Beverages

The elegant Cuban combo of lime and rum has nothing to do with the syrupy slush you'll find at swim-up bars.

This potent New Orleans nightcap is as much about the aromatic absinthe rinse as it is the Cognac and rye.

Sandwiching the puff pastry between two baking sheets ensures that the pastry rises perfectly even.

When in doubt, add soda. The resulting highball (about 2 ounces of any booze filled to the top with soda) is refreshing—and impossible to mess up.

Of this take on a martini, James Bond quipped, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made." What he said.

If quinces are unavailable or you want a shortcut, purchase quince paste at a specialty shop and heat it slowly to create a syrup, then simply spoon it over the custards.

You don't have to use a vegan chocolate to make this decadent tart—any bittersweet baking bar will be great. But if you want to go dairy-free, be sure to read the label.

This smoky blush cocktail features Cappelletti, a Campari-like aperitif that shares its ruby red color but is slightly less sweet and not quite as bitter.

Bourbon Balls function as the ultimate easy dessert for Southern cocktail parties, and they put a sweet, slightly boozy finish on any get-together. Think of them as an edible digestif. Crushed vanilla wafers hold all the chocolatey goodness together. Buy an 11-ounce box and remove two dozen wafers to save for another use, like Banana Pudding.

Brine a turkey breast to add flavor and moistness. Pick up some local apple cider to make a flavorful gravy to serve with the turkey.

We drink green tea all the time, at home or in restaurants, and it is an essential part of the Japanese culture. Matcha is a type of green tea often used in the formal tea ceremony, but it is also used in a number of Japanese desserts. It doesn't give a strong tea flavour but creates a nice colour and slight dry tartness at the end of the palate. This cake is very light and refreshing compared to many New York- style cheesecakes.

This Bloody Mary ditches traditional bottled tomato juice for the freshly pressed stuff made from Sun Gold or yellow tomatoes.

If king trumpet mushrooms aren't available, use shiitake caps, which will also take well to the sweet-salty glaze.

Pro tip: Viva brand paper towels are used at Rintaro specifically for insulating the cod from its salty cure and will absorb moisture without falling apart.

When apple season hits but peaches still linger at the market, it's time for a standout condiment to round out a main course or dessert.