Cosmic Cocktails is an anthology of science fiction short stories, all dealing with life in and around bars, pubs and dives scattered throughout the galaxy. The various authors deliver a series of fine stories that are quite enjoyable.

Synopsis:

“Bars and taverns are a time-honored human tradition – the perfect gathering places to trade news and gossip, to hang out, to complain, to celebrate, or just somewhere travelers can pass the time. Each has its own special and loyal clientele, though some welcome all comers.”

This anthology explores the question: What would such watering holes be like in the future? Through the eyes of the authors we see their visions of Ye Olde Tavern of the far-flung future.

Exploring such diverse topics as Time Travel, religion, rebirth and even an alien who must be drunk to get drunk, a galaxy wide bar hopping spree awaits the reader.

My Take:
The anthology consists of 15 stories:

• Drink, Drank, Drunk (Loren L. Coleman): The life of a symbiote isn't all wine and roses.
• With Unconfined Wings (Sarah A. Hoyt): One heck of a convent…
• Rachel (Steven Mohan, Jr.):

  Intrigue… crime bosses…. Triple crosses…

• Crossing the Road (Phaedra M. Weldon):

• Why did the chicken cross the road? If you want to know, I have to kill you.
• I'm Not Ashamed (Greg Beatty):
  Sometimes to be a true rebel, you mustn't rebel.
• Favio Demarco (Michael Hiebert):
  
• Famous and terrible space pirate? Or just misunderstood?
• A Union Against All Odds (David DeLee):
  True Love can crack the toughest cynic.
• Fortin's Revenge (Louisa M. Swann):
  
• Revenge is a drink best served cold. Or hot. This one has it all.
• Hanged Man (Leslie Claire Walker):
  Home is where the brew is.
• 2 Drops of Heaven (Dan C. Duval):
  
• Everybody needs a friend…
• Everybody Stops at Boston's (Allan Rouselle):
  Hey, Bartender; did you hear the one about the time traveling assassin?
• Spot Man's Chest (Daniel M. Hoyt):
  Some pirates just aren't what they seem to be.
• God Uses a Dishrag (Peter Orullian):
  So, you wanna be the new son of God?
• The Hyperbole Engine (Michael Hiebert):
  What if you could ensure that every choice you made would be the right one?
• The Galaxy's Most Wanted (Annie Reed):
  Be careful what lies you tell… they might come true.

The book deserves a PG rating for some non-explicit sex and a little violence.

This anthology is interesting and thought provoking, and I highly recommend it.
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Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: DAW (December 5, 2006)
ISBN: 0756403987
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