Would You Try This Candy Corn Hard Cider?

taste testing candy corn hard cider from 1911 established beak & skiff

We're only about halfway through September, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s Halloween season. The best part of the holiday is, of course, the candy – and though it’s highly contested, candy corn is one of my favorites to pick from the trick-or-treat pail (AKA the grocery store candy aisle). Now that I don't necessarily trick or treat as often, I need to get my fix in other ways. Thanks to Beak & Skiff, a sweet family-owned apple orchard in New York, I can finally channel the spooky holiday spirit in beverage form with the help of their 1911 Established Candy Corn Cider.

Only available ahead of the season, the cider sets out to “complete any Halloween heist, spooky soiree, or ghostly gala you have planned” by employing the sugary goodness of candy corn and fresh apple cider derived from apples grown in their orchard. It joins an impressive lineup of even more food-inspired flavors such as Sour Peach, Orange Dreamsicle, Black Cherry, and even Cider Donut. It’s also rated a 6 out of 6 for sweetness. Being a gal that reaches primarily for sweets, I had to give the 1911 Established Candy Corn Cider a sip.

And sweet it was! My first taste of the candy-infused cider was punchy and bright, and it definitely delivered on the candy corn. Although the sugary notes were very prominent, each sip I took ended nicely on flavors of crisp apple, which contributed to this bev being more of a real cider than a straight-up syrupy concoction.

At 6.9% ABV, one can of the Candy Corn Cider will do you good, IMO. Unlike a dreary, dazy sugar coma, I was riding a delightful buzz after finishing it, which is *exactly* what I desire from a single can. It was super fun to share with friends, too, as I watched their eyes light up with enjoyment and surprise from just how similar to candy corn the cider tasted.

All things considered, I loved the 1911 Established Candy Corn Cider. If you don’t like sweet drinks, it may not be for you, but it will *definitely* put you in the Halloween spirit.

What do you think – would you try this candy corn cider? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Beak & Skiff 1911 Established.

No-bake Halloween treats are the perfect solution for quick and easy festive desserts. Whether you’re volunteering for a school party or a neighborhood hang pre-trick or treating, these easy no-bake treats are a MUST for quick entertaining and require no oven! Pick out your favoritefestive cupcake recipe and break out your tried-and-true Halloween snack mixes, because all of your spooky get-togethers are about to get wild. We have a few cocktail "treats" for adults too! From chocolate-dipped pretzel broomsticks to ghosty cake pops, these spooky and seasonal treats are ideal for Halloween parties or as a fun activity with kids, without the hassle of baking. Read on for 65 of the easiest and most festive no-bake Halloween treatswe love!

Ghost Cake Pops

Store-bought cake and candy eyes make a super fun and totally delicious holiday treat that will impress kids and party guests alike! (via Hello Little Home)

Chocolate Caramel-Covered Banana Goblins

These goofy goblins are just as delicious as they are adorable. Plus, since you’re snacking on potassium-rich bananas, you don’t have to feel bad about the chocolate and caramel. (via Handmade Charlotte)

Trick or Treat Mummy Nuggets

There’s no easier way to make a cute Halloween treat than by using snacks you already have in your house. These mummy nuggets would be a fun project to keep kids busy while practicing their artistic skills. Just don’t be surprised if you find a lot missing. (via Easy Peasy Pleasy)

No Bake Protein Balls: Monster Cookie Edition

These no-cook, no-bake monster cookie protein balls are a fun and delicious after-school snack or lunch treat. They have the perfect amount of sweet without any potentially inflammatory sweeteners. Even the candy-coated pieces they recommend are made with minimally-processed ingredients! (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Graveyard Dirt Cups

We might be okay with being buried if it’s in six feet of chocolate cookies and pudding. Decorate your cups with edible bones and tombstones to really make it look like a cemetery. (via Sugar, Spice and Family Life)

Swirled Chocolate Butterscotch Bars

These deliciously easy homemade treats require no oven, very little prep time, almost no effort, made in one bowl, and make the perfect homemade Halloween “candy bar." (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip

