No. 2 is the "Eldorado," which I like to call the cold killer; it might work for the flu as well. Take 1 tablespoon honey, 1½ ounces lemon juice and 2 ounces of tequila, shake cold, and strain into an empty rocks glass.

No. 3: Everyone needs a shot once in awhile, and most anyone should be able to handle the "B-51," the standard Kahlua with a Baileys float used in many shots but this time topped off with amaretto. It's a nice alternative to the "B-52" or "duck fart" shot.

No. 4 is the "Genoa," which has the potential to make one see around corners and is composed of ¼ ounce of Sambuca or ouzo, ¼ ounce dry vermouth and 1½ ounces of grappa, shaken cold and served on the rocks or straight up in a snifter. Stay off the Vespa after a couple of these.

No. 5: Easy and delicious, the "Black Velvet" is an interesting twist on using beer or wine as a mixer. This drink is made by combining equal parts champagne or dry sparkling wine and Guinness Stout. Pour both into a pint glass at the same time until full.

No. 6: The almost extinct "Brandy Alexander" is such a delicious concoction, I can't believe people don't drink more of them. This is a perfect holiday drink. Shake 2 ounces of brandy or cognac, 1 ounce brown crème de cacao, and 1 to 2 ounces cream, strain and dust with nutmeg.

No. 7: The "Volga Boatman" is news to me, but looks like a sure winner. Shake 1 ounce of Russian vodka with 1 ounce of cherry brandy, strain into a cocktail glass and top off with orange juice.

No. 8: The most amusing cocktail that I have come across in years is the "Hill Billy Highball." To make, pour 2 ounces of Kentucky whisky over ice and top off with Mountain Dew. I think this might be a banjo player's drink of choice.

No. 9: I like to drink shandys even if they are girly. For the Jamaican Shandy, use equal parts ginger beer, (Reed's brand works well) and lager beer.

No. 10: I've noticed a sudden interest in Pernod lately and thought the Pernod fans might enjoy the "Hemingway," which is simply 1½ ounces of Pernod added to chilled champagne or sparkling wine. This also is called "Death in the Afternoon."

No. 11: It wouldn't be Christmas without the "Nog." A good recipe for egg nog with a kick is 1½ ounces Cognac, ½ ounce gold or dark rum, and ½ ounce white crème de cocoa shaken cold and strained into a cocktail glass. Top it off with egg nog.

And last, but not least, is No. 12: This recipe is a classic, although I've never seen it prepared. It looks as dangerous as hell and should never be prepared in a bar. It appears to have great potential as a party pleaser and the recipe is a high volume one. Good Luck with the "Flames over New Jersey." To prepare, slowly warm one bottle of apple brandy or calvados, as to not ignite it, add 8 ounces of sugar to the warm brandy and stir until dissolved. Then add a few dashes of angostura bitters, fill a punch bowl and ignite at the table. Extinguish with approximately 20 ounces of boiling water. Serve and enjoy, if you are not injured.

Happy holidays, and have fun with the 12 drinks of Christmas.