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Feast + West: Easy Elegant Entertaining

I'm your cocktail bestie! Together we'll shake things up and make everything from classic cocktails to creative concoctions, and even mocktails from time to time. Follow me for delicious drink recipes, boozy desserts and appetizer pairings for easy, elegant entertaining.

A tall glass mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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don't forget the marshmallows 🍫

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Last week was a snowy one, even for places that are usually free from the white stuff! It didn't snow much here — and doesn't often — but with cooler weather comes the need to get cozy. It's hard to beat a mug of hot chocolate when it comes to warming up! Something about that first sip transports me back to the days of sledding with my best friend, warm cookies and a movie marathon. Since I've grown up, my hot chocolate has too. No more of the powdered...

A tall glass mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! ICYMI: It's still winter. ❄️ If we're getting technical, winter really just started (on December 21, if you're curious.) Even if you're not having to pull on some snow boots and shovel, the days can get a bit dreary. Enter: warm drinks! These are some of my favorite recipes to curl up with on the couch: spiked hot chocolate On it's own hot chocolate is a classic that warms you from head to toe. But when you add a bit of booze? This childhood favorite...

Hey there, Reader, Yes, winter is long, bleak and cold, but the bright spot? Two words for you: winter citrus. Produce is almost always better when it's in season and citrus in the wintertime is hard to beat! Bright flavors and booze can almost make you forget that it's dark before dinner... almost. So, what should you seek out at the store, and how should you use it? Here's what my cocktail besties and I recommend: blood orange mimosas Blood orange is the ultimate winter flavor and these...

Two martinis side by side on a white marble surface with half a lemon in front and gold bar tools next to them.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! It's been a month (maybe more) of enjoying heavy holiday fare — are you feeling it, too? As I get into the swing of a new month and a new year, I'm ready to lighten things up in the drinks department. We may be in the depths of winter, but sipping on something a bit less sweet that helps me close my eyes and imagine the sunshine of a summer day. It also serves as a reset button for my palate after a lot of sweet holiday sippers. The other great thing...

Hey there, Reader, Mocktails — cocktails without alcohol — are gaining in popularity, and it's easy to see why! With complex flavors and stunning presentation, you don't even miss the booze. If you're partaking in Dry January or simply cutting back after the holidays, then these recipes will help get your month off to a strong start. My cocktail besties and I love these recipes and know you will too: piña colada mocktail Insanely delicious, this creamy piña colada mocktail is perfect for...

A bloody mary garnished with veggies in front of a tomato mixture in a pitcher.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Since today is Bloody Mary Day, we're letting her be the star of the show! These savory sippers are a classic, traditionally made with vodka and tomato juice — but they're SO easy to customize, too! They have a reputation as a brunch bevvy, and as a hangover cure (although that one is still unproven in my book). I love that the recipe is scalable — mix one for yourself or a big batch to share. It's easy to make a Bloody Mary and you just can't beat the...

A cranberry brie bite garnished with rosemary.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! With Christmas come and gone, it's time to look towards 2025 — can you believe it?! If you're ringing in the new year at home with family or friends, this email is for you. Skip the sit-down dinner and opt for quick and easy appetizers instead! Appetizers are the unsung heroes of many celebrations. Together, they're strong enough to feed a crowd; on their own, they are a wonderful complement to the meal itself. AND they keep people going enough to enjoy...

A bubbling glass of champagne in a flute near a bowl of sugar cubes and a bottle of bitters.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! The countdown to Christmas may be over but now the end of the year is looming. It always sneaks up on me, how about you? Not only will next week bring the start of 2025, but I'm also looking forward to celebrating 11 years since I published my first blog post! Whether you've been here since the beginning or are just starting your cocktail journey, thank you for being here! It means so much to be able to share recipes and fun with this incredible...

Hey there, Reader, Christmas has come and gone, and that means that the new year is on its way in! While plain champagne is the go-to option for celebrating, a sparkling cocktail is festive and fun! After all, we're toasting to the beginning of a whole new year. Here's what my cocktail besties and I recommend to ring in the new year: elderflower sparkler A sparking elderflower cocktail has just the right amount of floral, sweet and acidic notes make it totally unforgettable. With three simple...

White cranberry mimosas in two stemless champagne flutes with gold stars. Cranberries and rosemary sprigs garnish alongside a cinnamon sugar rim.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! The next few days are shaping up to be full of holiday spirit. I'm a firm believer in starting the day off on the right foot, and for Christmas, that means festive drinks with holiday spirits! Here are my favorites to help get your spirits merry and bright from the get-go: christmas mimosas Start your morning strong with a beautifully bubbly Christmas mimosa! With crisp champagne bubbles and tart cranberry juice, this cocktail is not too sweet and is...