It’s traditional at the end of a year to raise a glass and reflect on the best moments of the previous twelve months. The Cocktail Culture staff has, naturally, a lot to reflect on in the glass-raising department.

To celebrate all of the good tidings and delicious cocktails we’ve discovered this year, our writers – Staci Sturrock, Carlos Frías and Leslie Gray Streeter, select their top three festive libations of 2012.

It’s our holiday gift to you!

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Leslie’s picks:

BASIL LEMONADE

The Bar, The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach

It used to be called Stephen’s Basil Lemonade, a nod to creator and bar manager Stephen Clark, but now it’s just the Basil Lemonade. We call it dangerously delicious, a light, drinkable marriage of Ultimat vodka, St. Germain and lemonade, accented with fragrant, flavorful basil. We’re with Stephen — if we’d come up with this, we’d want some credit for it too.

The Bar: Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, 2800 South Ocean Boulevard, Palm Beach; 561-582-2800; www.FourSeasons.com/PalmBeach

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THE SPICY LOVER

Kapow! Noodle Bar

The Spicy Lover is a witty, pretty, and, as the name suggests, quirky situation, where Partida Reposada tequila flirts with cucumber, has an intimate relationship with cilantro and green Tabasco, and hangs out with agave nectar and lime. Scandalous but sublime.

Kapow! Noodle Bar: 327 Plaza Real (Mizner Park), Boca Raton; 561-347-7322; www.KapowNoodleBar.com

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THE PROSECCO PARADISE

Prosecco Café

The Prosecco Paradise, features the café’s special Prosecco-infused pineapple sorbet (available only to the over-21 crowd, of course) and a healthy helping of the bubbly stuff. It’s drinkable dessert (and looks pretty classy while you’re partaking.)

Prosecco Cafe: 4580 PGA Boulevard (PGA Commons), Palm Beach Gardens; 561-622-3222; www.ProseccoCafe.com

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Staci’s picks:

‘TOP OF THE FISH’ TEA

Tin Fish

The Top of the Fish Tea is a top-shelf variation on a mojito. “It’s real refreshing,” says bar manager Carmine Pellitteri. “It’s not overpowering in any way. It’s almost like a mojito, but it’s not.”

Tin Fish: 118 N. Clematis Street, West Palm Beach; 561-223-2497; TinFishClematis.com

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DOCKSIDE CITRUS SPLASH

Dockside Sea Grille

A treat for the palate and the eyes, the Dockside Citrus Splash, is a deliciously fruity alternative to what’s become a potable standard. “Everyone does a mojito,” says manager Gilberto Alvarez, “so we wanted something different.”

The garnish of a rock-candy swizzle stick provides a whimsical finishing touch to a cocktail with a smooth finish.

Dockside Sea Grille: 766 Northlake Boulevard, Lake Park; 561-842-2180; DocksideSeaGrille.com

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ASTRO POP

Buccan

What gives the Astro Pop its pop? For starters, its pale lavender color. “You don’t find that many purple drinks out there,” says Buccan mixologist Levin Glane. “Not that many that taste good, at least.” Then there’s the beverage’s intense blueberry aroma — that’s the blueberry vodka talking — and the sweetness provided by a layer of prosecco on top. “It makes it a fun drink,” Glane says.

Buccan: 350 S. County Road, Palm Beach; 561-833-3450; BuccanPalmBeach.com

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Carlos’ picks:

THE CANTALOUPE

Imoto

This chef’s inspiration of a drink need only be referred to by a single name, The Cantaloupe, like Cher or Madonna; it stands on its own. Fresh cantaloupe and sugar are macerated, then shaken with shochu, which is a sort of Japanese vodka distilled from barley. It’s served in a round tumbler over a perfect sphere of ice, a concept chef/co-owner Clay Conley fell in love with while working in Japan (so he bought the machine to replicate the Japanese ice ball).

Imoto: 350 South County Road, Palm Beach; 561-833-5522; www.ImotoPalmBeach.com

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WATERMELON-LYCHEE SANGRIA

The Little House

The sangria at Little House is the way to go, since the staff makes four monster jugs every day, each one distinctly different in flavor. The best seller is the Watermelon Lychee, which is refreshing and sweet without being overbearing.

The Little House: 480 E Ocean Avenue, Boynton Beach; 561-420-0573

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THE ANGER MANAGEMENT

The Rebel House

The general manager with the tattoo sleeve up his right arm hands you an Anger Management and you’d better be tough to try this tequila-based drink with mint, lemon and lime and spicy Sriracha. Think of it as a Mexican Bloody “Maria,” savory with just enough of a kick to keep you entertained.

The Rebel House: 297 East Palmetto Park Road, Boca Raton; 561-353-5888