We Tried It: Baby Food Cocktails

When I saw that baby food cocktails were trending, my immediate reaction was “NO!” But after about 30 seconds, my thought shifted to, “Well, all baby food really consists of is mushy fruit and veg.” So why *not* add that to a cocktail? No good reason, so today we made three baby food cocktail recipes and surveyed the office (without saying what was in them) to see if they got a thumbs up. The results: Lots of thumbs up. People love these. Read on for the instructions, then if you’re really inspired, you can even make homemade baby food!

Baby Food Bellini


— Champagne

— peach baby food

— raspberries and mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill your glass 4/5 of the way with Champagne.

2. Add half a pack of baby food, or to taste.

3. Plunk 3-4 raspberries in the glass and add a sprig of mint.

The instructions for this are rather vague because we all like our bellinis a certain way. I suggest you add as much peach baby food as you like!

Add a fun stir stick so that you can keep mixing any peach that winds up on the bottom of your glass.

These would be a hit at a baby shower brunch.

This rum-based baby food libation is blended with ice for a tropical vibe.

Ingredients:

Tropical Baby Food Daiquiri

— 1 shot rum

— 2 shots mango orange juice

— half a pack of peach, apricot & banana baby food

— juice from half a lime

— ice

— mini bananas, lime and mango to garnish

Instructions:

1. Pour rum, juice and baby food into a blender. Add ice and mix until smooth.

2. Add lime to taste. Mix again.

3. Fill your glass and add mango, lime and banana chunks as garnish!

You need to add more ice than you think to get that frothy consistency.

Swirly straws and umbrellas are a must!

Add a little bit of baby food to lemonade and vodka for a refreshing elixir.

Ingredients:

Baby Food Spiked Lemonade

— 1 shot lime vodka

— two shots lemonade

— half a pack pears, raspberries, butternut squash & carrot baby food

— lemon and fig to garnish

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake, then pour into a glass over ice.

3. Garnish with a lemon round and half a fig.

Again, add baby food to taste. Start with a squirt or two, then add more (up to half the package) until your taste buds are happy.

Be sure to eat that fig once you’re done with your drink!

Outer Banks fans cried saying goodbye to JJ when part 2 dropped on November 7, but I wasn't expecting the Outer Banks cast's goodbye to Rudy Pankow to make me equally emotional. The TV show is a standout because of how electric the cast's chemistry is onscreen — and how close they are offscreen.

But according to some sources, a rift reportedly formed between Rudy Pankow (JJ) and Madison Bailey (Kiara) after fans picked up on their chemistry and started shipping them IRL...like, really intensely. Despite the fact the creators promise this was the plan since season 1, OBX fans are convinced their rumored fallout is the reason Rudy left the show.

Keep reading for the full breakdown on the rumored Outer Banks cast drama between Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow.

  • Outer Banks cast members Madelyn Cline, Chase Stokes, Madison Bailey, Rudy Pankow, Jonathan Daviss, Drew Starkey, and Carlacia Grant are incredibly close offscreen.
  • It seems drama started between Rudy and Madison after fans who shipped their characters started shipping the actors in real life.
  • And a variety of OBX fans think this drama is why Rudy chose to leave the show after season 4.

The Latest Update On The 'Outer Banks' Cast Drama

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After fans have been VERY loud about the supposed cast drama, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) made me laugh out loud when she posted her OBX 4 Instagram post — and seemingly called fans out in the comments. The roundup includes cast group pictures, a snap of Drew Starkey, and Morocco, and she captioned the post, "If I drop these are y’all gonna act right?"

Why aren't Rudy and Madison friends anymore?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy Pankow and Madison Bailey were best friends during season 1 (Madison called Rudy her "bestie," and said that in any situation, "he's the first person I'm going to call"). But rumors of a fallout came after the show went viral in 2020. Fans picked up on their onscreen chemistry and started shipping the actors in addition to shipping their characters JJ and Kiara (the internet shipped the fictional couple so hard, in fact, that the relationship was written into the show despite it not being the team's original plan).

"Madison and Kiara, and Rudy and JJ, are two different people," Madison said in a 2020 Entertainment Tonight interview after the relationship started picking up steam. "Let's keep the ships on the show. But as far as the show, I'm all for it."

After publicity for Outer Banks season 2 began, fans noticed Rudy and Madison didn't seem to have the same connection in public, and even appeared to avoid each other on set — a far cry from their adorable interactions during press for season 1.

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Fans started outright blaming Rudy's girlfriend Elaine Seimek, who was originally a PA on the show, for causing a rift between the two actors. Madison herself shut down the rumors with a TikTok promising they all had no problems, while Rudy Pankow took to Instagram to defend his girlfriend.

