Highballs

1. Fill a highball glass about 2/3 of the way with cracked or cube ice.

2. Pour one shot, or 1 1/2 oz., of liquor into the glass over the ice. Use a shot glass to measure the liquor, or use an automatic pour spout in the liquor bottle. An automatic spout is one that stops pouring when one shot has been poured out of the bottle.

3. Fill the glass to within 1/2 inch of the rim with mixer. Stir the drink if the mixer is still, like fruit juice. Do not stir carbonated drinks, as the carbonation will already have mixed the drink, and stirring can make the drink go flat faster. Add a straw and any garnish you wish to the drink.

Shaken Cocktails

1. Measure your liquor into a cocktail shaker. Use a shot glass or automatic pour spout to make sure that you have the correct amount for the recipe.

2. Add the mixers to your drink into the cocktail shaker. Add 1 scoop, or 1 cup, of cracked ice to the shaker. Place the lid on the shaker and secure it tightly.

3. Hold the shaker at the top and the bottom and shake it vigorously up and down for about 15 seconds. Remove the top of the shaker.

4. Place the strainer over the opening in the top of the shaker. Pour your cocktail into the appropriate glass, pouring through the strainer to keep the ice in the container. Garnish your drink as desired.

Blended Drinks

1. Fill your blender cup half full of ice. Use cracked ice if possible, as this is easier and faster to blend.

2. Measure the shots of liquor into your blender cup. Add mixers according to the recipe.

3. Put the lid on the blender cup and push the button for crushed ice or puree. Hold the top of the cup in place to prevent spillage. Blend your drink until it is smooth and no longer contains chunks of ice.

4. Pour the blended drink into a tall glass, add a straw and garnish as desired.