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Hey, Reader!

Looking back at 2025, a few clear trends jumped out. Mocktails had a real moment, homemade syrups and mixers became a point of pride, and drinks weren’t just about what was in the glass — they were about who we were sharing them with.

From cozy movie nights to thoughtful homemade gifts to festive holiday sips, it felt like we all leaned a little harder into community this year. Your favorite drinks and mixers on my site reflect that shift, plus there's one wildcard from my family's kitchen that makes this list every year.

your favorites this year

1. This fall staple syrup took over fridges and coffee mugs everywhere.
2. Rooted in my family's traditions, this old-fashioned dessert recipe sparked curiosity long before the first bite.
3. Weekend brunches got an upgrade thanks to this brunch-ready cocktail mix.
4. Sweet and bold, this summer syrup kept showing up in all the right places.
5. Nostalgia met happy hour with this buttery, boozy drink people always ask about.
6. When the blender came out, it usually meant someone was making this frozen party drink.
7. One seasonal twist turned a classic into a must-make holiday-inspired mule.
8. Gifting felt easier (and more fun) with these DIY cocktail gifts in the mix.
9. Cozy nights called for this whiskey cocktail that didn’t need a cocktail shaker.
10. When not everyone wanted alcohol, this cozy mocktail quietly became the go-to.

my favorite creations of 2025

These were the recipes and ideas I couldn’t stop coming back to — the ones that matched the trends I loved this year and kept showing up in real life:

1. My go-to citrus-forward mocktail came in clutch anytime I wanted something refreshing without overthinking it.
2. This spring cocktail had its moment on TV this year (one of three TV appearances I did, which still feels wild).
3. Sweet meets heat in this honey-kissed cocktail that surprises.
4. This herbal summer mocktail proved zero-proof drinks can still feel special.
5. For my husband and me, this slow-sipping rum classic became our house favorite.
6. I'm obsessed with this elevated mojito-style drink — perfect for anyone ready to level up their palate.
7. What started as a snack idea for my SIL's bachelorette party is now something I serve all the time.
8. This colorful party idea idea might be my favorite thing I photographed all year.
9. This unexpected cider might be our new seasonal tradition.
10. And this tiki-inspired holiday cocktail somehow made perfect sense in December.

Before I go, I just want to say thank you — for being here, for cooking along and for making this space feel like a real community. I’m also incredibly grateful for my small but mighty team, who helped make 137 recipes (and so many ideas) come to life this year.

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We’ve got one more New Year’s Eve recipe coming your way next week, and then we’ll be ready to step into whatever’s next in 2026. A reader named Mark shared his favorite toast with me, and it feels like the perfect way to close out the year:

"To the trail ahead!" 🥂

Susannah

P.S. Next year’s already shaping up to be a good one — more mocktails, more cozy sips, and plenty of reasons to gather.