In many cookbooks, beverages are placed at the end of the book, sometimes as a kind of afterthought. That is not the way I roll! I always offer my guests something to drink as soon as they walk through my door. Like my cooking, my cocktails have to have something extra and unexpected. A house drink—something made especially for the gathering at hand—is a great way to demonstrate hospitality. I offer recipes for individual portions, but also pitcher-sized batches, in order to save time when pouring out multiple servings. And don’t forget to always have something interesting for the non-drinkers, be it fresh-squeezed juice or a booze-free punch—be sure everyone gets the true beverage of their choice!