Grape Devine

This one is a twist of the Melon Picante -- but it is so good it deserves a special call out. Make sure you use a ripe lemon. It makes a big difference.

4 oz. Miller's Gin
1 oz. simple syrup (2 parts sugar, 1 part water)
1 lemon, juiced
2 1/2 oz. pureed red seedless grapes

Shake hard over lots of ice and pour into two glasses. I like to finish this one with a few dashes of fine cayenne pepper.

Admire the turning leaves of fall and drink up.

"Mommy Needs a Minute"

Never underestimate the importance of getting a drink when small children -- especially your own -- are nearby. These recipes from American Drink are perfect for frantic parents on the edge of insanity.

Sangria Cocktail

Ahhh...summer, winter...doesn't even matter. What's better than a Sangria? A Sangria Cocktail. Has a bit more kick, but keeps the essence of Sangria. Substituting good ol' Christian Bros. brandy and a cheap-ish full-bodied cab works well, too. This one requires a bit of technique and art to tune it, but here are the basics:

5 oz. Tempranillo (Vega Sindoa is tasty and cheap)
5 1/2 oz. extra sweetened fresh squeezed lemon juice
4 1/4 oz. Lustau Reserva brandy

Shake hard over lots of ice to avoid watering it down. Add an orange slice float in the glass and a brandy splash topper. Mmmm. Delicioso.

(Note: Extra sweet lemon juice can be replaced with concentrated lemonade diluted with equal parts water).

For every 6 oz. lemon juice you make "extra sweet", start with about 4 1/2 oz. lemon juice, add 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 oz. water to come to 6 oz.

Melon Picante

I recently discovered a simple gin concoction that can be utilized with a variety of fruits for a nice, crisp drink. Use a not too dry gin as the foundation, such as Miller's or Hendrick's. Don't try this with Bombay. This recipe is also excellent if you substitute fresh peach for the cantaloupe. With peach, the pepper might be a bit overpowering...try it and see.

4 oz. Miller's Gin
1 oz. simple syrup (2 parts sugar, 1 part water)
1 lemon, juiced
2 1/2 oz. pureed cantaloupe

Shake over ice. Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes in the glass.