There's no denying that we're settling into summer. Over the past couple of years we've suggested a number of seasonal refreshers; here are a few to look into as you plan your summer activities. More

Photograph from Luiz Castro on Flickr The bellini is one classy cocktail. The simple mix of prosecco and peach puree has been around for a while, originating sometime between 1934 and 1948 at the historic Harry's Bar in Venice. The... More

This renovation of the classic black currant French Champagne cocktail is triple-spiked: Champagne, crème de mure (a blackberry liqueur), and berry vodka are tempered with a purée of fresh blackberries. As you drink, the buoyant blackberry descends lower into your flute; how apropos. More

his French 75 uses sugar cubes to add a touch of exhibitionism to a New Year's cocktail party. Pass a tray of these lemon and gin and Champagne cocktails around, and as each guest picks one up, drop a sugar cube or two into their flute. More

Recall the season of the snowmen as you celebrate around a toasty fire with this wintergreen cocktail. Champagne is mixed with sweet mint syrup and crème de menthe, and crowned with a mint-green wreath of mint sugar. Cool. More

This cocktail is an alcoholic homage to my youthful libation: Grenadine is replaced with sweet cherry brandy, Sprite or ginger ale with Champagne, and the crowning glory, the Maraschino cherry, ousted by a blushing fresh, tart, and real substitute. This cocktail proves that sometimes child stars do make something of themselves once they grow up. More

Sure, you could make mimosas on Mother's Day. But if you're looking for something a little more adventurous to make with your bubbly--or, perhaps the idea of spending an afternoon at your mother's place requires a little extra fortification--you can send your greetings via Air Mail. More

The Black Velvet's name perfectly describes the experience and sensation of drinking one: thick, rich, luxurious, decadent and probably a little bit dangerous. I was apprehensive the first time I came across the recipe, but I was quickly won over: the drink marries the stout's ferrous tang with the dry, fruity crispness of Champagne, and makes itself all the more drinkable by cutting the beer's robust richness with all those manic bubbles. More

For many people New Year's Eve means breaking out the bubbly, but all too often the bottles are kept socked away until midnight. That's a shame—good Champagne and other sparkling wines are great to enjoy throughout the evening (in moderation, of course). And as a bonus, modest wines easily take on a new, more luscious character with just a little help from the liquor cabinet. More