"To those who are creating such displeasure and opinions about the one I love and my relationship, it’s time to stop," Rudy Pankow said in an August 6, 2021 post. "I want to express the importance to spread positivity and needing to know when it is unfair to express your own distaste for something or someone, especially when you can do it behind an anonymous identity. I was always told the best version of yourself is your most humbled self…I make this statement as my most humbled self and would be so grateful if we all would move forward in positivity and respect."

Is there drama between the Outer Banks cast?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The Outer Banks cast drama rumors only intensified after a June 2023 dinner, when Madison Bailey and her partner Mariah Linney reportedly unfollowed Elaine on Instagram. Not to mention the fact Rudy Pankow isn't in any of the Outer Banks season 4 cast videos.

After JJ's death rocked the internet, creators Josh and Jonas Pate and Shannon Burke said that it was always the plan to kill JJ. "For a long time we had known that someone was going to die," showrunner Shannon Burke told Teen Vogue. "We thought it was going to be JJ all along."

However, the fact that JJ and Kiara have been dating for almost 2 years at this point, yet barely react to the other heading into danger has fans thinking Rudy asked to leave the show. And rumors that they filmed multiple endings to give Rudy the option to stay only adds fuel to the fire.

When new episodes of the show dropped in November of 2024, fans almost immediately clocked that Rudy and Madison appear to have used body doubles for a cuddling scene — while Madelyn Cline and Chase Stokes (who dated from June 2020 to November 2021) were cozied up across the campfire.

Even though an anonymous source suggested Rudy and Madison aren't friends anymore, and that their chemistry onscreen in season 1 was because they'd fallen for each other IRL, a source told People the actors are not feuding.

But one DeuxMoi source just spilled some serious tea, telling the site that, "Rudy asked them to write him off because of the drama! Production got mad and they had to refilm episodes," they said. "They filmed episode 10 before the last episodes of the first half & Rudy didn't tell the cast so it threw them off. In the last episode you can see how mad everyone was at Rudy. It's a mess and it pissed off production but they are going to brush it off like it's ‘always been the plan.’”

They also revealed that apparently, the plan was to kill JJ off in the series finale, which honestly kind of makes sense.

When did Madison Bailey and Rudy Pankow meet?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy and Madison first met after Rudy had booked the role of JJ and Madison was headed to a final audition. Despite the fact they had mutual friends, they didn't meet until they were on the same plane to Charleston. She told Harper's Bazaar in 2020 that she said hello when they crossed paths, then found a DM from him on social media. “He was like, ‘I knew you were Kiara the second I saw you,’" she said. "I was like, "Oh my God, did this guy three seats up really just DM me?’ He went and found our mutuals, found my page, and messaged me.”

Well, during press for Outer Banks season 4, when the cast was asked who would be most likely to fall in love with a stranger on a plane, Carlacia Grant (Cleo) answered with Madison, leading fans to believe she was confirming the romance rumors.

Did Rudy quit OBX?

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Rudy Pankow exited Outer Banks after season 4, and Madison Bailey finally spoke about what JJ means to her in the cast's official goodbye — and got emotional talking about how well Rudy brought the character to life.

"We all read the character on the page," she says. "And we know what you brought to it and you turned it out and really made something of it and paid respect to the depth of the character while bringing a lightheartedness that the show desperately needed."

And during a cast video hyping up JJ's (and Rudy's) best moments from the series, fans were beaming when Rudy and Madison dissected some of the best Jiara moments from season 3. "this video healed me❤️🩹 thank you netflix!" one TikTok user wrote in the comments of Madison talking about JJ and Kiara's first kiss. "I’m so happy [they're] friends bro like fr 🥺🥺," another user said.

Check back here for the latest updates on the Outer Banks cast drama. Read up on why Outer Banks Fans Are Really Not Happy With THAT Death In The OBX Season 4 Ending.

This post has been updated.

Don't let every December evening become a "Silent Night" – press play on our Christmas playlist! This Christmas playlist is the perfect companion to have on in the background while you're setting up the tree, decorating Christmas cookies, or wrappinggifts. I made sure to include a mix of traditional (think Bing Crosby) and contemporary (hello, Spice Girls) Christmas tracks so that each and every play will have a variety, but still get you in the holiday spirit.

Listen to our Christmas playlist here.

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" – Mariah Carey

It’s tiIiiime! This song is literally everywhere during Christmas. Its catchiness is unavoidable, but I know you love it all the same. Mariah’s most popular Christmas song has *got* to be on repeat as you embrace all things red and green this winter.

