When it comes to alcoholic beverages, the people who know me know I’m a one-and-done kind of girl. A single beverage is all I need when enjoying opportunities to socialize during business or an evening meal. Personally, I think it’s always good to know your limits—and my limits are done at one.

Therefore, because I’m not looking to progressively enhance my time with numerous layers of alcohol, I tend to order the drink I want up front. Usually a cocktail, usually with vodka. However, I have been known to stray from this predictable path a time or two when something strikes me.

After scrolling through the photos on my phone, I found a few beverages worthy of further promotion. In no particular order, they include

Lavender Lemonade from Oak and Stone in Sarasota, Florida

A purple drink will always catch my attention and although I have a different go-to at this local eatery, I was in a particularly purple mood the day I ordered it. It was on-point for my evening – and I knew it would be delicious when immediately after ordering it the bartender commented, “I love making this drink.”

Rose Petals Margarita from El Burro Loco in St. Louis, Missouri

I’ve frequented my fair share of Mexican restaurants around the country… But I had no idea what I was in for when I ordered the Rose Petals Margarita after walking through the central west end in St. Louis. It was as sweet as it was fragrant – as lovely as it was loaded with Tequilla. I couldn’t finish it. And that’s a good thing!

Frozé (Frozen Rosé) from II Lazzarone Pizza in Kansas City

Admittedly, I’m not a “Rosé all day” kind of girl … however, this frozen concoction felt like I had just scored a huge stick of cotton candy at the county fair. It was soft pink and sticky, overflowing with a light frozen Rosé wine, lemon and a little extra vodka for good measure. Truly worthy of a sunny afternoon outside on the patio near a killer view of the Kansas City skyline.

Christmapolitan from Forgotten Tonic in St. Augustine, Florida

They leave the Christmas lights up until the final weekend of January in St. Augustine, and at Forgotten Tonic they keep their Christmas menu through that same time as well. This spin on a classic Cosmo with Christmas herbs of cinnamon and rosemary thoroughly tasted like Christmas in a cup. I’d order it starting November 1, no matter what the haters have to say.

The creativity of local bartenders never ceases to amaze me. It’s a brilliant day when my one-and-done philosophy meets perfection in a cup or glass. If you ever see me ordering that second drink, know something super special has just jumped up on my best beverage list!

— Carrie Cox, account executive