Cocktails are back in vogue -whether for hosting a party or simply relaxing at home. But when unfamiliar bartending paraphernalia is involved, creating these concoctions can be daunting. A blender and the easy recipes from 400 Blender Cocktails are all that it takes to create truly delicious -- and sometimes decadent -- drinks that will amaze friends, colleagues and family members. The 400 recipes include cocktails for every occasion:

• Holiday festivities will sparkle with a Cuban punch, a cranberry cooler, a coconut rum punch or a hot pink ginger.
  
• Long summer days will cool off quickly when sipping a frozen lichee daiquiri or a watermelon cosmo.
  
• Elegant affairs will be enhanced with an essence of pear martini, a gin fizz or a pineapple sparkler.
  
• Hangovers can be cured with a bitter morning or a hair of the clam.
  

In addition, there are valuable tips and techniques for turning any novice into a seasoned bartender. Also included are 40 alcohol-free drink recipes for other special occasions or special guests.