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The Lexington and The St. Paul Grill instantly come to mind when you want to sip the perfect martini – shaken not stirred. Both of these St. Paul spots make a classic cocktail like no other.

Twin Cities cocktails are undergoing a revolution not seen since the days of the Mad Men two martini lunches. A new book that chronicles the Twin Cities cocktail scene has hit the market. It is called Northstar Cocktails and was put together by Johnny Michaels and the North Star Bartenders Guild. Johnny Michaels is the exceptional mixologist behind the bar at La Belle Vie in Minneapolis. Johnny has put together a collection of the most amazing bartenders in the Twin Cities including a few from the 651. This collection of bartenders make up a group of superior mixologists called The North Star Bartenders Guild. Every two weeks the group gets together to share their recipes and their love of the cocktail. The Northstar Cocktails book is a collection of their efforts. In the book.  Cocktail recipes read like food recipes with unusual ingredients like gourmet bitters, apples, lavender buds and pomegranate puree all making their way into your favorite drinks.  This is the quintessential book on how to take the experience from your favorite cocktail bar into your home and become your own expert mycologist.

When I go to a bar, I am a little shy about trying a new drink for fear that I wont like it. Johnny has assured me that most bartenders would rather have you try their favorite signature cocktail suggestion and send it back if you don’t like it versus ordering your old stand by.  Armed with that knowledge, my goal this year is to break out of my cocktail rutt.

Here are some Classic cocktails from the Lexington In St. Paul as well as a few suggestions for creative cocktails to make at home from the Northstar Cocktails book:

Vodka Gimlet

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1-teaspoon sugar.

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with Lime.

Chocolate Martini from the Lexington Bar

• 1 1/2 shots Godiva liqueur
• 1 1/2 shots Crème de Cacao
• 1/2 shot Vodka
• 1/2 shots half and half cream

Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a chilled martini glass that you have drizzled with Hershey’s chocolate.

 Cosmopolitan

• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger vodka
• 1/2 fluid ounce cointreau
• 1-teaspoon fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 fluid ounces cranberry juice
• 1 twist lime zest, garnish

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Honeycrisp Martini by Johnny Michaels from Northstar Cocktails

• 1¾ oz. Smirnoff green apple vodka
• 1¼ oz. fresh apple cider
• 2 oz. cava
• 2 to 3 dashes unsweetened pomegranate juice
• Apple slice

Swirl vodka and chilled cider in cobbler shaker (with ice). Strain into martini glass. Top with cava and then add pomegranate juice. Mount apple slice on rim at 45-degree angle.

 Cucumber- Melon Infused Martini by Christa Robinson from Northstar Cocktails

• I liter Ketel One Vodka
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and sliced
• 1 wedge honeydew melon, peeled and chopped
• 1 wedge cantaloupe peeled and chopped
• Cucumber slice for garnish

Combine vodka, cucumber and melons in a glass jar and seal. Refrigerate 3-4 weeks and strain. Store in refrigerator. To serve, pour into martini glass and garnish with a slice of cucumber.

Ok, it must be said that not everyone revels in Thanksgiving preparation. Maybe you’ve had a hard week – maybe you’ve had a hard month – maybe the family isn’t within reach this year and slaving away on a giant feast that will most likely be consumed in a quarter of the time it takes to make doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.

Relax. Breathe. Put the turkey baster down. It’s not sacrilegious to want someone else lavish you on Thanksgiving for a change. Luckily, St. Paul has a few star restaurants that are open this holiday and primed to offer up the tastiest of nosh sure to put you in the gracious spirit.

The Lexington 1096 Grand Ave, St. Paul 651.222.5878

Not only is Cathedral Hill’s Victorian-chic restaurant open Thanksgiving day, but it conjures up all the amenities of a traditional holiday dinner, cooking up all your seasonal favorites. Relish in their luxurious décor – crystal chandeliers, ornate mirrors, vivid tapestries and ambient lighting – as you comfort food you way into a decadent holiday. Their turkey dinner includes an appetizer, delicious sides, a main course and a dessert; plus additional entree choices available besides turkey. $25 for adults, $12 for children. Call to reserve and act quick because this popular event tends to sell out quick. For a sneak peak at what’s they’ll be serving up visit http://thelexongrand.com/menu

Faces – 380 Jackson St., St. Paul 651.209.7776

“Crafting fresh, wholesome, comfortable American cuisine, utilizing modern and Old World culinary artistry,” Faces in Mears Park is a local, organic and sustainable-focused dining destination with a unique interior helmed by executive chef David Fhima. Sip on organic, biodynamic or sustainable wine while giving thanks for restaurants that innovatively “keep it local.”

Forepaugh’s – 276 S. Exchange St., St. Paul 651.224.5606

Like dining in a pristine bed & breakfast, Forepaugh’s European continental style puts their twist on classic dishes. Find everything from escargot and brochette of lamb to steaks served up in elegant, a 19^th century setting.

St. Paul Grill – 350 Market St., St. Paul 651.224.7455

Always a favorite, the award-winning St. Paul Grill is a classic standby for traditional fare, exceptional wine and cocktails – including 52 varietials of Scotch – and amazing East Coast grill food.

Matt Thomas (right) and Joe Mauer (left) are probably talking about Saint Paul in this picture

As much fun as we have doing things together as a family, St. Paul offers us a chance to have some fun when just hanging out with friends , without having to leave the area. For me, I rarely even need to leave Grand Avenue.  It’s a street that I consider the perfect locale for a “Split up Session”.  My guy friends and I can find a game on TV at one of the great bars and restaurants.  Or sometimes we just enjoy a beverage on one of the pub patios while our wives check out the what they call “too cute” shops all along Grand.

Matt Thomas and Family

Since St. Paul is my neighborhood, here’s by “Best of” list for spots around town:

Best burger joint-  The Nook

Best place to go have a beer and strike up a conversation at the bar-  Groveland Tap

Best get dressed up and have dinner place-  The Lexington

Best breakfast served til 2:30pm-  The Grandview Grill

Best street to go take the kids for a walk- Along Mississippi River Boulevard

Best place to go sledding-  on the huge hill across from the Town and Country Country Clubhouse

Best summer programs-  St. Paul Parks and Recreation Urban Tennis

Best arena-  Xcel Energy Center (I’ve been to over a hundred different arenas in the country and this is one of the best)

Best way to enjoy the river-  Paddleboat ride from Harriet Island

Best Mom/Dad overnight trip away from the kids-  Saint Paul Hotel with a do not disturb sign

-Matt Thomas is the primary host of Twins baseball coverage on AM1500 KSTP. Listen to him on AM1500 as you drive to the stadium. Look for him broadcasting live from the plaza when you head into the ‘dome.