holiday special

Forgo the typical eggnog concoctions or the always-easy rum and coke for your holiday party this year. Get festive with these personal recipes and tips from some of the best bartenders in the country. Cheers! –gavin philip godfrey

Tender: Atanique Landry The Spot:The gorgeous model and mixed drink maestro can be found at Grooves, in Detroit. The Drink: The Sagittarian Ingredients: Hennessey Alizé Red Passion Sour Apple Puckers A splash of cranberry A splash of Sprite A word of advice: “Make sure that your pour count is right,” she says. “If you overdo certain alcohols, your drink will be too strong.”

Tender: Cartell Bennett The Spot: Grand Central Lounge, Detroit The Drink: The Grand Ginger Cartini Ingredients: Meyer’s Rum Butterscotch Schnapps Eggnog A dash of fresh ginger Garnish with crushed gingersnaps

Tender: Philip Brown The spot: Brown can be found serving up the good times at The New Town House, in Inglewood, Calif. The Drinks: Peppermint Candy Cane and the Santa Claus Surprise How to Make Them:
Peppermint Candy Cane Gin or Vodka Peppermint Schnapps Triple Sec Green Midori	Santa Claus Surprise Rum or Cognac Red Liqueur Sugar
A word of advice: “[Your drink] has to look very festive,” he says. “The presentation is very important. It [has] to be inviting, yet it [has] to taste good at the same time.”