Delight Your Thanksgiving Guests With This Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail

Nov 11, 2024

When it comes to Thanksgiving drinks, we're all about the festive flavors. This refreshing and delicious cranberry cocktail is one of our absolute favorites! Tieghan from Half Baked Harvest was kind enough to share this insanely yummy drink recipe with us. Take it away, Tieghan!

Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with these Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers! Homemade spiced cranberry jam, woodsy rosemary, fruity rosé, sweet elderflower liquor, fresh citrus, and spicy ginger beer. Mix everything together to create a festive pitcher-style cocktail that's easy to create, refreshing, and delicious. Bonus: this drink can be made ahead of time for easy holiday entertaining, and the festive red color doubles as a gorgeous decor piece on any table!

Keep Reading For Our Delicious Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail

Half Baked Harvest

And just like that, I'm in full on holiday mode. Can't help it, this time of year makes me so happy! And with Thanksgiving less than two weeks away it's hard not to be excited. Anyone else feeling the same?

We've been having the coziest weather up here in the mountains. It's inspired me to create recipes that will to warm us up from the inside out. That's honestly one of the cheesiest things I'll say, but it's the truth. I know it's hard to imagine a drink warming you up, especially one that's served over ice, but the spices in this wine spritzer do just that.

Half Baked Harvest

The key to this fun drink is the cranberry jam-syrup. It's actually kind of a mix between a jam and syrup. It uses fresh fruit like a jam would, but it's consistency is much more syrup like. So, it's kind of a cross between the two. Whatever you'd like to call it, it's a delicious mix of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and warming cardamom. The honey balances out the tart cranberries, while the rosemary and cardamon add coziness and warmth. Perfect for a Thanksgiving spritzer!

To make the jam, just add all ingredients to a pot. Bring to a boil, boil a minute or two, and done. So simple.

Half Baked Harvest

Once the jam has cooled, add it to a pitcher along with a bottle of your favorite rosé, elderflower liquor (this is my favorite right now), cranberry or pomegranate juice, and a few dashes of orange bitters. Chill the mix, and then just before serving, add fresh citrus slices. I used blood oranges, but regular oranges or grapefruit would be great too. Top it all off with fizzy, spicy, ginger beer (another one of my favorites).

This cocktail is both refreshing and warming, perfect for a chilly November night, or a snow-filled Thanksgiving Day complete with cozy blankets, a roaring fire, and candles galore.

Ingredients for Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers

Half Baked Harvest

1/2 cup honey
2 cups fresh cranberries
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon cardamon pods or 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 bottle (750 ml) rosé wine
4 ounces elderflower liquor
1/3 cup cranberry or pomegranate juice
2-3 dashes orange bitter
2 blood oranges or regular oranges, sliced
4-6 (12 ounce) ginger beers, to your taste

Directions for Spiced Cranberry Rosé Spritzers

Half Baked Harvest

To make the cranberry syrup: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, cranberries, rosemary, and cardamon to a boil over high heat. Boil 5 minutes or until the cranberries begin to burst, then remove from the heat. Let cool. Remove the rosemary and cardamon pods. If desired, strain out the cranberries.
In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry syrup, rosé, elderflower liquor, cranberry juice, and orange bitters. Chill until ready to serve, up to 2 days.
Add the orange slices and ginger beer just before serving. Garnish each drink with a candied rosemary (recipe below), if desired.

For the candied rosemary garnish:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Gently run rosemary sprigs under a little water to dampen and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the rosemary with granulated sugar on all sides, making sure the rosemary is thoroughly coated in sugar.
Allow to dry on the baking sheet for 1 hour. The rosemary can be made 1 day in advance and stored at room temperature.

Want more recipes for Thanksgiving drinks like this one? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

9 New Aldi Alcoholic Drinks That Bring All The Summer Vibes For $15 Or Less

As someone who currently has snow forecasted in their city this weekend, all I’ve been dreaming of is a warm Friday evening where I’m sitting in someone’s backyard sipping on a delicious bev (alcoholic, of course!) while they chef up some hot dogs for me. Now, don’t get me wrong: Denver’s seen several nearly-scorching days by now, so my taste of summer isn’t entirely spoiled by the approaching snow. Even so, my daydreaming of a new, warmer season continues.

