easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I've been there too. Standing in the liquor aisle, with one hand scrolling through cocktail recipes and the other juggling bottles, deliberating what to buy while mentally tallying up the cost of everything in my cart. Let’s be honest — building the perfect bar cart without breaking the bank can feel like a full-time job. The good news? I have something totally free to share with you that’ll make booze shopping way easier. My friend Leah at Gastronom...
9 days ago • 1 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! How do you feel about brandy? It has a tendency to get cast as a simple after-dinner drink or a source of holiday spirit, but it's so much more than that! Brandy offers a deep, sweet complexity that makes it perfect for mixing into cocktails in addition to sipping on its own. It comes from fermented fruit juice — yep, just like wine — so the flavors can vary widely. Pears, plums and grapes are commonly used to create different varieties. My advice is...
13 days ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Wine + spices + fruit are the winning combo when it comes to summertime entertaining. Yep, I'm talking about sangria! When most people hear sangria, they just think of the iconic red wine version (delicious), but there are SO MANY other options. Sangria is ideal for summer because... 1. It's easy to make with what you have on-hand. These recipes will give you a starting point, but if you don't have an ingredient it won't make or break the end result. 2....
20 days ago • 2 min read
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! Between a packed work season and weekends full of sunshine, I’ve been savoring the little things this summer — like finally catching up on the latest season of “The Bear.” I’m taking my time with it because I don’t want it to end. If you haven’t seen “The Bear,” it’s a brilliant show about a high-end restaurant and the...
22 days ago • 3 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Summer is slipping by — how is it already the 4th of July? Dress your drinks for the occasion, no matter what your holiday holds. Pool parties, parades, fireworks... colorful cocktails will brighten any celebration! Try one of these Red, White and Blue sippers over the long weekend, then enjoy them all season long: red, white & blue jello shots These tri-colored treats are perfect for summer celebrations! With a boozy and booze-free option they'll fit...
30 days ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Who here likes pie?? 🙋♀️ A flaky crust, a delightful filling, maybe some whipped cream on top... what's not to love? True, pies tend to get the spotlight around Thanksgiving, but since so many of these delicious desserts star flavors that are at their peak during summer, they are just as at home at a cookout. These drinks embody the flavors of your favorite summer treats in a glass: peach mule Peach pie, peach cobbler, baked peaches — it's hard to beat...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Mocktails aren't what they used to be. With depth of flavor that you'd find in any craft cocktail, these drinks are perfect for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day or serving to guests at any gathering. These alcohol-free cocktails are a step up simply serving sparkling water or soda and the perfect way to ensure everyone has something to enjoy for any occasion. Zero-proof spirits are a great way to add extra flavor that you typically get from...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! The martini is an iconic cocktail, and for good reason. From the big screen to its popularity at the bar, it's a classic cocktail that is oh so classy. Instead of the traditional recipe, we're giving dessert martinis their time in the sun. Rather than being dry and savory, these sippers are sweet and packed with flavor, making them oh-so-easy to enjoy. Leave the olives in the fridge and sip on one of these treats instead: strawberry lemon drop This...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, most would say that summer is here. I would agree, despite the cooler temperatures — certainly not complaining as I know it'll be plenty hot soon! No matter what the weather looks like, a new season is the perfect chance to switch up your sips. While there are some summer favorites I just can't let go of (looking at you, margarita), there are so many good drinks out there to choose from! If you're feeling...
2 months ago • 1 min read