"Last Christmas" – Wham!

Another undeniable Christmas classic, Wham!’s “Last Christmas” is a mainstay in my personal Christmas playlist. It’s equal parts cheery and nostalgic. It’s 80s vibes all the way. I even added Remi Wolf’s more recent cover of “Last Christmas” to our Christmas playlist for added vibes, because this track is one I can just listen to over and over again.

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" – Andy Williams

This song reminds me of New York City during the holiday season – not that I’ve experienced it for myself, but Andy Williams’ deep, soothing voice brings forth those elegant feelings I associate with Christmas movies that depict NYC, like Elf and Home Alone 2. It’s energetic and highly illustrative, and a must-listen every year.

"Blue Christmas" – Elvis Presley 

Thanks to thePriscilla movie, the Elvis hype is way up in 2023. Work in his pouty “Blue Christmas” into your holiday song rotation this year to embrace the 50s aesthetic while you’re decorating the tree! Even if you’re not missing someone special this Christmas, the woeful lyrics are going to make you yearn.

"O Tannenbaum" – Vince Guaraldi Trio

This jazzy, Peanuts-approved instrumental track begs to be played as you’re sipping hot chocolate by the fire this Christmas. It provides a nice moment of calm no matter when you’re listening to it, which we all know is definitely needed amongst all the holiday hubbub.

"White Winter Hymnal" – Fleet Foxes

Though not explicitly a Christmas song, “White Winter Hymnal” by Fleet Foxes is a winter playlist staple. Its folky instrumental work and vocals really channel the coziness we all associate with Christmas season. The consistent harmonies and tambourine beats will certainly put you in a calm, spirited mood this year if this track isn’t already on your radar.

"Auld Land Syne" – Guy Lombardo

Typically played at the end of the year to ring in the New Year, the original rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” done by Guy Lombardo plays through silky-smooth brass and woodwind arrangements that everyone will confide in this Christmas season. This is another very calming track, so play it when you’re moving at a slower pace.

"Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)" – Bing Crosby

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- YouTube

This island-inspired Christmas song is the epitome of jolly. The driving guitar and drums back Bing Crosby’s classic voice to create an energetic song option this season.

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" – Judy Garland

This Judy Garland number is a classic! Her very lyrical, emotional way of delivering the spirited lyrics transport you to mid-century Christmas, when the track first appeared in Meet Me in St. Louis.

"Christmas Wrapping" – Spice Girls

It wouldn’t be a B+C playlist without a little 90s throwback! In this song, the Spice Girls cover the classic Christmas song that was originally sung by early-80s band, The Waitresses. It has that fun Y2K twist to get you groovin’!

Listen To Our Christmas Playlist Here!

Brit + Co has you covered for all your holiday needs this year! Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you don't miss a thing!

We love our holiday staples but sometimes we like to mix it up with someone new, whether it's a new appetizer to try (love this baked brie recipe), a new side dish, or even a new dessert or holiday cocktail. Conversations around the holiday table can't help but center on the food, and when you can drop a celeb name to the dish the conversation takes a juicy turn. This year, our holiday dinner goes to Hollywood for celebrity takes on holiday desserts, dishes and drinks. Make them now and well into winter. Who knows, they may become your family favorites too. Now scene!

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Taylor Swift adapted this cookie recipe from Joy the Baker and our editor Meredith Holser gave them a go in her kitchen. She was starstruck by how easy they were to make!

Blake Lively's Sausage And Brie Puff Pastry

Lively recreates one of her favorite personal recipes using locally sourced meats and ingredients with Elletra's Goodness. (via Vogue)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Roast Chicken with Lemon Pepper Rub

If you're over turkey and turkey leftovers, this flavorful roast chicken from the Modern Family star will mix up your holiday meal with lemon-y deliciousness.

Bundle “Le Emilia” By Emilia Clarke

  • 2 fl oz Pegasus Vodka
  • 1/2 fl oz Eau D'or Liqueur
  • 1/2 fl oz simple syrup
  • 1 fl oz lime juice
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves
  1. Shake and strain in a cocktail glass.
  2. Add Eau D’Or foam.
  3. Decorate with fresh mint leaves and lime zest.
  4. Suggested glassware: Riedel Sour Glass

Joanna Gaines' Friendsgiving Casserole

This chicken casserole is the perfect one-pot meal to take to your holiday potluck or just whip up for a delicious winter meal for days. (from Magnolia)

Dolly Parton's Walnut Pie

  • 1 fold-out pie crust (thawed)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • whipped cream
Directions:
  1. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Roll out the crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with hand mixer. Gradually add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing until combined. Add the melted butter and beat until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell. Add the walnuts, spreading them evenly within the mixture. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake 45 minutes more. Place a collar of foil around the edge of the crust after 30 minutes.
  5. Serve with a Dolly-up of whipped cream.

