Bon Appétit

The secret to this fabulous milk shake from the St. Francis Fountain and Candy Store in San Francisco is the homemade chocolate syrup. Refrigerate the leftover syrup to enjoy later, poured over your favorite ice cream or pound cake.

A lovely champagne cocktail.

Málaga Tapas & Bar gets its name from a city on Spain's southern coast — and from the authentic savory appetizers and snacks it serves with wine and other drinks, in the Andalusian tapas tradition. Málaga, located in Austin's trendy Warehouse District, is a favorite among the after-work and late-night crowds. This recipe for sangria comes from the restaurant's bar manager and resident wine expert, Merrill Frank.

This lovely version of Moscow's favorite drink is sweetened with raspberries and sugar. It's terrific over ice cream or served as a drink on its own.

A pretty drink for brunch or lunch.

Brunch drinks get updated with this take on the traditional duo of orange juice and champagne. Note that freshly squeezed orange juice is not the best choice here, as its intense taste can overwhelm the other juices. Topping the drink with a boysenberry "floater" creates a vibrant color contrast.

Grape juice accents the berry flavor in this terrific-tasting drink.

The French often serve flavored wine as an aperitif. This one has a base of red wine infused with orange, lemon, vanilla and cloves; it is later mixed with raspberry brandy and sugar. The drink is best at cool room temperature, accompanied by nibbles such as olives, almonds and crudités. It also makes an excellent Christmas present  — just double or triple the recipe, and pour the drink into pretty bottles. Be sure to begin the "winemaking" process at least three weeks before you plan to have the wine or give it as a gift.

Add a little fizz by substituting sparkling water or club soda for the two cups of water. Or make a sophisticated brunch beverage by using Champagne or sparkling wine.

Look for almond syrup in the coffee and tea section of the supermarket. The drink is even better topped with the Espresso Whipped Cream.

This simple and refreshing drink comes from the CuisinArt Resort & Spa.

Serve immediately as a thick maltlike drink or a soft "ice cream."

Garnish this warming drink with lemon slices and a cinnamon stick.