No matter your "why," here are five fun holiday cocktails and mocktails to serve up this season ... Using a cocktail shaker, ...

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, tonic syrup, and several basil leaves. Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into an ice-filled Collins Glass.

Today, when Shaker simplicity of craftsmanship seems to define the modern American design sensibility, it's easy to forget how revolutionary their designs were in the 19th century. One has only to ...