These Candy Cocktails Will Have You Feeling Sugary And Silly

Ingredients for Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch

For the cocktail:

• 4 ounces bourbon
• 1 cup whole milk or cream
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ground nutmeg, for garnish
• Vanilla bean, split, for garnish
• Homemade butterscotch syrup, for the rim

For the homemade butterscotch syrup:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or pink salt
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions for Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch

To make the syrup:

1. In a 2-quart sauce pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add in the brown sugar and stir until the brown sugar resembles wet sand. Stir in the half teaspoon of salt.
2. Increase the heat to medium and stir occasionally until the mixture is bubbling up, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add in the cream, lower the heat slightly, and whisk it all together until it is uniform and any lumps dissolve.
4. Keep cooking the syrup for another 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches the temperature of 225 degrees F. Use a digital or candy thermometer, and if you don’t have one, stop simmering after a few minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
5. Remove the pot from the burner, then add in the vanilla extract. Let the butterscotch syrup cool slightly and adjust the vanilla extract and salt amounts as needed after trying it. It will thicken up as it cools. This makes a large batch, so use it with cocktails, cookies, cakes, and ice cream!
6. Once the syrup is cooled completely, store it in a glass jar with a lid and refrigerate it for up to a month.

1. Add bourbon, milk or cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large shaker with a few pieces of ice. Shake the ingredients together.
2. Dip the rim of each glass into the homemade butterscotch syrup, then add a large ice cube or several smaller ice cubes into the glass, topping with the milk punch. Garnish each drink with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, and a split vanilla bean.
3. Serve immediately and with cookies!

What are the 6 basic cocktails?

The top 6 basic cocktails are: Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Martini, Whiskey Highball, Flip, and Sidecar.

What are the 10 most popular cocktails?

1. Old Fashioned
2. Moscow Mule
3. Negroni
4. Mojito
5. Whiskey Sour
6. Daiquiri
7. Margarita
8. Mai Tai
9. Bloody Mary
10. Manhattan

Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail

Grab some mezcal, lime juice, and blood orange soda for this cocktail. You're going to need plenty of it, especially if you're making drinks for your friends. Feel free to snack on blood orange slices while you make the cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Rosé Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Rosé all day, please. What's a better cocktail to sip on than something light and fruity? We used oranges, lemons, and limes to create a drink we'll be sipping all summer long. (via Brit + Co)

Caramel Apple Cocktail

This fun cocktail is like the classic, delicious treat in drink form. It's sure to become your new fave! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Martini

You can never have too much chocolate in your life, so this easy cocktail recipe is a slam dunk. (via Brit + Co)

"Speak Now" Spritz

Who knew Taylor Swift could play a part in your cocktails? These ones are inspired by her "Speak Now" album and are so fun and colorful. (via Brit + Co)

Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail

This cocktail has notes of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and cardamom. Basically, it's fall in a drink. (via Brit + Co)

Aperol Spritz

This delicious spritz incorporates yummy pears for a drink you won't forget. We love fun cocktail recipes for fall. (via Brit + Co)

Red Bull Candy Cocktail

This sweet cocktail tastes like candy in liquid form! (via Brit + Co)

Vegas Bomb Shot

This is a classic easy cocktail recipe that you can have on hand for any party this year. The combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, and Red Bull might not sound like your go-to drink mix, but just trust us on this. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Sparkling Campari Orange Cocktail Recipe

Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, this drink is full of fizzies, which convinces us that it's just as good for winter as it is for summer. The best part is that this drink is refreshingly simple to make. (via Imagelicious)

The Elyx Spritz

Mix 1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka and 1.5 oz Lillet Rose in a highball glass, then top with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and add a lemon. Stir this cocktail recipe gently and add a lemon wheel garnish. (via Absolut Elyx)

Jameson Old Fashioned

It's always time to sip on something familiar. Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey in this remake of the classic old fashioned. (via Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)

Tito's Cherry Limeade

Unlock some serious nostalgia with this grown-up version of a cherry limeade. What makes it an easy cocktail is the addition of only 4 ingredients – cherry-infused Tito's, limeade, and a vibrant lime and cherry garnish. (via Tito's Vodka)

Whiskey Sour Punch

Mix up this sweet and sour whiskey punch for your party crew. There's more than enough to go around, no matter how many guests end up showing. (via Tastefully Eclectic)