Previewing Aldi’s latest lineup of alcoholic drinks has only made my daydreams more vivid, and if you're craving hot poolside hangs, picnics in the park, and backyard BBQs just as much as I am, you’re gonna want to take a peek. These 9 Aldi summer drinks all embrace summery flavors for $15 or less and supply you with that perfect buzz you’re searching for to celebrate the season, and, well, not having to wear a million layers outside anymore.

Scroll on for the 9 best new summer drinks you can find at Aldi, all under $15!

Fieldcraft White Peach Strawberry Fruited Seltzer

Peach-flavored hard seltzer has no business being that good. This one also carries notes of strawberry for a balanced sip every time! Packing in 6% ABV per can, having just one (ice-cold, of course!) will leave you feeling refreshed and wanting more. Aldi says this $8 pack pairs nicely with everything from goat cheese salad and white pizza to fish tacos and fruit tarts. Yum!

Resting Brunch Face Mango Cocktail

A cocktail that requires zero mixing? You can count me in! Like your standard mimosa but with notes of fresh mango, this $6 bottle will definitely go quick if you're sharing it with some pals this summer.

Wicked Grove Blueberry Hard Cider

Cider just makes sense in the summertime. This $9 pack's infused with blueberry for such a juicy sip that'll work wonderfully alongside tacos or BBQ. Each can delivers a friendly 5% ABV, too!

Specially Selected Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Planning a backyard party packed with oysters on the rocks, citrus salad, and grilled veggies? If you weren't, now you are, because this $11 bottle of Sauv Blanc from Aldi pairs impressively with all of the above!

Belluccini Buck’s Fizz Orange Pomegranate Sparkling Cocktail

A blend of blood orange, sweet pomegranate, and fizz is what you get with each swig of this sparkling bottled cocktail. Only available at Aldi seasonally, you'll want to snag this $6 pick before it's gone!

Vista Bay Hard Seltzer Punch Variety Pack

A variety pack of seltzers like this $13 Aldi option is never a bad idea if you're hosting a group of friends! Plus, each of the punchy flavors included channel summer to a tee. I personally need a sip of the tropical flavor ASAP!

Fieldcraft Mango Dragonfruit Fruited Seltzer

This one's loaded with pineapple, mango, and dragon fruit, which'll have you in a summery mood in no time. Aldi says it's a great match for spicy chicken wings, guacamole, sushi, pesto pasta, and grilled seafood in case you're in need of mealtime inspo. Oh yeah, and the pack is just $9!

Zarita Pink Lemonade

This $10 alcoholic pink lemonade comes in perhaps the cutest bottle I've seen in a while. Based in wine, it's perfectly zingy and sweet, so much so that it's a perfect match for tacos, salty snacks, and fried chicken!

Wernesgrüner Lemon Radler

Radlers are the epitome of the summer season since they're made with some super refreshing citrusy elements. The flavor of this $6 4-pack undeniably hovers around notes of lemon for an adult bev you won't wanna put down – whether you're enjoying it by the pool or at the park.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more amazing grocery finds!

Um, A Major 'Emily In Paris' Character Isn't Coming Back For Season 5

Everybody raise your Kir Royale cocktails because Emily in Paris has been renewed for season 5! (And it looks like she might be trading some of her cocktails for espresso). The official Emily in Paris & Netflix Instagram accounts made the announcement on September 16 with a video of Lily Collins sipping some espresso on a rooftop.

"There's no place like Rome," Lily says with a wink. And, to be frank, we have to agree. I didn't think Emily in Parisseason 4 (or its fashion) could get any better after that Part 1 ending, but taking our favorite Parisians to Rome turned out to be a fantastic move — and not just because it introduced us to Marcello.

But sadly, we have to say au revoir to one of the most iconic Emily in Paris characters ahead of season 5. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Emily in Paris season 5 — including who is (and isn't) returning.

Who's in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?

Netflix

A more fitting question might be "Who isn't in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?" because Camille Razat won't be returning as Camille. "Characters can come in and out of a series, but you don’t necessarily have to see them," Darren Star told TVLine. "But again, [Camille's] part of the world of the series. I’m not sure how soon we’ll see her, but it doesn’t mean, again, that we won’t be seeing her."

