profile

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

drinks to rival your favorite dessert πŸ₯§

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Who here likes pie?? πŸ™‹β™€οΈ 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 β€” 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 β€” 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...

An ombre orange drink made in a Corona bottle with a lime wedge in the neck.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I've got big plans for the long weekend. Very exciting plans. Probably the best plans I've had in a long while. This weekend, I'm ... hanging at home. And while that may not sound super exciting, after a season of playing nurse to my pup and tending to alternating colds, I couldn't be more ready to say hello to summer. To really make a weekend at home more than just a weekend at home, you need something special. Enter, summer drinks. The best summer...

A pale amber drink in a tall clear glass with ice cubes and a lemon wheel sits on a green fabric coaster with a green and white striped straw.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I remember when I thought tea was just for afternoon pick-me-ups and parties. Now I love bringing its cozy flavor and community-vibe to cocktails! Tea time can truly be anytime thanks to a tasty variety of hot and cold variations on the steeped sipper. The best part is that these drinks are easy to customize β€” swap out the sweetener, switch out the type of tea, add a complementary flavor β€” so that you're left with something you'll love. Whether you're...

Guava mimosas in stemless flutes decorated with gold stars.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Forget breakfast β€” brunch is the most important meal of the day (at least on the weekends). Why do I love brunch? Let me count the ways. It allows for a chance to sleep in, pets permitting. The food definitely tops my usual smoothie or overnight oats. And, the drinks. Whether you want something boozy, something bubbly or something with both, brunch bevvies do it all. Here are some of my favorites for hosting as the weather warm up that would be great...

Honey citrus mint tea in a glass mug on a marble countertop.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! May showers bring more than just flowers! These cozy, yet refreshing drinks are the perfect sips for cool, wet days. The key to this seemingly contradictory combo is the flavors. Warm notes of ginger, cooling mint, zesty citrus... On dreary days, this is what you should pour: pineapple whiskey cocktail This simple cocktail is a combo of single malt whiskey, pineapple juice, honey syrup and bitters for a tasty and cozy cocktail all year long. Curl up...

A pink grapefruit cocktail with sugar on the rim garnished with mint leaves and a grapefruit slice.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, it has all the makings of a perfect celebration. The weather is idyllic and one of my favorite spirits (tequila) takes a starring role. It's not actually Mexico's Independence Day (that's Sept. 16) β€” instead, it commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862. While it’s a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become an observance of Mexican heritage...

A bright pink drink sits near half a lemon and a gold bowl of blackberries.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Big hats and bourbon are both staples of the Kentucky Derby, almost as important as the horses themselves! Now, the mint julep is the official beverage of the Kentucky Derby, but why stop there? There are plenty of fun β€” and tasty β€” sippers that will satisfy as you cheer on the field. Beyond Derby Day, these drinks are oh so refreshing all summer long. If you're planning to watch the Derby this weekend, here are some bourbon drinks I know you'll love:...