With the whirl of gift-buying, travel plans, festive food planning and prepping under way, here are some expert tips for taking the stress out of one key part of your celebrations—-those all important holiday cocktails!

For better, easier cocktails your guests will love, relax, read on and enjoy these simple, helpful How Tos from Susi Zivanovic, Corporate Sommelier and Beverage Director for Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille.

1. Take your favorite recipe and multiply it for the numbers of guests you expect. Make a large batch of the cocktail, which will remain tasty for up to three days. If it’s a sparkling cocktail, make the batch in advance and then top up with Champagne as you serve.

2. For larger groups, batch up the ingredients and serve in a punch bowl. Either shake the cocktail and leave in punch bowl with a tiny bit of ice, or make an ice mold with your favorite edible flowers or cranberries. They will look so festive floating in the bowl.

3. Find your new favorite aged rum and add it to your eggnog. These popular aged rums are now being enjoyed by Cognac and bourbon aficionados because of their complexity.

4. Add a festive rim on your glass. One day prior to your party, add 10 to 12 drops of red or green food coloring to 1/3 cup of white sugar and mix well (or leave white to look like snow). To rim the glass, take a lemon quarter, moisten onto the outside upper half rim of the glass (approx. 1 inch from the top). Roll the glass in the sugar mixture.

5. Consider including wine in your cocktail.  For example, Perry’s Holiday Wine Thyme cocktail includes Perry’s Reserve Cabernet, Hennessy VS Cognac, fresh pressed lemon juice and a sprig of thyme.

Cover photo: During December, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is serving their Holiday Wine Thyme cocktail ($9). Courtesy photo