But don't worry! We'll see all our other favorite cast members returning, including:

Lily Collins as Emily Cooper
Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello
Lucien Laviscount as Alfie
Lucas Bravo as Gabriel
Ashley Park as Mindy Chen
Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie
Samuel Arnold as Julien
Bruno Gouery as Luc
William Abadie as Antoine Lambert

When is Emily in Paris season 5 coming out?

Carole Behtuel/Netflix

We don't have an official Emily in Paris season 5 release date yet, but Deadline confirms the show begins production in May and will release on Netflix in 2025!

What is Emily in Paris season 5 about?

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

The Emily in Paris season 4 finale changed everything when Emily decided to stay in Rome and head up an Italian office for Agence Grateau. But, don't worry French fans. Darren Star promises we'll see her in the City of Love again, telling The Wrap, "definitely we’re not leaving Paris behind.”

And after Gabriel realized how much he wants to be with Emily in the season 4 finale, it looks like season 5 will feature even more of the show's signature relationship drama. "I think [Gabriel] realized that he wasn’t even aware of the fact that [Emily] left and how disconnected they’d become," Star continues. "He’s met the guy; he realizes the circumstances under which they met, and I think he just didn’t understand how fast things had moved between them."

But as much as we love to see Emily and Gabriel together, Lily Collins is excited to explore a Emily and Marcello. “Marcello is a whole other adventure that we want for Emily because we ultimately want Emily to be able to have a better work/life balance,” she tells TUDUM. “We want to have Emily be able to smile without condition. We want to see her beyond her vacay mode. And he comes at that perfect time.”

Where is Emily in Paris season 5 filming?

Netflix

Emily in Paris season 5 will pick up the end of the season 4 storyline, which means we'll see them in both Rome and Paris this year!

Is there a season 5 for Emily in Paris?

Stéphanie Branchu/Netflix

Yes, Emily in Paris season 5 is coming to Netflix. "We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!" creator Darren Star tells TUDUM.

The renewal comes as no surprise considering season 4 held Netflix Global Top 10's top spot and received almost 20 million views in four days.

What do you want to see in Emily in Paris season 5? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

pop culture entertainment netflix tv

6 Discontinued Starbucks Items Customers Loved, But Baristas Actually Despised

For every beloved Starbucks item, there’s one that’s equally disliked. Whether they’re menu mainstays or have disappeared forever, Starbucks baristas and customers have some very strong opinions about the many menu items the chain's released over the years. This Reddit thread in particular details the discontinued Starbucks items that fans of The ‘Bux miss “the least” – AKA ones they were more than happy to say goodbye to.

Whether baristas were irked by the process of making them, their general flavor, or customers’ reception of ‘em, these discontinued Starbucks items departed from menus with a sincere “good riddance.”

Scroll on to discover 6 of the “least missed” discontinued Starbucks menu items, according to seasoned baristas.

@Starbucks on Instagram

1. Cloud Macchiato

Launched in collaboration with Ariana Grande back in 2019, the Starbucks Cloud Macchiato featured a fluffy, meringue-like foam topping made by blending nonfat milk, vanilla syrup, and a “cloud powder.” It was available to order in two familiar flavors: caramel and cinnamon.

Several Starbucks baristas noted that they simply did not care for making it, especially because the included cloud powder contained egg. This frustrated many plant-based customers, as the drink couldn’t possibly be made fully vegan.

“Was more annoying to make than anything,” one barista commented on Reddit. “Also they didn’t [really] advertise that it contained egg.”

“Tasted foul, irritating to make, having to explain that it cannot be made vegan (thanks Ariana…), and if it was mobile ordered you were almost guaranteed to receive a deflated cup of disappointment and regret,” another user said.

Starbucks

2. Spicy Refreshers

I got to get a first taste of Starbucks’ Spicy Refreshers when they dropped during the summer of 2024. Admittedly, I didn't think they’d be that good, especially because at the time, it seemed like the chain was grasping at straws to retain their fan base. At the same time the spice-infused Refreshers launched, Starbucks also debuted their (short-lived) boba, and it was just wild. There was also a Spicy Cream Cold Foam included in the launch.

Out of the three Refresher flavors available (dragonfruit, strawberry, and pineapple), the pineapple one tasted the best. The trio turned out to be pretty hit or miss, and lots of fans and baristas agreed.

“Those spicy drinks feel like a fever dream,” one person wrote on Reddit. “Genuinely forgot we had those and forgot how horrible they were.”