Patrón Tequila Watermelon Patio Punch

Slice off the end of a watermelon so that it stands flat. Slice off the opposite end to make a "lid" and hollow it out (saving the flesh and juices). Blend until liquified and strain. Mix 25 oz Patrón Silver, 4 cups watermelon juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup simple syrup, 0.5 teaspoons salt, and add to the hollowed out watermelon. You can also add a watermelon tap if you have one, or use the watermelon as a punch bowl. (via Patrón)

Easy Pomegranate Margaritas

With five ingredients and 10 minutes, you can churn out this easy cocktail recipe for any last-minute plans. Aside from the fact that it tastes good, we're also obsessed with pomegranates, so we give this one two thumbs up. (via Baker by Nature)

Pumpkin Apple Shandy

You’ll want to drink this classic cocktail made from apple cider and pumpkin beer all year long. With both of these iconic flavors in one drink, you can have the best of both fall worlds. (via Jennifer Meyering)

Lemon Drop Martini

This mixed drink packs the perfect amount of tartness, balanced out with some good old sugary sweetness. This is one of those cocktail recipes that reminds us of summer, so we'll keep sipping it to manifest the warmer season. (via Barley & Sage)

Grapefruit Martini

Just 5 ingredients allow you to work your way to a refreshing cocktail! This grapefruit-clad drink is perfect for end-of-summer gatherings. (via Mixop)

Frosting Shots

These two-ingredient shots taste just like a celebration. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will want to get their hands on these sugary shots. (via Crazy for Crust)

Canción Habañero Mango Margarita

There's nothing like a delicious mango flavor to put you in a sunny mood! The best cocktail recipes are ones that channel summer. Shake 1.5 oz infused Canción Tequila, 0.5 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice, and 0.25 oz Finest Call Mango Puree together, then serve the mix over ice with a Tajin rim and an orange wheel garnish. (via Canción)

Kentucky Lemonade

Here’s a cocktail you’ll want to sip all year: sparkling lemonade spiked with bourbon. We're big fans of all things bubbly, so this drink is getting added to our list, stat. (via The Chunky Chef)

Oaxacan Rusty Nail

For a drink that lives up to its name, try this take on the rusty nail, made with mezcal, Drambuie, and bitters. Don't worry, there's no actual rust involved. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Patrón Tequila Mockingbird

Combine 1.5 oz Patrón Silver, 2 oz fresh watermelon juice, 0.15 oz fresh lime juice, 4 fresh basil leaves, fresh black pepper drops, and some simple syrup to taste. Shake the mixture with ice, then strain it onto fresh ice in a a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a watermelon slice. (via Patrón)

Moscato Sangria

Sangria is *so* simple to make since it's prepped in a large batch. If you're serving a party, this classic fruity drink is a must-make. (via Culinary Hill)

Sparkling Fig Cocktail

Vodka, champagne, figs and sprinkle of sugar come together to make this fancy-lookin' easy cocktail that really isn't all that involved. If you have a few minutes to spare, try this delicious sip out for yourself! Figs go *amazing* in cocktail recipes. (via Barley & Sage)

Pink Champagne Sangria Cocktail Recipe

We love a fruity cocktail, and this champagne, grapefruit, and pomegranate sparkler is no exception. Say hello to your new pink drink sip. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Easy Bourbon Slush

Okay, but have you ever tried bourbon slush-ified? This recipe is reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer, too, which gives it some amazing flavor, not to mention the pleasing texture. (via Live Eat Learn)

Creamsicle Delight Cocktail

A mixture of whipped-cream vodka, orange juice, and ginger ale, this cocktail tastes just like a popsicle. Don't forget to add a maraschino cherry before serving! (via The Blond Cook)

Irish Cream Pie Cocktail

With its sugar-cookie rim, this Irish cream pie cocktail is perfect for dessert. It's also a great excuse to make sugar cookiesto pair. Coffee and vodka are def a power duo for cocktail recipes. (via Crazy for Crust)

Clean Blackberry Mint Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

This is a great cocktail for anyone who loves blackberries because it's definitely the star of the recipe. Mint adds a wonderful flavor contrast, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly experience that you can't miss! (via Olive You Whole)

The Negroni

Whether you're in need of a drink to go with your dinner or with your favorite holiday movie, this is a simple and classy choice that you can sip on all night long. Just don't forget the iconic orange zest in your cocktail recipes. (via Most Hungry)

Empress Gin French 75 Easy Cocktail Recipe

There's a good chance that if a cocktail is in a fun color, we're more likely to drink it. So, you'll understand why we immediately bookmarked this gorgeous drink! The fact that it has a combo of champagne and lemon juice doesn't hurt, either. (via Barley & Sage)

