For a summertime treat that's a snap – or a shake – to create, consider the shakerato. This gelato-infused version makes a quick yet elegant after-dinner coffee and dessert rolled into one. More

I was inspired by this request from readrer Kristi Kinkade, who said, "My family has numerous parties during the summer. I'd like to be able to make one beverage that's great for kids, and just by adding alcohol would be great for adults." Well here you go: A sweet and sour lemony base that makes the perfect grown-up cocktail... and also happens to be just as great for the kids. More

Q: We love brewing sun tea, but I'm getting a little bored with it. Besides throwing in a few springs of lavender as the tea brews, do readers have any other great combos they would recommend? I don't want to add stuff after brewing, but infuse the tea itself for a little something different!

Sent by Amanda More

Our Mother's Day tradition is breakfast in bed for Mom, made a la' my little chefs and husband. Usually a glass of champagne or mimosa dons the breakfast tray along with a piping hot latte. This year I was thinking back to when my babies (yes, I have twins) were born and all the little things that got me through those first tough years. Things like a hot cup of coffee or a nice glass of wine were indulgences, and I have very fond memories of chai tea. More

Foraging 15 pounds of loquats can inspire a person to come up with all sorts of new dishes and drinks – some successful, others not so much. But this loquat bourbon smash? It's a keeper. More

Tiki culture has, up until quite recently, completely bemused me. The underground clubs and parties decked out in coconut shells and grass skirts seemed to promote an overwrought nostalgia, an incredibly kitschy style of decor, and cocktails that were anything but restrained. Well, my mind has been completely changed.

If you, like me, are somewhat clueless about the enduring appeal of tropical drinks and tiki masks, get the inside scoop on the world of tiki from Matt "Kuku Ahu" Thatcher, founder of a local tiki society and a wicked good mixologist. I have just three words for you: "Tahitian Treat reduction." More

I'm not a fan of quirky weight loss and health food claims. It's seems like every week there's a new litany of superfoods promising to keep us forever young, slim and healthy only to be replaced by a different list the following week. I long ago stopped paying attention to most of them. So I was a little surprised when this tonic, which was originally called Tangerine Weight-Orade and is straight from weight-loss and health guru Dr. Oz, caught my eye. Perhaps because more than anything it sounded simple and delicious: green tea, fresh tangerine and mint. Yum!
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When non-drinking customers approach bartender Julian Cox, they don't have to settle for a boring club soda or ginger ale. "That wouldn't really make their day," says the award-winning mixologist. "I want them to feel happy, to have fun." Known for designing the cocktail programs at some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, he considers the alcohol-free cocktail an opportunity for creativity – and says it's something people can have fun with at home, too. More

I have this love-hate relationship with my Brita pitcher. On the one hand, the jug of refreshing cold water straight from the fridge totally reminds me of my grandparents' house. The only catch is that I can never remember to fill the stupid thing. I need to paste a friendly reminder to the fridge: Refill every time you pour a glass! More

Q: I recently made some ginger syrup and wanted some suggestions for cocktail recipes that utilize this ingredient. I was hoping for drinks that didn't use vodka and weren't cloyingly sweet. Any help is appreciated!! Thanks!

Sent by Laura More