Mix Shake Stir, Recipes from Danny Meyer's Acclaimed New York City Restaurants

Choose a recipe from this book for your next party and you'll become the most stylish host/hostess among your friends.

One of the best ways to add excitement to the beverage choices offered to guests at a party is to serve a signature cocktail alongside the usual choices. You can save money by keeping your bar simple with beer and wine, but add one special cocktail and you'll give your guests something exciting to drink without the expense and trouble of a full bar. Choose one of the recipes from "Mix Shake Stir" and your special cocktail will be memorable.

This cocktail recipe collection is taken from the highly rated Danny Meyer restaurants in New York City. They represent the cutting edge of stylish cocktails although there's also a chapter devoted to classics such as Pink Lady and Old-Fashioned. For the more adventurous palate you can mix up a Thai Basil Bliss or a Strawberry Ginger Mojito.

This is an unusual collection of cocktails and it presents a special set of challenges. Most of these cocktails require planning and time. Whether it's procuring a special ingredient such as yellow chartreuse for the Glass Slipper or preparing a mixture such as Thyme Syrup, you won't be able to open the book and simply turn to your usual bar supplies to mix up a drink.

But since these aren't everyday cocktails, that won't be a problem. You're going to pull them out for a special event, and prepare your cocktails as you would any other element of your party. And once you're done, the reaction of your guests will let you know it was worth the trouble.