Funnily enough, many more people weighed in and said the now-discontinued drinks were only tasty with a shot of tequila included. Fair enough!

Starbucks

3. Oleato (Olive Oil) Drinks

Introduced in January of 2024, Starbucks’ first-of-its-kind Oleato beverages were crafted using extra virgin olive oil. The chain promised a “luxurious and next-level” flavor, but these drinks ended up totally bombing. Many customers and baristas reportednot being able to drink them whatsoever, or simply feeling sick if they did sip ‘em down.

"The barista refunded me after she saw me spit it back into the cup," this Redditor said.

"At my location, NOBODY likes the olive oil," another person noted. "Not even us baristas, it’s disgusting honestly."

Reddit

4. Unicorn Frappuccino

Oh, lord. This discontinued Starbucks drink from 2017 truly needs to be studied. Available for a limited time, the Unicorn Frappuccino went viral for its “flavor-shifting, color-changing" qualities. It was crafted with an insane lineup of ice, milk, pink powder, sour blue powder, crème syrup, mango syrup, and sour blue drizzle – this massive load of sugar concerned plenty of people, too.

A former partner on Reddit verified that the reception of the so-called "famed" Unicorn Frappuccino wasn't all that it was cracked up to be:

"I think the worst part for me was, although it looked cool/pretty, it tasted absolutely horrible," they wrote. "If I recall correctly, it was the thick mango syrup, white chocolate, and some sour blue drizzle. I would say at least half of the customers who actually managed to get one from my store would return them half-full saying it was ‘disgusting’. And honestly, I agreed."

“If you were working in 2014-15, you get 'Nam flashbacks when anyone mentions unicorns or mermaids," another barista commented.

Starbucks

5. Toasted Vanilla Syrup

Discontinued at the end of 2023 for being generally unpopular, Starbucks' Toasted Vanilla syrup wasn’t quite well-received by baristas.

“That toasted vanilla smelled like every middle school mean girl ever, and it tastes like butt,” one person commented.

“Can’t believe I completely blocked the toasted vanilla out of my memory,” another said. “Sh-t was so nasty.”

Ashley Burk

6. Kiwi Starfruit Refresher

Crafted with green coffee extract, ice, and kiwi pieces, the long-gone Starbucks Kiwi Starfruit Refresher hit menus in 2020, but sadly fell off in favor of other Refresher flavors like pineapple and blackberry. Several Starbucks baristas were happy to see it go since it tasted so bad.

“I remember making it when I was training and thinking, ‘this shit smells like battery acid.,’” someone commented.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Starbucks news!

food news starbucks starbucks menu drinks coffee food

Reese’s Book Club Pick For May Is Perfect For Emily Henry & Taylor Swift Fans

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love what Reesehas chosen for readers!

Learn more about Reese Witherspoon's 2025 Book Club picks!

May 2025

Bookshop

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Reese's book club deserves a huge round of applause for choosing Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life as its May pick! We've covered it so much on-site, plus we even chatted with the author herself last year and learned more about her creative process. Just like in her novel Happy Place, Henry brings her same magical energy to a new mysterious storyline.

Readers will get to know writers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson as they compete for heiress Margaret Ives' approval. The stakes are high because only one of them will get the chance to write her biography, pitting Alice and Hayden on opposite sides of the playing field. But as sparks continue to fly between them and Margaret's omission of truths pile up, they'll discover there's more to the story than they initially thought.

April 2025

Amazon

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

Considered one of our most-anticipated new books in April, All That Life Can Afford grapples with one young woman's experience with a fast-paced life filled with classism. It begins with an introduction of Anna and her love for the "beautiful" London. Based on glossy images in Library books, she's convinced that's the place she needs to be. But she's sorely disappointed when she arrives to find a gloomy place that mirrors life in her hometown.

Before long, Anna's swept into the luxurious life of the Wilders as their daughter's tutors and begins experiencing the glitz she thought London would give her. From parties to two attractive pursuits, she's living a life that many dream of...until she begins to struggle under the crushing weight of portraying a "rich and famous" lifestyle" that doesn't match her background.

