A trimmed-down cocktail ingredient list will still yield some of the most classic and enjoyable drinks. I asked some food writer friends, all well-versed in cooking and the ways of the bar, about their simplest go-to cocktails — no more than three ingredients-ish (does garnish count? We remained agnostic on this point). 

And guess what? There wasn't a single repeat in their answers! From the Champagne-driven (Pomegranate Bellini!) to the classic (a Negroni is always a good answer) come get a dozen great drinks to add to your repertoire. 

I was traveling last week for a conference and met up with some old friends for drinks. Most of us ordered interesting-sounding house cocktails (Lavender + Pisco!) but one friend ordered vodka and seltzer water. The crowd pounced: Vodka?! Who drinks vodka anymore?

The art of the 3-ingredient cocktail is perhaps the best way for a budding home mixologist to get into the act. We love our complicated cocktails, infused and smoked and shaken within an inch of their icy little lives, but we leave them to the bar experts; the simplest drinks are the best ones to make with a limited home liquor cabinet, especially on a casual Friday night at home. These simple drinks include such classics as the Liberté Cocktail (Lillet Blanc, gin, and orange bitters), and the Gold Rush (bourbon, lemon, and honey). What about you? What's your favorite 3-ingredient tipple? 

It's cocktail week here in the Kitchn!  Practical gal that I am, I thought I would just leap to the most important piece of information you'll need when it comes to cocktails:  the hangover cure.  I'll share mine, if you'll share yours!

Q: I am hosting a networking event for friends and friends of friends from different circles. I would like to have a nice little tray of "mandatory" shots near the door, ready for everyone. At this kind of of event a little social lubricant is necessary and I thought shots would be the perfect vehicle.

So many desserts, so little time!  This week I have wanted every sweet that’s been posted from the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake to all the desserts made with ricotta and mascarpone.  In turn, I have my own instant boozy dessert — one that works just as well for when I’m hanging solo as it does at the end of a dinner party.  My hard and fast Rum Raisin Ice Cream only calls for three simple ingredients. When combined, I guarantee you they deliver pure culinary bliss.

In my quest for the perfect Passover cocktail to share with you for today's 10-Minute Happy Hour, my first instinct was to phone a friend. Since she converted to Judaism as an adult, I thought she would forgive my ignorance and be able to give me the inside scoop on what a kosher cocktail might look like. Her hard and fast answer was, "We don't really drink cocktails. We just drink wine and champagne."  Hmmm, I thought, that's a start.

Spring officially arrives this week, and what better time for the release of Amy Stewart's delightful new book, The Drunken Botanist. As you're planning your garden, foraging for wild plants, or simply looking for a good cocktail recipe (and cocktail party conversation topics!), you don't want to miss this entertaining and illuminating guide to "the plants that create the world's great drinks." More

Q: I've grown up with an appreciation for good liquor and cocktails, and I would like to stock my bar with more than gin and whiskey. I have weekly dinners and brunches, and would like to give my guests options for drinks and cocktails. Recommendations?

Sent by Dani