I remember my worst 'cocktail' moment ever. I was marooned in a chain hotel during a snowstorm with my mother and we decided to check out the hotel bar.

Surrounded by bottles of blue and green fluid that looked more like toilet bowl cleaner than something you'd want to drink (does anyone think that Blue Curacao or Midori look appetizing?), our worst suspicions were confirmed when the bartender told us that her signature creation was called 'Killer Koolaid'.

A good cocktail should be fresh tasting - full of fruit and herbs and maybe a spice or a vanilla pod or two. Here are some of my favourites to make at home.