Hey, Reader!
April is here, and honestly? It might be my favorite month to entertain. The weather is finally cooperating, the farmers market is stocking up again and there's just something about a patio gathering with a cold drink in hand that feels like a fresh start.
This month we've got Earth Day on April 22, a little Masters watching (hello, Azalea cocktails) and the perfect excuse to get outside and gather. And if your mind is already drifting to Derby hats and margaritas — same. We'll get there soon.
this month’s mood ✨
April is all about brightness and ease. Think fresh herbs, early berries, citrus everything — and that first weekend where it's finally warm enough to eat outside. Cozy isn't gone yet, but it's stepping aside for something lighter, greener and a little sparkly.
cocktails to bookmark 🍸
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azalea cocktail
The official drink of the Masters has officially earned a spot on your spring bar cart. Light, floral and just a little tart — it's the kind of cocktail that makes a Tuesday feel like an occasion.
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hugo spritz
Elderflower, fresh mint and a splash of prosecco make this the most refreshing thing you'll sip all spring. It's herbal, effervescent and dangerously easy to make for a crowd.
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sparkling strawberry rhubarb cocktail
Rhubarb's short season is worth celebrating, and this bubbly cocktail is the best way to do it. Tart, sweet and gorgeous in a glass — perfect for a spring brunch or backyard toast.
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drinks everyone will love 🍹
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blackberry lemonade
Fresh-squeezed lemonade gets a deep berry upgrade that looks as good as it tastes. Serve it by the pitcher for easy outdoor entertaining.
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cucumber mocktail
Cool, crisp and endlessly refreshing, this is the drink your patio table needs. It's light enough for an afternoon sip and pretty enough to serve at a party.
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iced lavender latte
Your coffee routine deserves a spring refresh. Floral lavender and cold, creamy espresso make this the most beautiful thing in your glass before noon.
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easy party bites 🌿
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spinach artichoke wonton cups
All the flavors of your favorite dip, baked into crispy little cups you can pick up with one hand. They disappear fast — make more than you think you need.
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charcuterie cups
Individual charcuterie servings mean no shared board, no mess and no one hovering over the prosciutto. They're as fun to assemble as they are to eat.
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marinated cheese
This one looks like you tried harder than you did. A block of cheese, good olive oil and a few pantry staples turns into something genuinely impressive. Make it ahead and let it do its thing.
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hosting tip of the month 🥂
Set up a small garnish board alongside your drinks this spring. A few citrus wheels, fresh herb sprigs and maybe some edible flowers give guests something to play with — and instantly make even a simple pitcher drink feel intentional. It doesn't have to be elaborate. A small plate and whatever's already in your kitchen goes a long way.
trending right now 🔥
These are the recipes everyone’s making right now:
- Bloody Mary Mix: Make your own and brunch will never be the same.
- Blueberry Simple Syrup: Sweet, versatile and one of the prettiest things you'll make all spring.
- Frozen Margaritas: Peak patio season is almost here. Get ready.
- Elderflower French 75: Floral, fizzy and a little fancy. In the best way.
- Orange Tea Shot: Sweet, citrusy and always a crowd-pleaser.
what I'm loving right now 🌎
Earth Day has me thinking about food waste — specifically, all the citrus halves that pile up when you're making drinks as often as I am. Enter Food Huggers, which have quietly become one of the most-used things in our kitchen. They're reusable silicone covers that stretch over cut fruit, open cans, cheese blocks — whatever needs saving.
I started with the round ones (perfect for cans, citrus and tomatoes) and quickly ordered more. Over the years I've added the avocado shape and the rectangular ones for cheese and butter. I just saw they now have bigger ones for onions, which I just ordered to add to my colorful collection. Our cats' and dog's food cans get covered with one every single night too.
Less waste, fewer mid-recipe store runs, a more organized fridge. Worth every penny.
coming up soon... 👀
Derby hats. Mint juleps. Margaritas and street tacos. May is coming in loud, and I'm already planning. Stay tuned — your Derby and Cinco de Mayo guides are on the way.
Save this email for the weekends when you need a little inspiration. And if you're hosting something this month, hit reply — I always love to hear what you're planning.
Na zdraví!*
Susannah
P.S. Pick one drink, one bite and one friend. That's all it takes.
P.P.S. As always, you can update what lands in your inbox — just hit "Update Preferences" at the bottom of this email.
*That's how the Czech say "cheers." It's pronounced noss-DRAW-vee.