Please a crowd with this 5-ingredient dip that's super creamy and topped with crunchy toffee bits. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Candy Corn Cookie Bark

Somehow you always have candy corn left over at the end of Halloween (heck, you may have some left from last year). Put it to good use by making this gift-worthy cookie bark that showcases all of the Halloween colors we know and love. (via Grace and Good Eats)

Butterfinger Fudge

This homemade spin on one of Halloween’s staple sweets is one that will make you very proud of yourself. It’s not every day you can say you made candy that’s better than the original. (via A Bajillion Recipes)

Candy Corn Krispie Treat Pretzel Pops

These treats aren’t just no-bake; they’re no-cook at all. Take advantage of store-bought Rice Krispies to form your candy corn look-alike, and you won’t even break a sweat. (via Love from the Oven)

Homemade Candy Bars

In case your local grocery store is all out of your favorite candy come Halloween, you can always make your own! Try experimenting with homemade Snickers and Twix, to start. (via Brit + Co)

Worms and Dirt

Make this classic Halloween treat for kids without refined-sugar, dairy, and gluten, but still filled with chocolatey flavor. There's an option to use store-bought chocolate cookies, making it easy and no bake! (via Clean Cuisine)

No Bake Monster Bars

These protein-packed peanut butter chocolate bars are perfect for Halloween and fall snacks, just keep them in the fridge or freezer so you always have a healthy treat within reach. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Candy Corn Popcorn

Since we can’t enjoy candy corn year-round, let’s go overboard this whole month. This no-bake snack doubles the fun with candy corn popcorn served in a tricolor waffle cone. (via Brit + Co)

No Bake Vegan Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars

These no bake bars are a mix of healthy and delicious with Medjool dates, coconut, almonds, cocoa powder and chocolate chips.(via Vanilla and Bean)

Halloween Banana Popsicles

If you’re looking for a healthier Halloween snack or if you tend to have those hot Indian summers that won’t quit, these banana fruit pops are the way to go! (via Food Bank of the Southern Tier)

Halloween Chocolate Bars

Did you know you could make candy corn and Oreo-filled brownies without even turning on your oven? The result is thick and fudgy, just what you want for Halloween. (via Homemaking Hacks)

Frankengoblin Jello Shots

Oreos and Jello. What could be better? These cookie jiggler shooters will scare your creepy socks off. (via Brit + Co)

No-Bake Orange Curd Mini Cheesecakes

These orange curd dessert are the perfect Halloween treat for potluck parties. You just need crust, cheesecake filling, and orange curd, so easy it's scary! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Frankenstein Twinkies Pops

How cute are these guys? Just when you thought Twinkies couldn’t get any better, this happens. (via This Silly Girl’s Kitchen)

Black Cat Cookies

Our favorite thing about these ominous feline bites is that the cookies are pre-made. Being totally smothered in melted chocolate helps too. Me-ow. (via Hungry Happenings)

Ghost Crackers

It definitely doesn’t get much cuter than these. If you can stop playing with the decorations long enough to taste the crackers, the sweet and salty flavor will be simply addicting. (via Cake Wiz)

No Bake Chocolate Lasagna

Make four layers of yumminess in this incredibly easy to make dessert, including a no-bake oreo cookie crust, instant chocolate pudding, cream cheese fluff, and whipped topping. Add orange sprinkles to make it extra Halloween-y! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Here's another super easy cake you can top with your Halloween toppings if you like. Make it in about 10 minutes with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting! (via Culinary Hill)

Homemade Almond Joy and Mounds Bars

It seems these candy bars only make an appearance come Halloween. But we’re willing to bet the homemade version will stick around all year. Yeah, they’re that good. (via Marin Mama Cooks)

Mummy Truffles

These mummy truffle bites don’t have a trace of “scary,” thanks to the decadent pumpkin cheesecake filling. Once you get past the blaring red eyes, it’s nothing but sweet and creamy dessert goodness. (via Creme de la Crumb)

Jack Skellington Donut Pops

he Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic movie that is on repeat around Halloween. Give the star the credit he deserves by making these snackable donut pops adorned with Jack’s loveable skeleton face. (via Finding Zest)

