Three dessert drinks to try

Fruity

Coda Lounge's Rum Amelia ($12) is a tasty drink for those thirsty for a light, dessert cocktail. Clearheart rum, lemon, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, raw sugar and blackberries combine to create a colorful concoction. The sweetness of the berries and sugar is offset by the lemon's acidity, and elderflower liqueur adds an exotic touch. The result is a delicate, refreshing cocktail.

Find it: Coda Lounge, Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, 401 Locust St.

Hours: 3 p.m. - midnight, daily

Info: facebook.com/codadesmoines, 244-2151

Fun

Des Lux's Smores martini ($9) literally tastes like its namesake. Bar manager Sherry Waner developed this recipe, which includes Smirnoff fluffed marshmallow vodka, dark Godiva chocolate liqueur, Kahlua and cream. Crushed graham cracker and sugar line the rim, and a chocolate surprise lies at the bottom of the chocolate and caramel syrup-decorated glass. No campfire needed — Waner even toasts a trio of marshmallows as a final touch.

Find it: Des Lux Bar, Des Lux Hotel, 800 Locust St.

Hours: 4 p.m. - close Monday - Friday, 6 p.m. - close Saturday

Info: desluxhotel.com, 288-5800

Sophisticated

A portion of Crème Cupcake's menu is dedicated to cake-tails: cocktails inspired by cupcake flavors. I opted for the Salty Cinnamon Caramel ($8), which combines Smirnoff cinna-sugar twist, vanilla and kissed caramel vodkas, plus Kahlua. Equal portions of salt and sugar (with just a touch of pepper) deck the rim and foreshadow the sweet and salty flavors of the cocktail. The chic drink is well-balanced and pairs easily with Crème's menu of mouth-watering cupcakes.

Find it: Crème Cupcake, 543 28th St.

Bakery Hours: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday, 11 a.m. - midnight Friday, 10 a.m. - midnight Saturday

Dessert Lounge Hours: 5 - 9 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday, 5 p.m. - midnight Friday - Saturday.

Info: cremecupcake.com, 288-1050