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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 bubbly clear cocktail sits on a gray stone coaster with a lime round and a rosemary sprig.
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drinks ✨two✨ good not to share

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Every mixologist, whether new or expert, has those days when they need a cocktail that's easy to make, with ingredients you always have on hand. Plus, less dishes! Enter two-ingredient drinks. Many of these are popular sippers I'm sure you've heard of, and for good reason! They're easy to make, easy to order and consistent in their flavors. Here are some of my favorites: gin & tonic The gin & tonic, or G&T, is an icon. This classic cocktail is one of...

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I've been there too. Standing in the liquor aisle, with one hand scrolling through cocktail recipes and the other juggling bottles, deliberating what to buy while mentally tallying up the cost of everything in my cart. Let’s be honest — building the perfect bar cart without breaking the bank can feel like a full-time job. The good news? I have something totally free to share with you that’ll make booze shopping way easier. My friend Leah at Gastronom...

Amber liquid in a coupe glass sits on a gold oval tray.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! How do you feel about brandy? It has a tendency to get cast as a simple after-dinner drink or a source of holiday spirit, but it's so much more than that! Brandy offers a deep, sweet complexity that makes it perfect for mixing into cocktails in addition to sipping on its own. It comes from fermented fruit juice — yep, just like wine — so the flavors can vary widely. Pears, plums and grapes are commonly used to create different varieties. My advice is...

A glass of white wine sangria with watermelon chunks, lemon rounds and mint sprigs.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Wine + spices + fruit are the winning combo when it comes to summertime entertaining. Yep, I'm talking about sangria! When most people hear sangria, they just think of the iconic red wine version (delicious), but there are SO MANY other options. Sangria is ideal for summer because... 1. It's easy to make with what you have on-hand. These recipes will give you a starting point, but if you don't have an ingredient it won't make or break the end result. 2....

strawberry mocktail on a gold tray.

easy, elegant entertaining This email contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Hey, Reader! Between a packed work season and weekends full of sunshine, I’ve been savoring the little things this summer — like finally catching up on the latest season of “The Bear.” I’m taking my time with it because I don’t want it to end. If you haven’t seen “The Bear,” it’s a brilliant show about a high-end restaurant and the...

Layered red, white and blue jello shots topped with whipped cream and sprinkles sit on a white surface

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Summer is slipping by — how is it already the 4th of July? Dress your drinks for the occasion, no matter what your holiday holds. Pool parties, parades, fireworks... colorful cocktails will brighten any celebration! Try one of these Red, White and Blue sippers over the long weekend, then enjoy them all season long: red, white & blue jello shots These tri-colored treats are perfect for summer celebrations! With a boozy and booze-free option they'll fit...

A copper mug holds an icy beverage garnished with peach slices and an herb sprig.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Who here likes pie?? 🙋♀️ A flaky crust, a delightful filling, maybe some whipped cream on top... what's not to love? True, pies tend to get the spotlight around Thanksgiving, but since so many of these delicious desserts star flavors that are at their peak during summer, they are just as at home at a cookout. These drinks embody the flavors of your favorite summer treats in a glass: peach mule Peach pie, peach cobbler, baked peaches — it's hard to beat...

A deep pink drink is garnished with a blackberry and herb leaf on a gold skewer.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Mocktails aren't what they used to be. With depth of flavor that you'd find in any craft cocktail, these drinks are perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day or serving to guests at any gathering. These alcohol-free cocktails are a step up simply serving sparkling water or soda and the perfect way to ensure everyone has something to enjoy for any occasion. Zero-proof spirits are a great way to add extra flavor that you typically get from...

A pink cocktail in a stemless martini glass with a gold rim garnished by half a strawberry and a lemon twist on a gold skewer.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! The martini is an iconic cocktail, and for good reason. From the big screen to its popularity at the bar, it's a classic cocktail that is oh so classy. Instead of the traditional recipe, we're giving dessert martinis their time in the sun. Rather than being dry and savory, these sippers are sweet and packed with flavor, making them oh-so-easy to enjoy. Leave the olives in the fridge and sip on one of these treats instead: strawberry lemon drop This...

Jello shots sit in clear cups on a round white tray garnished with green candy wedges.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, most would say that summer is here. I would agree, despite the cooler temperatures — certainly not complaining as I know it'll be plenty hot soon! No matter what the weather looks like, a new season is the perfect chance to switch up your sips. While there are some summer favorites I just can't let go of (looking at you, margarita), there are so many good drinks out there to choose from! If you're feeling...