Vegan Twix Bars

Something tells us the word “healthy” never comes to mind when you’re eating a Twix. That’s all about to change with this chocolatey vegan dupe. (via Healthful Pursuit)

Mini Phyllo Bites

Phyllo shells are the gateway to endless dessert possibilities. Repurpose your leftover candy minis to form a new and improved treat that you’ll make year after year. (via Nifty Mom)

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

This easy no-bake pumpkin pie cheesecake is creamy and delicious and the perfect Halloween time dessert. (via Feel Good Foodie)

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Parfait

What can you do with a couple of Oreos and a can of Fanta? No, this isn’t a joke; those are the two main ingredients to this simple Halloween parfait. Dig in! (via Cook With Manali)

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Bark

You can’t go wrong with pretzels and peanut butter. The sweet/salty combo is to die for, and you could easily package it and give back to trick-or-treaters. (via Something Swanky)

Candy Dipped Pretzel Rods

Halloween sprinkles and colored candy melts make for a fun autumn day in. Make your own masterpiece on a pretzel rod that is both beautiful AND delicious. (via Love Bakes Good Cakes)

Easy No-Bake Halloween Treats

These easy treats take just four ingredients! (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

Cookie Dough Mummies

What lurks inside these truffles isn’t a mummified body part, but a sweet ball of luscious cookie dough that’s egg-free, of course. (via Catch My Party)

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

Pumpkin and peanut butter are like Halloween’s version of the PB&J. As if that isn’t reason enough, sandwich them between two pretzels for a little bit of crunch and saltiness. (via Fresh April Flours)

Easy Pumpkin Patties

Whip up these festive homemade candies for a treat that will put your actual Halloween candy to shame. Each bite is as buttery and sugary as the last. (via Mom on Timeout)

Vampire Donuts

These frighteningly delicious donuts double as a snack and a party favor. Once your guests inhale their donut, they’ll sport the vampire fangs all night long. (via She Knows)

Pumpkin S’moreos

Here’s a crazy idea: Let’s combine summer’s favorite treat with milk’s favorite cookie and Halloween’s favorite flavor. Yum, yum, yum. (via Brit + Co)

Halloween Pretzels

There are so many options when it comes to decorating pretzels for Halloween — just let your imagination run wild. Although, the owls are quite a hoot. (via The Monday Box)

Witch Hat Surprise Cookies

Inside the barrel of this chocolate ice cream cone there’s a bevy of various candies waiting to surprise their trick-or-treater. Kids will love the unexpected treat, and you’ll have fun making them. (via It’s Always Autumn)

Homemade Caramel Corn

Looking for an easy-to-make treat that will ease any craving? Look no further, because this Halloween-friendly popcorn will do the trick. (via I Heart Naptime)

No Bake S'Mores Cheesecake

Impress your Halloween guests with this no bake s'mores cheesecake, made with a graham cracker crust, no bake cheesecake filling, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow meringue. (via Butternut Bakery)

Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow

Nibbles are essential at any Halloween party, and puppy chow is always a crowd favorite. Give it a fall update with pumpkin spice and candy pumpkins and TRY not to get addicted. (via Sally’s Baking Addiction)

Pumpkin Fudge Spice

Trying to stay healthy this fall? This Paleo-approved, 100-percent-vegan fudge totally has your back. (via Paleo Running Mama)

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

It’s hard to believe something as indulgent and rich as a cheesecake could be no-bake, but it’s true. Bonus points for the decorative pumpkin marshmallows on top. (via Jane’s Patisserie)

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter M&M Balls

Are they cake pops? Butter balls? Candy? Cookies?? You be the judge. Whatever you call them, these M&M-infused balls are jaw-droppingly peanut buttery. (via Buzzfeed)

No-Bake Sugar Wafer Frankenstein Cookies

How adorable are these mini cookies resembling Frankenstein’s monster? And the best part: All you need to make them are sugar wafers, green candy melt, chocolate sprinkles, and candy eyes. (via Shaken Together)

Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle Mummies

What gives these truffles their mummy-like appearance? Simple food coloring and an extra few drizzles of white frosting. (via La Creme de la Crumb)

No Bake Peanut Butter Icebox Cake

This uber-sweet dessert sandwiches peanut butter pudding between peanut butter cookies. It’s basically a PB-lover’s dream come true. (via Crazy for Crust)

Caramel Apple Nachos

Sure, these are basically just sliced Granny Smith apples drizzled with a few choice sweeteners (namely, white chocolate, chocolate chips, Heath bar bigs, and caramel). But EVERYTHING is better in nacho form, right? (via Life in the Lofthouse)

Halloween Monster Marshmallow Melts

These super cute marshmallow treats allow you to get creative. Don’t feel limited to green coloring and two eyes: Throw other colors in there and make them with one eye, three eyes, or eyes everywhere! (via Finding Zest)

Mickey Mouse Halloween Cookies

Oreos are a delightful invention. In addition to coming in tons of crazy flavors, they also come in both normal-sized and mini form. And with that distinction comes the ability to create Mickey Mouse-shaped cookies. (via Living Locurto)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

Looking for a delicious dessert you can take on the go? This pumpkin pie in a jar should do the trick. (via Life Love and Sugar)

No-Bake Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars

These bars are vegan and gluten-free and so easy to make with simple ingredients like cashews, maple syrup, dates and gluten-free old fashioned oats. (via RachL Mansfield)

Oreo Cookie Cups With Marshmallow Cream

Here’s another delicious and Halloween-inspired use for your Oreos. The cookie cups are made not only with America’s favorite cookie, but also powdered sugar, butter, marshmallow cream, vanilla, and, of course, sprinkles. (via Two Sisters Crafting)

Halloween Spider Donuts

Okay, so the reason these donuts are no bake is because you have to go out and buy the donuts ahead of time. The REAL magic happens when you add a chocolate donut hole on top and give the creature some chocolate spider legs. (via The Semi Sweet Sisters)

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls

These gluten-free, vegan pumpkin pie balls are great for your health-conscious friends (not to mention gluten-intolerant trick-or-treaters). With ingredients like pure maple syrup, cinnamon, pumpkin puree, and almond flour, you really can’t go wrong. (via Gluten Free With LB)

Gummy Worm Ice

Surprise kids with these creepy crawlers, or use them in your Halloween cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

Reese’s Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Fair warning: You’re going to be tempted to eat these right away. But it’s imperative to let them chill for at least a few hours. Put them into the fridge to speed up the process. (via Mom on Time Out)

Witch Hat Cookies

Last but not least, a quintessential Halloween favorite: Things shaped like witch hats. In this case, chocolate kisses sitting atop chocolate-rimmed Ritz crackers. (via Dizzy Busy and Hungry)

Try These Adult Halloween Treats Too!

Reese’s Peanut Butter Shooters

Take your favorite Halloween candy up a notch with some chocolate vodka. Just make sure to pick up a skull-imprinted ice cube tray ahead of time to make it extra creepy. (via Brit + Co)

Creepy Petit Fours

Nothing says Halloween quite like a smattering of bite-sized blood. Shards of sugar make a just-as-creepy cake topper that will leave you shuddering. (via Brit + Co)

Blood and Bones Cocktail

A treat for adults! What could be creepier than bone-inspired jello shots? Floating them in a blood-red cocktail, of course. Cheers! (via Brit + Co)

Candy Corn Jello Shots

Let your partygoers shoot back these tasty shots of festive color and scary spirit. Pro Tip: Always make more than you think you need. (via Brit + Co)

Follow us on Pinterest for more easy + delicious recipe ideas.

Lead image via Clean Cuisine

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

After 2 hours worth of coffee runs, approximately 47 minutes of suffering an intense sugar rush, and a spout of indigestion I’ll certainly be regretting later, I’ve found the best PSL— and it's likely not what you think.

