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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.

Purple flowers frozen in ice cubes.
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april showers < cocktails from flowers ☔💐

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Floral cocktails are some of my favorite spring recipes. I love the way they play into your senses, bringing a fragrant twist to drinks so they just feel like spring. I've always enjoyed seeing the blossoms emerge after winter, but when I realized you can actually incorporate flowers into your drinks? That was pure magic. Here are the recipes you need to know to help your season bloom: flower ice cubes While this may not be an actual cocktail, flower...

A close up of a lime and mint sprig on the rim of a cocktail.

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! Like many children of the 1990s, I watched lots of Captain Planet* cartoons, so now the words "reduce, reuse, recycle" are practically seared into my brain. Now that I'm a grown-up who is a cocktail content creator, I am keenly aware of how much waste I produce in the kitchen. As often as I can, I try to reduce my...

Two shot glasses filled with creamy white drinks sit on a pale pink plate next to a slice of carrot cake.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! ICYMI, Easter is just around the corner. Since the date changes year-to-year, I find it's easy to lose track of the celebration. Even if it sneaks up on me, one thing I won't let fall to the wayside is the drinks. As a spring celebration filled with flavor and color, there are a bevy of pretty, pastel-colored drinks you can make for brunch and beyond. Here are a few of my favorites that every-bunny 🐰 will enjoy: chocolate bunny cocktails You can bet...

A red strawberry mimosa near a gold bowl of strawberries.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! The temperatures are rising, the grass is getting greener, the daffodils are blooming and we've finally adjusted to the time change. It is *checks calendar* officially spring and it certainly already feels like it! While it can feel like the countdown to summer is now on, it's worth slowing down to savor a bit of spring. How? With these drinks that capture the essence of the season in a cup! strawberry mimosas Not much says spring quite like strawberry...

A beer bloody mary surrounded by its ingredients.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Ah, March Madness. The magical time of year when those of us who don't closely follow college basketball use our intuition — AKA favorite colors and mascots — to predict which team will come out on top. If you're like me, the tournament isn't so much must-see TV as it is a chance to get together with friends and share some drinks as we cheer on a team. Here are the drinks I think are going to be winners while watching: sweet 16 With plenty of tournament...

Creamy Irish cream cocktail on ice with gold spoon resting inside.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Let's talk Baileys. This brand of creamy liqueur is probably the most popular, which is why you commonly hear Irish cream referred to as simply "Baileys." (And there's no apostrophe, grammar nerds.) Irish cream is basically just what it sounds like: a cream liqueur made with Irish whiskey. It adds a sweet creaminess (and a touch of booze) to cocktails, coffee and more! Dairy-free friends, fear not. Look for Baileys Almande for a non-dairy alternative....

A strawberry mocktail on a gold, round oval tray with a strawberry slice floating on the top.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Ok, it's officially starting to feel like spring to me! The birds are out and about, buds are starting to show and we're getting more and more sunshine each day. Hooray! The changing of the seasons makes me want to change up what's in my glass, too! While winter warmers have been on rotation for me, spring calls for fruity, refreshing drinks. All of these drinks are ready for spring sipping and celebrations. Since they don't have any alcohol, they'd be...

A blood orange margarita in a glass with citrus rounds.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! February 22 may not be marked on your calendar, but it should be! Why? It's National Margarita Day! As if we needed a day specifically for these citrus sippers. I mean, they pair perfectly with taco night, girls' night, really any night! But hey, who am I to argue? Instead, I'll mix up one of my favorites to celebrate: blood orange margaritas Beautifully bright with a slightly sweet twist, blood orange margaritas may just become your new favorites! Sip...

A pink cocktail garnished with raspberries on a skewer.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Happy Valentine's Day! I'm taking time today to reflect on all the love in my life, and that includes YOU! That's right, I love that you're here! It means so much to share my love of drinks with you! ❤️ While I can't share a physical drink with each of you — as much as I'd love that — I can share some of my favorite rose-hued drinks fit for Valentine's date night, Galentine's parties and every celebration in-between. clover club The clover club is...

A fork scoops up a bite of totchos covered in cheese.

easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! It's officially here — football's season finale and probably the only time I don't fast-forward through the commercials. If you're going to be watching, then snacks are a must. What makes a good appetizer? Obviously it needs to taste great, but there are other considerations as well. If you're hosting, you're able to do a bit more with your apps. Presentation, pairings, the whole 10 yards if you will. 🏈 Think about if your guests will be seated to eat...