BAD BREAK-UP? We reach for the tequila. Tough day at work? A martini is in order. Commiserating with friends? Over mojitos, of course. Maybe it's not the healthiest habit, but once we've drained a few glasses, the future seems to take on a rosier hue. Former Manhattan bartenders Leanne Shear and Tracey Toomey understand - and fully support - our desire for a therapeutic drink or two. In fact, they support it so much that they've written a new book on the subject: Cocktail Therapy (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2007; $14.95). Available at Barnes & Noble (800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.247.6959), the book contains more than 90 crisis situations and the appropriate drinks to help "cure" them. For example, a midday espresso martini might give you that extra edge in the workplace, a Hitchhiker can soothe the annoyance of a flat tire, and a Screwdriver could help set you straight when your alarm clock fails. And when it comes to the world of romance, calm your nerves when the condom breaks with a soothing ginger ginseng martini, try a few Blue Hawaiians to take a long-term relationship back to the honeymoon stage, and dispel the embarrassment of a walk of shame with a Morning-After Mimosa. The book is divided into sections - including "Family Feuds & Friendship Follies," "Romantic Minefields," and "Work Woes" - and enhanced with "Tip Jar" notes on essential skills like scoring free drinks and avoiding the dreaded drunk dial. But what we like best is the fact that, unlike some gimmicky cocktail books, the drinks included here are actually inventive, original, and wholly delicious. So good, in fact, that we've found ourselves seeking out a good crisis, solely for the reason to knock back a few.
