Bon Appétit

Strong coffee, spices, Triple Sec and brandy combine deliciously in a favorite New Orleans after-dinner drink.

Vanilla-accented Cognac adds a twist to the traditional Kir Royale (an aperitif made with Champagne and crème de cassis). Prepare the Cognac-vanilla mixture at least one day ahead so that the flavors can mingle. Have extra bottles of Champagne on hand for a second go-round.

A great barbecue thirst-quencher.

This twist on the classic brunch drink gets its flavor from three types of citrus. For large parties, you can prepare several batches a few hours ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Then, before serving, thaw the mixture slightly and whisk to blend.

This great-tasting drink is reminiscent of the classic Dreamsicles that used to be sold from the neighborhood ice cream truck.

This chai recipe—inspired by versions in India—combines black tea, spices, and milk. The savory notes from black pepper and cardamom in this version give it a wonderful aromatic complexity.

Louise Pickerel of Muskogee, Oklahoma, writes: "The hot chocolate with coffee and hazelnut liqueurs here is my version of a restaurant recipe. I call it a "chocolate bar," and it does make a nice, lighter alternative to dessert after a filling meal. It's also something good to curl up with in front of the fire." Warming and full of holiday cheer.

An aromatic Champagne cocktail that pairs beautifully with different herbs and spices.

Here's a warming drink for a chilly day.

A glamorous after-dinner drink from Melvyn's restaurant.

Made with decaffeinated coffee, this soothing drink is ideal for sipping while watching a video on a lazy Saturday night.

Smoky chipotle chilies add a new dimension to the sizzle in these Bloody Marys.

Peel, slice, and freeze bananas in resealable plastic bags to use as a nutritious thickener for a variety of smoothies.