yourself time and effort by using

a large drinks dispenser. And if you buy your supplies in

bulk, you can use the savings to expand your

shoe collection!

SlopesideSERVES 4

After hitting the slopes, nothing warms youlike a pitcher of these dandies. The hints ofblackberry set off the deep flavors of thecabernet wine to perfection. Bring them outto the hot tub for unparalleled slope style!

1 bottle (750ml) cabernet 8 oz. (237ml) crème de cassis8 oz. (237ml) lemon-flavored seltzer4 berry-flavored swizzle sticks

● In a glass pitcher, pour wine and crème de cassis. Top off with seltzer, thenpour into red wine goblets. Garnish withberry-flavored swizzle sticks and serve.

ShoesFurry boots will keep

your feet toasty, while the cocktail

takes care of the rest!

Wine cocktails

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A batch of this summery libation is ideal onwarm nights on the beach. The brandy-soaked fruit takes this celebrated wineconcoction to a whole new level.

1 ripe mango1 lime1 lemon½ pineapple3 kiwis1 starfruit8 oz. (237ml) Grand Marnier1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine3 cups ice

● Slice the fruit, cutting around the largemango pit, and place in a glass pitcher. PourGrand Marnier over fruit and allow to soakfor 10 minutes. Pour wine over the fruit,add ice and serve in white wine glasses.

Tropical SangriaSERVES 4

89

ShoesSandals with

sass.

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Whatever style is your passion, this fruityfestival of a cocktail will complement it.You´ll be refreshed and runway-ready aftersipping this delightful concoction.

12 oz. (355ml) Goya passion-fruit nectar8 oz. (237ml) pineapple juice2 oz. (59ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice8 oz. (237ml) sparkling water3 cups ice4 lemon slices for garnish

● In a small pitcher, mix together thenectar, pineapple juice and lemonjuice. Add the seltzer and pour intoice-filled highball glasses.Garnish with lemonslices and serve.

ShoesStrut your

stuff in ankle booties.

126

Passion for FashionSERVES 4

Be the perfect hostess by mixing up some

sensational ˝mocktails˝ for teetotalling friends.

The next several pages of delicious, alcohol-free recipes give you lots

of options.

Faux-Fabulous mocktails

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Shoes Bright red heels

with ankle straps tokeep them on your

dancing feet.

127

Raspberry Faux-jitoSERVES 4

Leaving out the rum doesn´t make thisconcoction any less delectable. And you´ll be steady on your feet while youdance the night away.

12 mint leaves, plus more for garnish1 lime, sliced into wedges1 cup fresh raspberries1 teaspoon (5ml) superfine sugar8 oz. (237ml) lemon-lime soda (Sprite, Fresca, etc.)2 cups ice8 oz. (237ml) lime-flavored seltzer

● In a small pitcher or cocktail shaker,muddle 12 mint leaves, lime wedges,raspberries and sugar. Add soda and divide mixture evenly into ice-filled rocks glasses. Top with seltzer, garnish with additional mint leaves and serve.

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The Stylish Girl's Guide to Fabulous Cocktails

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