Irish Coffee

Dissolve some brown sugar in whiskey, then add boiling coffee and a layer of frothy cream right on top for the best Irish coffee around. Another trick you can do is pouring your cream over a cold spoon so that it floats on the rest of the drink. Coffee lovers, unite! (via Culinary Hill)

Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail

This booze-less fancy drink makes for a great evening treat or breakfast addition. It's got avocado, strawberries, almonds, and honey that all mix together for something sweet and creamy. Add in a splash of your fave spirit to make it pop! (via Forks & Foliage)

Strawberry Iced Tea Cocktail and Mocktail

Picture yourself sippin' something sweet outside on the porch, and this iced tea cocktail comes into view. It's the perfect summer drink, but we'll take any excuse to make it any season. (via Amanda Wilens)

Tamarind Margarita

If you're a regular margarita drinker, try this twist on the classic. It features Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, and Tajin for an unexpected, complex, and flavorful addition to your happy hour. Creative cocktail recipes FTW! (via Cilantro Parsley)

Berry Lemonade Margaritas

Citrusy and sweet, these raspberry lemonade margaritas are just the thing to drink when you're dreaming about warmer days *and* when it starts getting hot again. (via Crazy for Crust)

Peach Vodka Martinis Simple Cocktail

Made with just three ingredients, these peachy martinis are too good to pass up. Have these mixed drinks at a bridal shower or at brunch. They go great with any occasion! (via Growing Up Gabel)

Frozen Orange Prosecco

Trade in your frozé for this citrusy froz-ecco. Even though it's frozen, the orange flavor gives it a wintertime twist. (via Foodness Gracious)

Tito's Summer Spice

Shake some Tito's, hibiscus liqueur, and lime juice together to craft a balanced easy cocktail! (via Tito's Vodka)

Canción Lyrical Mint Margarita

Raspberry lemonade, tequila and club soda?! We'll take two, please! For a big batch of this drink, mix 1 bottle of Canción Blanco Tequila, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 32 oz water, 32 oz seltzer or club soda, 12 oz raspberry juice, and garnish with fresh mint. (via Canción)

The Bee’s Knees

Honey lovers, take note — you'll want to memorize this simple cocktail. It features a honey syrup that you'll want to add to everything from here on out. (via Hungry by Nature)

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

This easy cocktail will pair superbly well with your summer BBQ plans. (via Mixop)

Mason Jar Margaritas

Mix up a batch of these mason jar margaritas, then let guests help themselves at your next get-together. Everyone will be happy when you make cocktail recipes like this! If you're a salt rim kind of person, go for it! (via Stetted)

Espresso Martini

Four ingredients (including your favorite coffee liqueur), and you've got yourself a delicious sip that you might've just paid a nonsense $15 for if you had gone out. Just keeping it real! (via Culinary Hill)

New York Sour Cocktail

Bourbon, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all you need to make this easy cocktail. You probably already have a lot of that at home! (via Dishes Delish)

Guava Margarita

A good margarita can never be passed up, especially this uniquely-flavored guava one. You'll need four ingredients and a hearty shake to make the easiest drink ever. (via Cozy Cravings)

Es Berry Berry Good Cocktail

Shake 1.5 oz Dos Hombres mezcal, 1/2 oz blackberry purée, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/4 oz velvet falernum, and 3/4 oz pineapple juice, and serve on the rocks for a delicious and refreshing cocktail! (via Dos Hombres)

Raspberry Rosé Sangria

With just a few fresh raspberries and a splash of soda, a bottle of rosé gets transformed into a sangria reminiscent of summer. We'll be counting down the months until it warms up outside! (via Stress Baking)

Piña Colada Punch

This piña colada punch makes a long weekend at home feel like a mini vacation no matter what time of year it is. Add some mini umbrellas for the full experience. (via Yes to Yolks)

Nolet's Watermelon Slushy

Cut a watermelon into chunks that are the size of ice cubes, and freeze for two hours on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make a mint lime syrup by heating 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 bunch of fresh mint, and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Blend the frozen watermelon chunks and a 1/2 cup of the syrup until it's a slushy consistency. Add Nolet's Silver Gin, pour, and garnish with watermelon, mint, and black sesame seeds! (via Nolet's)

Micheladas

Like a cross between beer and a Bloody Mary, Micheladas are the savory brunch cocktail recipes you’ve been missing out on. And yes, that is shrimp in the cocktail. (via Imagelicious)

