Thanks Erica P. -- you're right, I do feel like you need to read the room. The bartenders most willing to listen are probably getting it right in the first place. And on the other hand, a lot of beer'n'shot joints seem to have a fancy martini list.

Dave Mahan: As an avocational drinker, my policy is that it's best to express your concern to the bartender. It could be a genuine mistake, a misunderstanding, or a discrepancy in personal recipes. Any bartender worth his or her salt will appreciate your appreciation of the craft and will probably build a new drink for you.

I would do this at a decent bar, not a shot 'n beer joint.

Someone wondered about a wine-based cocktail. The Bicicletta is a wonderful and refreshing summer cocktail: Campari, dry white wine, soda, citrus garnish.

Can you post his recipes for Sazerac and Caipirinha?

Bar etiquette: What's the best way to deal with a drink that tastes off (or even was made wrong)? Is it practical to bring it up with the barkeep or server? Or is it better to gracefully move on?

The Brooklyn Bridge:
A refreshing twist on the Cosmo. Pour over ice in a shaker.
4 oz Absolut Brooklyn (Spicey, Apple-y)
1 oz clear, organic apple juice
Spash of Triple Sec
Dash of Rose's Lime
Dash of fresh-squeezed ginger. Serve in a frozen martini glass.
Garnish with a long, straight piece of lemon zest, spanning the diameter of the glass. That's the bridge.

Thanks for the punch ideas! For lots more, check out www.putsomepunchinthatbowl.com

What goes well with licorice or anise flavored liquors?

Like grenadine, a lot of drink mixes seem to go overboard on the sugar these days. I've ordered rum sours (don't like most whiskeys), & if they're made from a mix, they turn out way too sweet. Then again, I like them extra sour.

Looking for the perfect summer sangria recipe!!!

Tonic
4 cups water
1 cup chopped lemongrass (roughly one large stalk)
¼ cup powdered cinchona bark
zest and juice of 1 orange
zest and juice of 1 lemon
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tsp whole allspice berries
¼ cup citric acid
¼ tsp Kosher salt

"Pomegranate molasses" is available from middle eastern specialty stores that can be used instead of needing to boil down pomegranate juice to make your own grenadine. It's great stuff. Sweet, sour, aromatic.

Also, my favorite sweetener for drinks (and everything else) is maple syrup. I use it in particular for mojitos.

I suggest using a microplane grater to add fresh ginger to San Pellegrino and some homemade simple syrup: excellent "ginger ale" without chemicals, and not too sweet.

Have you tried a Bramble, Gin fresh berries

I've recently ordered the Sazerac at restaurants -all with differing results - what do I need to make my own?

I make my own tonic with cinchona bark and other flavors and it's wonderful!

I love this:
mint lemonade slush
http://eatmakeread.com/2011/07/15/happy-hour-boozy-mint-lemonade-slush/

You neglected to mention that the "gourmet" tonic water is $7.99 a bottle!

I'm always looking for new drinks with fresh ginger juice. Can you suggest something that is vodka or tequila based?

Easy does it Lenny, you don't want to stumble home! ;~)

Tonight I'm attending a watermelon themed party. Food, drinks, all from watermelon? And great drink ideas on the theme?

Any suggestions for what to soak grapes, blueberries, etc. in so they absorb flavor/alcohol before being frozen and eaten as snacks?

My husband recently made, fresh squeezed lemonade sweetened with a lavender (grown in my garden) infused simple syrup and vodka. Sooooo good!

Without a doubt, Caipirninha, the national drink of Brazil