Halloween parties are the best. There’s something about the costumes that really helps adults feel like kids again. It’s easy to theme the decorations to help people feel festive. And everyone feels that “treat” is part of the theme, so they let themselves indulge in all the food and drinks.

Ah, whiskey. Few spirits are so complex in their taste and so diverse in their varieties. Although scotch has long been famed for its diversity, its American cousin bourbon has as much history and unique character. You just have to approach it with the knowledge of what you’re tasting.

A cocktail seems like a great way to relax after hanging up your hat from the long commute, but do you go to the liquor cabinet and realize you can’t make anything? Or perhaps you’re thinking of having people over for dinner and cocktails. You’ve got the dinner down, but the cocktails make you nervous. How do you stock a home bar so that you know you’re ready for guests? Here’s a guide to the basic cocktails you need to make your bar stocked, whether it’s for you or a houseful of guests.