1. o 4 cups whole milk o 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated low-fat milk o 1/2 cup sugar o 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon o 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg o 6 large eggs o 1/4 cup brandy o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1. Place milk and evaporated milk in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 2. Combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and eggs in a large bowl. Gradually add hot milk to egg mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Return milk mixture to pan; cook over medium-low heat until thick (about 8 minutes), stirring constantly. Pour into a bowl; stir in brandy and vanilla. Press plastic wrap onto surface of eggnog, and chill 8 hours or overnight.

2. o 1 cup premium bourbon or rye whiskey o 1/4 cup 100% cherry juice (not sour) o 2 teaspoons Angostura bitters o Ice o 4 (2-inch) orange rind strips (optional) $ o 4 maraschino cherries (optional) 1. Combine 1 cup bourbon, cherry juice, and 2 teaspoons bitters in a cocktail shaker. Divide bourbon mixture evenly among 4 tumblers filled with ice. Garnish each serving with 1 rind strip and 1 cherry, if desired.

3. o 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved o 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced o 4 1/2 ounces (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon) tequila o 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) triple sec o 2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice o 1 cup crushed ice 1. Place strawberries and banana slices on a plate and freeze at least 1 hour. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth but still very thick. Pour into chilled margarita or other stemmed glasses.

4. o About 2 tbsp. superfine sugar o Wedge of lemon or lime o 1 cup ice o 1/3 cup blood orange sparkling cider o 1 tablespoon mandarin orange or tangerine juice o 2 tablespoons Lemon-Lime Juice o 2 tablespoons Simple Syrup 1. Put sugar on a plate. Run a lemon or lime wedge around the rim of a martini glass to wet it, then twist rim in sugar. 2. Put remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until cold, about 1 minute. Strain drink into prepared glass.

5. o 3 cups orange juice, chilled o 2 cups pineapple juice, chilled o 3 cups pomegranate juice, chilled o 1 liter ginger ale, chilled o 1 liter club soda, chilled 1. In a large bowl, combine orange juice, pineapple juice and pomegranate juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in ginger ale and club soda. Serve punch over ice.

6. These drinks set a festive tone for entertaining or for your own enjoyment.