Smoky Nail brings a bit of a smoky aftertaste to the traditional Rusty Nail with Laphroaig Lore Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Starting with a spicy chili bite and finishing off with a sweet aftertaste, this drink is rich and classically peaty. Mix in a bit of Drambuie and lemon, and before you know it you'll be longing for a seat by the campfire on a crisp, fall night.

You simply can't go wrong with a simple gin punch. Bid the summer season farewell with a citrusy, sweet cocktail that works well in a big batch. Tanqueray No. 10 Gin is one of our favorites, as it's crafted in small batches using fresh citrus fruits. These citrus notes play well with grapefruit juice, lemonade and–another one of our favorites–lime LaCroix. If you're looking for a weekday drink, this recipe also makes a tasty mocktail, sans gin.

Trying new things is always important–especially when it comes to cocktails. Inspired by our guest, Lis Weston, who had never tried a Cosmopolitan, this is a classic Cosmo recipe that balances sweetness, strength and citrus flavor all in one. Locally made American Fifth vodka and Cointreau orange liqueur come together with cranberry to create the ideal slow-sipping drink to share with friends.

Phoenix is just like an employee review: It's bold in delivering honest flavor, but packs in some sweetness to round it all out. Old Forester Statesman Bourbon Whiskey and Prosecco are a new combination that we ended up falling in love with. Add in ginger syrup and a dash of honey, and you've got the perfect, simple whiskey drink to complement any employee feedback conversation.

We've got to admit, we never would've thought to mix chives with mango juice. But as it turns out, great things come from unexpected combinations. With Cruzan coconut rum and a mix of orange, pineapple and mango juices, Pineapple Mango Punch offers a symphony of fruit flavor that makes you feel like you're relaxing at the beach (even when you aren't). It's a spicy surprise that's anything but average.

Carter Beats the Devil is a sweet, smoky tequila drink that will make you crave a side of chips and salsa. Considered a modern Bay Area classic, this cocktail shakes things up with Thai chili tincture and Espolòn Reposado Tequila. Word of warning, this drink is a tad spicy–go easy on the chili tincture if you prefer a slightly smoother experience.

In the spirit of made-up words, a beertail is the best of both worlds. Raspberry Snakebite, a unique liqueur and beer drink, is a refreshing way to enjoy a dense porter. Crème de cassis liqueur brings incredibly sweet black currant flavor, while Raspberry lambic beer (such as Lindemans Framboise) adds a bit of a bite. Add some club soda if you want to smooth out the flavor and keep the drinks coming.

Sangria is constantly evolving. No two batches taste quite the same. Though everyone has their own signature recipe, this take on the classic Spanish sangria is our favorite version. Cinnamon adds a unique surprise, and the optional soda water enhances the flavor. Throw in some oranges, green apples and peaches and find a sunny spot to sip.

Happy accidents make for amazing drinks. In Italian, "sbagliato" means "mistake." As the story goes, the inventor of this cocktail mistakenly grabbed sparkling wine instead of gin–and the rest is history. Smooth with just the right amount of bitter, Sbagliato is proof that mistakes can be delicious.

Some drinks are so classically immaculate that there's nothing to critique–and you can't go wrong with a Tom Collins. Hendrick's gin, lemon juice, orange juice, club soda and a hint of sugar blend to create a quintessential go-to cocktail that's smooth but tough. (Just like you.)