Bored with the usual gin and tonic or Jack Daniels and coke? fancy something a little different this Christmas? Then try your hand at some of the classic cocktails from around the world, 80 signature drinks from the coolest bars contained in a new book by Allan Gage (Hamlyn, £9.99). Travelling across the continents, the book picks out cities' best bars and their most stylish tipples; the good news is you don't have to be Tom Cruise to make them... Oslo, Norway
Odeon This classically styled bar is situated in the Majorstuen district and, once through the doors, you will find a lively, minimalist lounge packed with media types. The bartenders mix great cocktails using plenty of premium vodka, a favourite tipple in these northern regions. The signature cocktail, the Jenna J, is a long, refreshing drink with the sweetness of passion fruit balanced by fresh lemon and an underlying citrus note from the infused white rum. Jenna J 2 measures Bacardi Limon 1 /2 measure lemon juice 4 measures passion fruit juice 2 lime wedges Build the ingredients over ice cubes in a highball glass. Squeeze the 2 lime wedges over the drink and then drop them in. Serve with long straws. Stockholm, Sweden
Café Opera
Stockholm's hippest nightspot, located around the back of the Royal Opera House, offers a perfect bar ambience and splendid cocktails once you negotiate your way past the notoriously difficult door staff. Founded in 1980, Café Opera has retained many of the original 19th century fittings, including an impressive painted ceiling by the artist Vicke Andrein, and boasts the longest bar in Stockholm. The cocktails are delicious but can be a little pricey. Kurant Blush 1 1 /2 measures Absolut Kurant vodka 1 /2 measure Crème de Fraise 1 measure cranberry juice 2 lime wedges Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with some ice cubes and shake well. Double strain into a chilled Martini glass and decorate with a redcurrant on a cocktail stick. Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
Absolut Ice Bar Every autumn, the Lapland climate allows for the rebuilding of the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, constructed from more than 10,000 tonnes of ice. Even though the hotel averages an indoor temperature of -3ºC (26ºF), the exclusive Absolut Ice Bar is rated near the top of polls listing the world's favourite drinking establishments. The bar is redesigned every year, and the offerings on the cocktail list are also revamped annually. Don't bother asking for anything 'on the rocks' as each cocktail is served chilled to perfection in specially carved iceware. Absolut Wonder 3 measures Absolut Vanilia vodka 1 measure Mozart white chocolate liqueur Pour the vodka and liqueur into a chilled cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into a chilled Martini glass, the rim of which has been dipped in lemon juice then grated chocolate. Finally drop a cherry into the bottom of the glass to decorate. Boston, USA
Tonic
Tonic is part sports bar and part dance club. Upstairs you can recuperate at the vast oval bar and watch the latest sporting action. Or head downstairs to the Met Lounge, a more intimate and music-oriented venue. Tonic has a long and inventive list of cocktails, along with a wide selection of draught beers and wines. Given the heavy Irish influence in Boston, it is hardly surprising that their signature cocktail is called the Celtic Six Celtic Six
1 /2 measure vodka 1 /2 measure gin 1 /2 measure white rum 1 /2 measure silver tequila 1 /2 measure Triple Sec 1 /2 measure Midori Dash of lime juice Lemonade, to top up Pour all the ingredients, except the lemonade, into a cocktail shaker and add some ice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled sling glass. Top up with lemonade and decorate with slices of melon and lime and a cherry. * Classic Cocktails from around the world by Allan Gage is out now in Hamlyn paperback, price £9.99
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