Photo: Hayley Harrison

When it comes to cocktails, stiffer is better. Trust me, I know: I've served this one all over the world—from Monte Carlo to Mexico, for Oscar parties and Oprah's Legends Ball—and the results were guaranteed festivity. Sip it from a sexy martini glass during cocktail hour, or serve it as a dessert shot to transform a quiet dinner into an all-out dance-a-thon.

Vodka-Espresso Cocktail
   1 ounce premium vodka (or tequila, if you prefer)
   1 ounce cold espresso
   ½ ounce Tia Maria
   ½ ounce Kahlúa Especial

To Prepare Drink
Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass (or three shot glasses).

To Serve (optional)
Rub the pith of an orange along the rim of each glass. Dip rim into cocoa powder spiked with a dash of cayenne pepper; tap glass to remove excess. Pour drink.