20 Recipes for Guilt-Free Clean Cocktails

Black-Eyed Susan

The Kentucky Derby has the mint julep; the Preakness has the black-eyed Susan. The drink is a sunny mix of vodka, rum, and pineapple and orange juices to toast your special events.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Martini

Martinis recipes can be made with either vodka or gin. Our taste panel's preference was for the gin, but try them both and decide for yourself. Be warned, this is a strong and serious drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Mimosa

A standard offering at brunches, mimosas are as pretty as they are tasty. In this recipe, the champagne doesn't overpower the orange juice—especially if the champagne is extra dry. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sparkling Peach Bellinis

Folks will savor the subtle kiss of peach flavor in this elegant brunch beverage. — Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bloody Mary

Horseradish makes this the best Bloody Mary recipe we've tasted. Without the horseradish, you'll have a more traditional Bloody Mary, and without the alcohol, you'll have a Virgin Mary. Serve with a stalk of celery, dill pickle spear or olives. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Gold Rush

A cocktail made with spirits and citrus juices usually can be classified as a "sour." The Gold Rush is a sweet-tart spin on a classic bar room favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Cranberry Bourbon

The subtle tang of cranberry and the warm winter spices make this bourbon just right for holiday toasts—neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Pear-Apple Cocktail

Ah, the memories we made when we went to Hawaii and concocted this drink for our first toast on the island. That makes this drink special. —Noelle Appel, Arlington, Texas

Take a trip to the Big Easy with this sophisticated Sazerac recipe, the official cocktail of New Orleans.

Also check out how to use bitters in more than just cocktails.

Refreshing Cosmopolitan

Lively color graces this signature drink. Its refreshing and slightly tart taste is perfect for a ladies' night out or at a party. During the holidays use fresh cranberries for a garnish.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Orange Razzletini

We combined orange juice and raspberry rum to create this fruity martini. The sunny, bright color is appealing.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Watermelon Margaritas

Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa

Mixed Berry Sangria

This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois

Apple Amaretto Sours

An amaretto sour has always been one of my favorite cocktails. This version has a special touch that makes it perfect for enjoying throughout the holiday season. —Amber Forbes, Roper, North Carolina