Pumpkin spice season started excruciatingly early this year, with chains like Starbucks, Dunkin', and Krispy Kreme popping out with their fall menus starting August 12. Now that fall is finally setting in in my neck of the woods, I don’t feel entirely out of character ordering a PSL. Hence, a taste test was born.

Meredith Holser

I traveled to four of the most popular coffee chains that got ahead of the PSL game this season: Starbucks, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, and Dutch Bros. Not only did I set out to find the best-tasting PSL (though taste is a huge factor), I also wanted to see how they measured up in terms of price. Coffee is not always cheap these days! Scroll on to discover the best PSL you can order, according to my taste test.

Meredith Holser

Starbucks

Order: Tall hot PSL

Cost: $5.75

If there’s one thing I can count on from a Starbucks PSL, it’s comfort. Maybe it’s the nostalgia in me, but that first sip is always soothing. Starbucks’ classic PSL is perfectly sweet, but there’s not a ton of spice. I do really enjoy how creamy the pumpkin spice flavor is – likely because they use a thick pumpkin sauce as opposed to a syrup.

I ordered a hot PSL in a tall size for my taste test (because I knew my stomach couldn’t, well, stomach three more standard-sized PSLs), though I wished I had requested a grande. Larger sizes at Starbucks are crafted with more espresso, so I didn’t get a ton of coffee notes from the tall swig that only had one shot. After a solid 5-minute sip session, I have to grant Starbucks’ PSL 3.5/5 stars. The lack of a caffeinated coffee punch and a wild abundance of orange (the drink’s color is quite jarring) left me no choice but to knock off some points.

Meredith Holser

Dunkin’

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $5.19

Dunkin’s PSL is definitely worth skipping. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a Dunkin’ girly through and through (their Dunkalatte is bangin’), but upon first sip of their PSL, I gagged – I can’t lie. Their PSL is way too sweet and literally just tastes like syrup. Transparently, I tasted a lot more vanilla than pumpkin flavor (and a hint of candle fragrance), which was disappointing, given the drink is literally called Pumpkin Spice Latte.

I felt like I needed to take a big breath and touch grass after drinking it. To top it off, the little espresso I detected the drink tasted very bitter and burnt. For the money I spent, I can definitively say it’s not worth it. It’s gonna be 1/5 stars for me, thanks!

Meredith Holser

Dutch Bros

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $4.85

Next on my taste test was Dutch Bros. I don’t often make a beeline to this coffee chain, but I was pretty loyal to them in college (for the Cocomo alone), so my hopes were fairly high. I ordered a small hot PSL – and it was definitely pumpkiny. Concerningly pumpkiny, even. Their pumpkin flavor read more savory than sweet in my opinion, which I think could offer a fun and refreshing sip when you’re tired of downing super-sweet drinks.

At this point in the taste test, I was tweaking hard from all the sugar and caffeine I had consumed, but the depth of flavor with Dutch Bros’ PSL ultimately impressed me. The best part was I wasn’t missing out on the espresso at all! The espresso was extremely prevalent even in the small-sized drink. I’m not sure I would order it again since my nearest Dutch Bros is 20 minutes from home, but it certainly earned my stamp of approval. That’s a 4/5 star rating for you, Dutch.

Meredith Holser

Krispy Kreme

Order: Small hot PSL

Cost: $2.59

I fear that Krispy Kreme is a true underdog when it comes to breakfast and coffee, especially their PSL. Krispy Kreme’s PSL tasted scarily similar to Starbucks, though it wasn’t as devilishly sweet. After sipping on it, I can confidently say I absolutely prefer this less-sweet version. I was honestly so shocked at how good it was – I sat in my car with my jaw dropped for a good moment. For only $2.59, I felt it was too good to be true. The drink was hot, fresh, and flavorful, and the low price made it all the better. Krispy Kreme’s pumpkin flavoring wasn’t extremely in my face, though I still got the pumpkiny effect that’s perfect for the season. If you’re a ride-or-die Starbucks fan, you need to make your way to Krispy Kreme. Trust me. I’m granting it 4.5/5 stars – and we have a winner, baby!

Subscribe to our newsletter to read more taste tests and food reviews!

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.