Hey, Reader!
March always feels like a reset. Longer days, brighter flavors and just enough warmth to gather again. Even my cats have finally adjusted to the last time change, so naturally we’re about to do it all over again. IYKYK.
This month brings St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and National Cocktail Day on March 24. Add in spring break and a few hopeful patio hangs, and there’s plenty of reason to gather with your people. March is also my birthday month, which gives me one extra excuse to celebrate. (Well, two — my mom and I share the same birthday!)
This email is a little different than usual. I’ll be sharing something like this every month: a simple, seasonal guide to what to make and gather around. Think of it as your easy, no-stress planning guide for whatever ends up on your calendar.
this month’s mood ✨
March is a bridge month. We’re still craving cozy layers, but we’re ready for brightness — citrus, leafy herbs, early spring vegetables and lighter desserts. It’s hearty meets fresh, with a little sparkle.
cocktails to bookmark 🍸
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baileys hot chocolate
It’s still hot chocolate season over here, so I’m making it whenever I can. This Baileys version feels festive for March but works anywhere it’s still a little wintry.
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blood orange mimosa
Fresh blood orange juice adds my favorite bold citrus flavor and a gorgeous hue to classic bubbly. It’s the perfect drink for brunch — or any excuse to pop a bottle.
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irish mule
A mule is basically my house cocktail, and this is such a fun seasonal spin. Cozy ginger and Irish whiskey meet bright lime and an icy chill — perfect for warmer March days.
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drinks everyone will love 🍹
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irish cream cold brew
Cold brew with that classic flavor (no alcohol required) is my go-to little afternoon pick-me-up in March. The Irish cream syrup is great in regular coffee, too.
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herbal limeade
Inspired by a drink I order at a local restaurant, this fresh herb and lime combo is one of my all-time favorites. It just happens to be bright green and extra fun for St. Patrick’s Day — and kids love it too.
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strawberry mocktail
Fun, flirty and full of fresh strawberry flavor, this one’s been on repeat lately. It started as a Valentine’s favorite but works beautifully for spring gatherings.
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easy party bites 🍊
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puff pastry pinwheels
Store-bought puff pastry plus a savory filling equals an easy, crowd-pleasing bite. Bake, slice and serve — no complicated prep required.
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avocado salsa
Bright, fresh and perfectly green for St. Patrick’s Day, this is the kind of dip that disappears fast. Serve it with tortilla chips and call it done.
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beer cheese dip
Warm, creamy and ideal for March Madness watching. Make it with your favorite beer — or swap in an Irish beer for a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist.
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hosting tip of the month 🥂
Set up a self-serve drink station with pre-sliced citrus, labeled bottles and a small menu card. Guests feel taken care of, and you’re not stuck playing bartender all night. You can do this with mimosas, bloody marys or even hot chocolate.
trending right now 🔥
These are the recipes everyone’s making right now:
- Homemade Ginger Ale: Make it once and you’ll never buy it again.
- French Blonde Cocktail: Floral, citrusy and sophisticated.
- Homemade Lemonade: The warm-weather staple that never misses.
- Old-Fashioned: A true classic every host should master.
- South African Milk Tart: Creamy custard with cinnamon on top. It's pure comfort.
the historic bean dip incident 😅
Last weekend, my husband and I went to our friend’s art show in a 150-year-old building. As one does, I was balancing a wine glass and an appetizer plate, and may or may not have spilled bean dip on my blouse — and the very historic floor.
I was in the middle of a conversation when I heard the unmistakable crunch of my sacrificial tortilla chip nearby. I smiled and nodded like a normal person, but internally? Absolutely cringing. Not my finest moment.
So anyway, now I’m very curious about those little charcuterie toppers and wine glass plates that let you hold your drink and snack at the same time. Has anyone tried these? I’m genuinely curious if they’re as genius as they seem!
If you’re tired of the juggle too, here are the ones I’m eyeing:
- Wine Glass Charcuterie Toppers: Like cute little coasters that sit right on the rim so you can keep one hand free. I’m just wondering how seamless they feel. Does the sip-and-snack dance get awkward?
- Wine Glass Appetizer Plates – Small plates with a slot for your stemware. Smart in theory… but do they feel secure enough to prevent another bean dip incident?
Save this email so you’re never scrambling for what to serve. And if you’re hosting something specific this month, just hit reply — I’d love to help you plan it. I truly do read them all.
Sláinte!*
Susannah
P.S. Pick one drink and one snack from this list, put it on the calendar and invite a few friends. Gathering doesn’t have to be complicated.
P.P.S. Don't forget you can always customize what lands in your inbox. Just click “Update Preferences” at the bottom of this email and choose what fits your season.
*That's how the Irish say "cheers." It's pronounced SLAHN-cha.
