As New Year's Eve approaches, I think it's time to reach into my bag of cocktails and pull out a very unique celebratory drink. About a year ago, I had some friends gathered around me to share in the weekly Friday night horror that was the final, gasping, death-rattling seasons of of Star Trek: Enterprise. Given the eternally furrowing Captain Quantum, an anorexic Vulcan Crack Whore, and the general unrelenting awfulness of the show, alcoholic beverages were often required to get through the night. One fateful night, my friend Suzanne arrived armed with a wild and inspired concoction. (She also arrived armed with lots of bottles and bendy straws.) With more than a nod to those fabulous books, I give you...

Lemony Snicket: An Unfortunate Combination of Liquors

Yield: 1 kick-ass Happy New Year Cocktail

1 1/2 ounces Absolut Citron
1 1/2 ounces limoncello
Bitter lemon (aka Tom Collins mix)
Campari
Maraschino cherries
Paper umbrellas
Bendy straws


1. Fill a tall glass with ice and add the vodka and limoncello. Add a splash of Campari for a deceptively pink effect (the Baudelaire orphans' least favorite color is pink) and top off with the bitter lemon. Garnish with maraschino cherries, umbrellas, and bendy straws.

2. And yes, those are Star Trek glasses. In my humble opinion, this drink can only be successfully served in Star Trek glasses. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock glasses. From Taco Bell. Sold in 1984. I love them.

Drink responsibly, be safe, and have a happy New Year!