This recipe uses the International Bartenders Association's ratios of tequila, cointreau, and citrus juice, which makes a pretty strong margarita. Feel free to add extra syrup or to water it down some to suit your own tastes. More

Described by bartender Jerry Thomas in 1862 as "a julep on a small plan," the Smash has all the things I love about a julep, with much less of the hassle. And even better, the smash is flexible: While forests have been decimated to create the paper on which countless screeds concerning the One True Way to make a julep have been printed, the Smash can go whichever way you choose--it's equally good made with bourbon, rye, brandy, or a good aged rum. More