Blood Orange Margarita

Colorful blood orange juice makes these margaritas immediately seem more dramatic, though the recipe itself stays simple, so that it's easy for you to make yourself. (via Simmer and Sauce)

Nolet’s Watermelon Cooler

Muddle 4 basil leaves with a 1/2 cup of watermelon in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, 1.5 oz Nolet's Silver Gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.5 oz lemon juice, then shake until chilled. Strain into a balloon glass and garnish with a basil leaf! (via Nolet's)

Grapefruit Groove

Get ready to shake the most refreshing sip of the summer using Tito's, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. (via Tito's Vodka)

Spiked Ginger Lemonade

Robust ginger beer mixes with fresh lemon juice and vodka perfectly. The result? These bracingly bold drinks that you can serve in a fun mule mug. (via Whitney Bond)

Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler

Combine 1 cup pear juice, a 2-inch nub of ginger (peeled and sliced), 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves in a pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and add 1/4 cup of lightly packed brown sugar. Stir until fully mixed, cool, and strain. This is your Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and it can last in the fridge for up to one week!

Then, pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon, the syrup, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds (or until the surface of the cocktail shaker is cool to the touch). Strain over a chilled coupe glass and top with Prosecco! (via Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine)

Citrus White Wine Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Made with white wine, this sangria is a little lighter than its crimson counterpart, which is great for anyone who doesn't like heavy drinks, but still wants to take part in the fun. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Watermelon-Infused Vodka

On the rocks or sipped with soda, it’s hard to go wrong with the fresh taste of this homemade watermelon vodka. Watermelon cocktail recipes always taste super refreshing! (via Dishes Delish)

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Margaritas

These tropical margaritas are made just a little spicy thanks to a sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper rim. It'll give you just enough of a kick! (via The Endless Meal)

Lavender Mojitos

If you're a fan of lavender recipes, then you have to make this easy cocktail recipe. Lavender sparkling soda is the secret to making these easy floral mojitos. (via West of the Loops)

Skinny Salty Dog

Grapefruit vodka and seltzer water put a healthier twist on the Salty Dog, a cocktail recipe usually made with grapefruit juice and plain vodka. (via The Every Kitchen)

Tequila Mule

This easy cocktail recipe only requires three ingredients (tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a flavor combo that is classic for a reason! Serve in a classic mule mug with extra limes. (via Cozy Cravings)

Cucumber Gin Cocktail

Aside from its bright green hue, this stunning cocktail is the ultimate refresher. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Easy Triple Citrus Margarita

This is a healthy take on the classic margarita – with a fruity twist. It still has the mezcal and tequila that you usually add to your drinks, but features a healthy soda alternative. Plus, it only takes five minutes to put together. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Maple Old Fashioned

We love how maple makes anything taste more autumnal, and this five minute, easy cocktail recipe has fall written all over it. If you can't resist fall flavors, even in spring, this drink is the one for you. (via The Endless Meal)

Patrón Watermelon Basil Margarita

Shake 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado, 1 oz fresh watermelon juice or puree, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz agave nectar, and 3 basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass, and garnish with a basil leaf and watermelon wedge. (via Patrón)

Mythology Gin Fizz Recipe

You'll love the foam on this drink — it's almost like the cappuccino of cocktails. Dry shake 2 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.75 simple syrup, 8 drops lavender bitters, 1 egg white, then add ice and shake again once foamy. Double strain into a Collins glass with no ice and top with soda until the foam reaches the top. Sprinkle with lavender. (via Mythology Distillery)

Mythology Garden Gnome Cocktail Recipe

We can't wait to sip this Garden Gnome cocktail in the garden because, well, where else would we drink it? Shake 1.5 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.25 oz dolin genepy, 0.5 simple syrup, 0.75 lime juice, and 1 oz cucumber basil puree, then strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda, black pepper, and garnish with a cucumber wheel. (via Mythology Distillery)

Champagne Cocktail

Let's be real — you never need a real excuse to pour out a little champagne in your cocktail recipes. These easy cocktails elevate your go-to drink just a little more! (via Culinary Hill)

Sorel Spritzer

Combine 2oz sparkling wine and 1oz Sorel in a champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower for an easy wintertime sip! (via Sorel Liqueur)

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

The most commitment you'll need to make to prep this refreshing drink 10 minutes to make a homemade simple syrup. Trust us, the effort will be worth it for all that amazing lavender flavor. (via Amanda Wilens)

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!