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Nothing drowns the sorrows of love quite like a cocktail.

But rather than imbibing a hangover-inducing Long Island iced tea when you hit a romantic pothole, try mixing it up (pun intended) instead. In Cocktail Therapy [1] (out now on Simon Spotlight Entertainment), former bartenders Leanne Shear and Tracey Toomey recommend the perfect drink for every pitfall. Here’s a sampling of two love dilemmas and their perfectly inebriating solutions.

The Crisis: You’ve resolved to end your long-term relationship in person and with minimal bloodshed. A drink with caffeine, vodka, and club soda will give you energy, liquid courage, and help settle your stomach.

The Cocktail: Caffeinated Club
1 1/2 oz. caffeinated vodka (try P.I.N.K., with caffeine and guarana)
Club soda
Slice of lime

In a highball glass filled with ice, combine vodka and soda and garnish with the slice of lime. NOTE: If he starts to cry, double the vodka.

The Crisis: You adore your boyfriend, but the commitment-phobe has yet to say “I love you.” Serve him a drink brimming with romance-inducing basil to seduce those magic words right out of him.

The Cocktail: Love Potion No. 9
1 1/2 oz. raspberry- or strawberry-flavored vodka
1/3 cup blueberries
1/3 cup strawberries
Several fresh basil leaves

Muddle the berries and basil in a rocks glass, leaving one leaf for a garnish, and stir in vodka. Add ice, garnish with a basil leaf, and bat your eyelashes ’til he comes around.

Looking for other ways to enjoy alcohol à deux? Check out our roundup of date-worthy late summer wine tastings here [2].

–Michelle Carlton

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