Hey, Reader!
If May had a tagline, it would be "there's always something going on." One of my friends calls it "May-cember" because it seems even busier than the holiday season!
Derby Day is today, Cinco de Mayo is days away, Mother's Day and Memorial Day are right around the corner β and somewhere in there, someone you know is probably graduating.
May is basically the opening act for a whole season of gathering, and I'm here for every single occasion. Consider this your May entertaining survival guide!
this monthβs mood β¨
Fresh herbs, ripe berries, citrus everything and the first real stretch of weather that makes you want to eat outside every single night.
May is festive without being fussy β the occasions practically plan themselves. All you have to do is show up with something good to drink.
For even more May drink ideas, I rounded up all my favorites in one place β check out my May drink recommendations.
cocktails to bookmark πΈ
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kentucky oaks lily
Named for the Kentucky Oaks race the day before, the Lily is everything you want in a Derby cocktail β fruity, floral and just a little fancy. If mint juleps aren't your thing, try this βit looks stunning in a glass.
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frozen margarita
Cinco de Mayo is days away and this one is already on repeat in our house. Icy, tangy and endlessly refreshing β blend a batch and let the occasion come to you.
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red, white & blue jello shots
Memorial Day is closer than you think, and these festive layered shots are worth the advance notice. Fun, colorful and always a crowd moment at any backyard cookout.
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drinks everyone will love πΉ
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hibiscus mocktail
Tart, floral and a gorgeous deep red in the glass, this is the non-alcoholic drink that earns its spot on any Cinco de Mayo table. Nobody feels like they're missing out.
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virgin mimosa
Bubbly, bright and just as celebratory as the original β this is the move for Mother's Day brunch when you want everyone at the table to feel included. It's also just a really good drink.
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iced brown sugar shaken espresso
Your May coffee order, at home. Bold espresso shaken with brown sugar and a splash of milk β it's sweet, cold and exactly what a busy month calls for.
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easy party bites πΏ
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tomatillo salsa
Bright, tangy and inspired by a local restaurant I've been trying to recreate for years, this salsa is a little more interesting than the usual jarred stuff. Put it out with chips and watch it disappear.
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blueberry crumble muffins
Perfect for a Mother's Day brunch spread or a graduation morning when you need something homemade that doesn't require a lot of effort. Tender, jammy and genuinely hard to stop eating.
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caprese skewers
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes and basil on a stick β simple, beautiful and endlessly crowd-pleasing. They're the appetizer that looks like you tried without actually trying.
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trending right now π₯
These are the recipes everyoneβs making right now:
- βCharcuterie Cups: Individual servings, no shared board, no hovering. Everyone wins.
- βBourbon and Ginger Ale Cocktail: Simple, satisfying and dangerously easy to make for a crowd.
- βMint Simple Syrup: Make a batch for Derby Day and thank yourself later.
- βHomemade Clamato Juice: Once you make your own, the store-bought stuff just doesn't cut it.
- βHomemade Zero-Proof Spirits: The mocktail game just got a serious upgrade.
what's growing on π±
Every spring I rebuild my cocktail herb garden, and every spring I'm reminded why it's one of the best things I do for my home bar. Fresh mint for juleps, basil for garnishes, lavender for simple syrups β having herbs on hand changes what you reach for when you're making drinks.
If you've been thinking about starting one, now is the time. You don't need a yard or even a patio β a sunny windowsill works. I've grown herbs in everything from nursery pots to a hydroponic garden that keeps things going all winter long. For small spaces, this planting mat has saved me from mess many times.
My plant mister is also a constant companion for gentle watering, and a good pair of pruning shears makes harvesting for garnishes so much easier than it sounds. I like to store fresh herbs in these herb keepers in the fridge β handy all year, even if you buy your herbs.
I rounded up all my favorite herb garden supplies in my Amazon storefront if you want to browse β it's a good starting point whether you're just getting going or filling in gaps.
currently obsessed with π
A dear friend of mine β author Jules Kyle β is funding the audiobook version of their debut novel, Royally Yours, and I'd love for you to check it out. It's a Christmas romance, which I know sounds like an odd recommendation in May β but it is May-cember after all!
It is such a fun read. Cozy, swoony and exactly the kind of thing you want tucked away for a summer beach read or a long flight. Some of the backer tiers even include the book or ebook, so if you haven't read it yet, this is a great excuse to grab a copy while supporting the audiobook too. I've been rooting for this one since the beginning β I'd love to help it reach its goal.
coming up soon... π
June is quieter on the calendar but big on summer energy. Father's Day, backyard hangs and the first real stretch of summer are all on the horizon β and I'll have drinks and bites to match. July 4th planning starts sooner than you think too.
May is a lot β but the good kind of a lot. Save this email, pick your occasions and I hope at least one of these recipes makes it onto your table this month. Cheers to the busiest, best month of the year!
Salud!*β
βSusannah
P.S. Are you getting the emails that are right for you? If you're into cocktails, mocktails, coffee or entertaining β or all of the above β you can update your preferences anytime. Just hit "Update Preferences" at the bottom of this email and choose what fits.
*Spanish for "cheers," pronounced sa-LOOD.
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