Food»Entertaining»5 Island-Inspired Cocktails

5 Island-Inspired Cocktails

We asked Colleen Mullaney, author of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, to share some of her favorite recipes and behind-the-scenes advice on how to become cocktail-savvy.

There are some barware basics, but my motto is to use what you have. Mixing glasses adds eclectic flair and gives you a chance to inject your personality into the party.

Photographer Randy Mayor

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Island Girl

Stir together 8 ounces (1 cup) cranberry juice cocktail, 8 ounces (1 cup) vodka, 4 ounces (½ cup) ginger ale, and 2 ounces (¼ cup) fresh lime juice in a large pitcher. Pour into ice-filled glasses, and garnish with lime wedges. Makes 4 servings.

CL: What kind of barware should everyone have? Is it okay to substitute glasses?

CM: There are some barware basics, but my motto is to use what you have. Mixing glasses adds eclectic flair and gives you a chance to inject your personality into the party. A few glasses you should consider having are Champagne flutes; highball, martini, and rocks glasses; and wine goblets. Other accessories and good bar basics: cocktail shaker with strainer, stirrers, picks, blender, and fun coasters.