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One of the things I have found over my years of learning about the spirits business is that there are some basic rules when it comes to mixing a great party cocktail. Stirred, not shaken 1 - Use the proper method to make the drink. You might be surprised when I explain that shaking a martini, for instance, has a negative impact on the outcome. Stir it. The same applies for almost any other cocktail. A number of things require muddling, such as Old Fashioneds and Mojitos. You have to muddle firmly to release juices, and a gentle muddle will result in muted flavors. And adding ingredients in the improper order can also impact things - always add soda or sparkling water last, for instance. You don't want to agitate carbonated drinks...trust me. So many choices, so much expense 2 - Don't automatically use top-shelf liquors as your base, particularly if you're making drinks for a number of people. Some top shelf brands will suffer with the addition of sugars and/or fruit flavors...

Last Halloween my neighborhood was deeply shaken by a tragedy which claimed the lives of an entire young family when an underage driver - given a bottle of Jack Daniels by a liquor store owner already known to have lost a liquor license - drove onto a sidewalk and hit them as they were walking. A mother, a father and their little boy. Countless lives impacted and a neighborhood in grief. As a certified bartender, spirits consultant and host of the upcoming A Bartender's Tour podcast, I thought I’d offer the following suggestions to make for a fun and safe holiday celebration for you and yours. Have a designated driver in your group. Or have Uber, Lyft or taxi service loaded on your phone and use it instead of trying to navigate home, even if you think you’re only a “little” buzzed. No underage drinking. Period. Not only are you keeping young people safe but you’re keeping the people around them safe as well. No offense to young people, but we were all the...