March 2025

Amazon

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Beth and Frank seem like they have it all on the surface of their marriage, but that's only because they've been avoiding a huge elephant in the room. Bliss seems like a wonderful place to stay, but Frank's brother commits a crime that stirs up the presence of Gabriel Wolfe. He's the man that used to make Beth's heart beat so long ago, but she swore him off after their romance ended in heartbreak. But now he's back with a son named Leo who feels familiar to Beth.

It doesn't take long for Beth and Gabriel to start interacting, but it comes with painful memories that threaten her marriage with Frank. There'll be a reckoning soon enough, forcing Beth to make peace with her past, present and future.

February 2025

Amazon

Isolaby Allegra Goodman

When readers are first introduced to Marguerite, she's an heiress who has a promising future ahead of her. With barely anything to worry about, she enjoys a sweet childhood until she becomes an orphan under the care of a reckless man. Not only does he seize the inheritance that was intended for her, he also behaves cruelly and leaves her stranded on an island.

Facing perilous weather and other unspeakable things, Marguerite learns how to survive with "faith the size of a mustard seed."

Reese Witherspoon says, "This is easily one of my favorite historical fiction reads yet," (via Instagram).

January 2025

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.

You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese Witherspoon says, "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists," (via Instagram).

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

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.

book club book recommendations reese witherspoon entertainment books

Yep, 'The Last Of Us' Just Killed Off THAT Character

MAJOR The Last of Us season 2 spoilers ahead!

If you thought The Last of Us season 2 couldn't get more dramatic than its premiere, then you'd be wrong. Season 2 primes us for some emotional drama by showing just how much Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) are at odds, and throwing Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who's seeking revenge on Joel for her own father's murder, into the mix shatters everything.

The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, "Through The Valley" is already being heralded by social media users as one of the best episodes in TV history. But it's definitely memorable for one specific reason: the episode killed off Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.

Let's talk about what the heck just happened with Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us season 2.

Does Joel die in episode 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal in the hit HBO show) dies in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. "People are going to be upset. That's sometimes how good drama goes," executive producer Craig Mazin tellsUSA Today. "This was something that was always meant to happen. So much of the first season was, in a weird way, leading to this moment. And it's upsetting."

The horrifying moment comes after a blizzard — and some infected — put Abby, Joel, and Dina (Isabela Merced) on a collision course. After they rescue her from the aforementioned infected, Abby brings the two Jackson residents back to the lodge in the mountains where her group is hiding. Meanwhile Jackson, dealing with its own infected attack, burns in the distance.

Joel's anxious to return to town, but he's got bigger problems: Abby recognizes him as the man who killed her father (and wiped out the Firefly hospital) and, after putting Dina to sleep, Abby takes out five years' worth of anger and devastation on him with a golf club. Yeah. I can't believe it either.

But even more horrifying is when Ellie finds the lodge and bursts into the room. When she begs Joel to get up, there's a moment when you can see a beaten Joel start to lift himself up from the ground before Abby uses the now-broken golf club to kill him. I hope Ellie holds onto this moment and knows Joel was willing and able to do whatever it took to keep her safe!! I will scream about them forever!!

As Abby's group leaves, Ellie swears she'll kill them, and "you can't help but believe it is absolutely true," Craig says. There's a truly devastating shot of Ellie lying over Joel's body in the empty room that parallels her nursing him back to health at the end of season 1, episode 7 and I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

Why was Joel killed off?

In addition to being literal retribution for the death of Abby's father, Joel's death is a catalyst for Ellie's journey throughout the rest of the season as she grapples with revenge, grief, and anger. "Loss is kind of how this story functions, so this was largely preordained," Craig continues.

And yes, Pedro was aware of this devastating scene when he signed up for the life-changing role. "When I talked to Pedro the first time, I said, 'This is how this will go,'" Craig says. "I wanted him to know that we're not going to do this for seven seasons with you in that spot. We're going to do a season, and if it goes well and there's a second season, this will happen."

What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The trailer for the rest of The Last of Us season 2 shows that Ellie and Dina aren't giving up until they enact their own revenge on Abby and her group. The two women are headed for Seattle and they're up against infected, the militia, and everything else this post-apocalyptic world has to throw at them.

But even though Joel's gone for good, Pedro isn't. We're in for plenty of flashbacks that fill in those five years between seasons 1 and 2!

Tune into new episodes of The Last of Us season 2 on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 PM ET to see what happens next.

The story's not over yet! Here's the last news on The Last Of Us Season 3.

pop culture entertainment tv