Kristen Bell's Everything Cookies

For your next cookie party serve up the Bell's favorite Everything Cookie (oats, butterscotch and chocolate, oh my!). Get points for gluten-free too! (from Today)

Sarah Michelle Gellar's Gingerbread Cookies

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum makes this adorable Gingerbread family at home with her two little ones. (from Us)

Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Potato Streusel Pie

Buttery pecan topping? Yes, please! Thanks to Cravings by Chrissy Tiegen for the recipe.

Martha Stewart's Shortbread Cookie Wreaths

Slay your cookie party with these candied flowered cookies from the baking queen.

Kylie Jenner's Calabasas Combo

Ingredients:

Directions: Combine all ingredients except Sprinter Vodka Soda in a cocktail shaker and shake until frosty. Pour into a rocks glass and top with Sprinter Vodka Soda. Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit slice.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Potato Apple Latkes with Smoked Salmon

We never met a fried potato we didn't like. This Hanukkah hit from GP makes a great holiday breakfast or side dish. (from Goop)

Avaline

Cameron Diaz's Cambrusco Spritz

Here's my twist on the classic Shirley Temple that's become my favorite fall cocktail — the Avaline Cambrusco Spritz! It combines Avaline's fruity, fizzy Lambrusco with refreshing pomegranate-cranberry juice and lemon-lime sparkling water. It’s the perfect blend of tart, bubbly, and not-too-sweet, with a nostalgic touch from the maraschino cherries. Whether you’re hosting happy hour or planning a dinner party with fresh fall produce, this spritz will add a fun pop of color (and flavor) to your autumn gatherings. Cheers to making new memories! - Cameron

  1. Fill to top with sparkling water
  2. Add 1 squeeze of a lemon wedge
  3. Add 1-3 maraschino cherries for garnish

Kylie Jenner's Famous Matzo Ball Soup

Warm up a winter holiday day with a bowl of matzo ball soup courtesy of the Kardashians star. She walks you through her recipe — the matzo balls can be made by following the instructions on the box.

Meghan Markle's The TIG Cozy Cocktail

The duchess calls this warm and cinnamon-y bourbon-based drink "the very best apres ski drink I can think of." Cue the roasting fire. (from The Mail)

Jamie Chung's The Moet 75

A twist on one of our faves, the French 75, this official Golden Globes cocktail created by the The Misfits star has a kick of tequila. (from Haute Living)

Kourtney Kardashian's Pomegranate Champagne Punch

So easy and so tasty! Give this festive Champagne-based cocktail a swig to ring in the new year in style. (from In Style)

Carly Pearce's Pumpkin Pie

The country music singer, based in Nashville, shared her mom's pumpkin pie recipe with us and we are all over it.

Dough:

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling:

  • 2 cups of unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves (we like to add an extra pinch!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions:
  1. For the dough, mix together flour, sugar and salt evenly in a bowl
  2. Lightly beat in butter and egg
  3. Cover the dough in plastic and let chill in refrigerator for 2 hours
  4. Once chilled, sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll out dough, then roll dough onto pie pan. Leave about half an inch extra around the edge and fold underneath the edge of the crust.
  5. Pinch edges of pie with your fingers, then freeze the shell for 30 minutes.
  6. Add parchment paper over the pie shell and fill with pie weights (this can be dried beans or even sugar)
  7. To prep the dough for the filling, bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 375 degrees, or until pie shell is golden brown
  8. Take the crust out of the oven and remove the weights, then let the crust cool.
  9. Set oven temp to 350 degrees
  10. For the filling, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, half-and-half, light brown sugar and spices and eggs into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  11. Pour mix into pie crust, bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
  12. Remove from oven, let pie cool for 30 minutes

Amy Grant's Fudge Sauce

The 6-time Grammy Award winner shared with us her mom Gloria's recipe for fudge sauce. Dip cookies, add to ice cream or drizzle on pie:

  • 4-5 unsweetened chocolate squares
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 stick butter

In a double-boiler, melt Chocolate Squares and Sweetened Condensed Milk, then fill empty can with water. Add water, a little at a time, to the melted chocolate mixture. Allow it to cook down, and add more water and repeat. After about 20 minutes, remove from heat, add butter and beat until shiny.

Cheers and happy holidays! Want more trending entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook for the best pop culture updates.