Dear Just Be: I am hosting an engagement party for my friends next weekend and need cocktail recipes.

If you do any looking it will seem that there are an endless number of cocktail recipes to choose from. Below are three recipes that have been huge hits for me, and that I enjoy sharing with others.

A traditional, but romantic cocktail I like to serve is the Cherry Gin-gria

Ingredients
• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces cherry syrup (recommended: Giammona)
• 2 ounces gin
• 5 to 6 ounces club soda
• 1 ounce red wine
• Maraschino cherries
• Fresh or frozen raspberries

Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour in the cherry syrup and the gin; mix together by stirring. Lighten the drink with a liberal dash of soda. Float a layer of red wine on top by pouring it over the back of a wide, flat spoon. (If it doesn't float, it still tastes fabulous.) Drop a few maraschino cherries and raspberries into the glass and enjoy!

A unique cocktail which is more of a shooter is the Gin and Tonic Jellies

Ingredients
• 1 teaspoon gelatin
• 5 ounces tonic water
• 1 1/2 ounces gin
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• Small wedges lime, key lime, or other small citrus

Directions
Pour about half the tonic into a bowl. Scatter the gelatin over the surface, do not stir, set aside until the gelatin softens. Warm the rest of the tonic over very low heat until just simmering. Whisk hot tonic, then gin into the gelatin. Pour jelly into two (2) ounce shot glasses and decorate with the citrus of your choice. Place in the refrigerator for two (2) hours (or overnight) until set. This recipe will make just four (4) shooters, so if you are expecting more than that adjust the above amounts.

Don’t forget your guests who may not partake in alcoholic beverages. Below is a fun non-alcoholic drink called Brown Pelican

Ingredients
5 oz apple cider
2 1/2 oz ginger beer
ice

Directions
Combine in a mixing glass, stir gently and pour over ice cubes in a highball glass.

I must admit I am not a mixologist and did not invent these lovely concoctions. I found these great recipes on the Food Network and on a website called Non Alcoholic Cocktails. Both sites have so many cocktail recipes you will be perusing for hours. Enjoy the celebration and, remember to be a responsible host.