Holiday Cocktails for the Hostess Who Hates to Cook

I love the holidays, and I love playing hostess. But one place where my enthusiasm wanes is the kitchen. I don't know about you, but sweating off my makeup over a pan of gravy or spending the next day scrubbing turkey gizzard out from under my nails does not say "fun" to me. Course, that doesn't mean the holidays have to be a total party bust. The solution: a great cocktail. The cocktail you serve at your next soiree says just as much about you as the of-the-moment midi rings you stack on your fingers.

To get the scoop on the trends in cocktails for fall and winter (because we wouldn't dare suggest you whip up something that is so last season) we chatted with Elayne Duff, the New York-based head mixologist for Diageo Wine and Spirits who divulged the "it" flavors of the season. We also scouted out some swoon-worthy (and easy!) cocktail recipes suitable to serve at your giant family holiday party or the intimate dinner with your significant other.