Impress at Happy Hour with These Whiskey + Champagne Cocktails

Ready to bring some DIY into your cocktail hour? How about impressing the crowd with homemade cocktails *and* handmade etched glasses? Our latest round of Brit Kits includes two glass-etching kits to give your drinkware a major update – the Etched Whiskey Tumblers Kit and the Etched Champagne Flutes Kit. And since the best way to show off these glasses is to fill them with delicious cocktails, we’re bringing you our go-to champagne and whiskey cocktail recipes, each with an unexpected twist. Keep reading for some tasty libations!

Ingredients:

– 1 oz. gin

– 1-2 splashes pomegranate grenadine (we used Liber & Co. Real Grenadine)

– champagne or sparkling wine

– raspberries

Instructions:

1. Pour a shot (1 oz.) of gin into each champagne glass.

2. Add one or two splashes of pomegranate grenadine into each glass, depending on how sweet you’d like the cocktail to be.

3. Fill the rest of each glass with champagne or sparkling wine.

4. Add raspberries as garnish.

The classic French 75 has gin, champagne, lemon and simple syrup, but we thought we’d add a berry spin to the cocktail. Enter Liber & Co.’s Real Grenadine, which is made with pomegranate and orange blossom water. This particular grenadine is much less syrupy than mainstream mixers, because it’s made with real cane sugar. And here’s a bonus — it adds tons of flavor without being overly sweet.

Start by pouring one shot (about one ounce) of gin into each etched champagne glass. Then add one or two splashes of pomegranate grenadine. Fill the rest of each glass with champagne or sparkling wine. Add a handful of raspberries to top off the yummy drink.

Pro Tip: Add the raspberries slowly! The fruit makes the champagne fizz all over again, which means you might be mopping up spilt champs (zamboni time!).

How simple was that? This drink may just rival the mimosa for our new favorite brunch cocktail.

Check out those bubbles. The thirst is real.

Whiskey Ginger With Lemon

Ingredients

– 1 oz. bourbon

– ginger ale

– Ficks Lemon Cocktail Fortifier

– lemon

– ice

Instructions

1. Fill up each whiskey glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour a shot (about 1 oz.) of bourbon into each glass.

3. Fill up most of the glass with ginger ale.

4. Top off the cocktail with a splash of Ficks Lemon Cocktail Fortifier, then garnish with slices of lemon.

Next up, we’ve got a whiskey ginger ale recipe with a major twist. We added Ficks All Natural Cocktail Fortifier, which includes tons of ingredients scientifically shown to prevent hangovers. Cool, right? Three cheers for Kickstarter for bringing this fortifier into the world!

First, fill each etched whiskey glass halfway with ice cubes. Pour one shot (about one ounce) of bourbon over the ice. Then fill up most of your glass with ginger ale.

Add a splash of Ficks Lemon Cocktail Fortifier and stir. Less is more with this stuff! Place a slice of lemon on the edge of each drink, and you’re good to go.

Whiskey. Ginger ale. Lemon. NO HANGOVER. Our kinda cocktail.

What are your go-to whiskey and champagne cocktails? Share with us in the comments below!


Imagine sipping Champagne above a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or indulging in a heavenly spa treatment with the Manhattan skyline in view. Even if your wallet can't quite stretch to a full-blown luxury getaway, sprinkling a touch of luxe into your travels can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure. That idea sparked our new series, Flights of Fancy, where we take you along for a trip to the luxury experiences around the cities we adore.

Dallas-Ft. Worth

Photo: Hôtel Swexan

This Secret Dallas Speakeasy Hotel Is A Luxe Experience For Any Budget

Situated near Dallas’s Uptown, the Harwood District spans 19 city blocks filled with dozens of shops, restaurants, and luxury office buildings (Rolex was the first tenant, back in 1984). This trendy area of the city has become known as a great place for a bistro lunch or happy hour cocktails, and last year welcomed its first luxury boutique hotel: Hôtel Swexan. Our writer takes you inside the luxe experiences, from cocktails to lodging.

San Francisco Bay Area

Photo: Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay

These Fancy Bay Area Brunch Spots Are Worth The Splurge

From Marin to Half Moon Bay, these fancy brunch experiences are more than just a meal; they deliver picture-perfect ambience and a memorable feast to enjoy with your best people. So pack your weekend best and head to the Bay for mimosas with a twist and a meal to savor.

Malibu, CA

Hotel June

Visiting Hotel June Malibu — A Retreat Worth Unplugging For

Hotel June has become an iconic PCH destination to unwind and delight in Malibu's thriving local community. As a typical millennial who's glued to their digital devices 24/7, our editor Ali couldn't be more thrilled for an excuse to log off and luxuriate in the present moment in the scenic hills of Malibu.

Miami

shutterstock

Miami Must: This 20-Course Tasting Has You Wash Your Hands In Chocolate

If your wallet doesn’t lend itself to a fully luxurious vacation, leave room for at least one splurge-worthy activity that’s sure to be a highlight of the trip. Our editor, a South Florida resident and self-proclaimed foodie, recommends Elcielo Miami.

Chicago

The Robey

Explore Chicago's Hippest Neighborhood From This Mid-Century Modern Hotel

One of the benefits of taking a trip to Chicago is that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Sure, it’s not going to be super cheap to visit any major city, but in comparison to the U.S.’s coastal hotspots, Chicago is a fantastic deal. If you’re particularly intrigued by the Windy City’s emphasis on architecture and design, you shouldn’t miss The Robey hotel.

NYC

Bathhouse Williamsburg

This NYC Bathhouse Is The Best Spa Experience I've Ever Had

Bathhouse Williamsburg isn't exactly a spa. You won't get a facial — or even cucumbers on your eyes — there, but you'll find relaxation in so many other tangible ways. From their available array of amenities included in the day pass to the specific treatments like scrubs and massages, Bathhouse is perfect for taking a step back from a city that requires oh-so-many steps.

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Looking for a more modern (and not to mention chill) Easter brunch this year? You best be mixing up some spring cocktails! Stock up on some fresh fruit at the farmers' market, put on your bunny ears, and flex your mixology skills with one (or a few!) of these delicious spring brunch cocktails.

Grapefruit Thyme Fizz

Go for a fragrant, floral refreshment by combining thyme with vodka and grapefruit! This easy cocktail recipe will last you way past Easter, too. (via Brit + Co)

Cadbury Creme Egg Cocktail

It's not an Easter cocktail without the use of some Easter candy! This sweet sipper leverages the classic Cadbury eggs for a creamy sip every time. Add a chocolate rim for even more delight! (via Brit + Co)

Strawberry Basil Margaritas

Margaritas might just be our favorite cocktail, and it's a wonder that there's so many variations of them! This take infuses the tequila cocktail with lime, basil, and sweet strawberries that you'll love sipping alongside some fluffy pancakes this Easter. (via Brit + Co)

Frozen Blueberry Paloma

For something with a cooling (yet still boozy) effect, this frozen Paloma cocktail will hit different on Easter. (via Brit + Co)

Glittery Spiked Raspberry Lemonade

Glitter makes every drink better, TBH. These zesty spiked lemonades are best shared with friends and family over brunch! (via Brit + Co)

Eggo-spresso Martini

This milky martini is the ultimate wake-up call on Easter morning. Amp up the brunch vibes with this boozy mix from Eggo, including their Eggo Brunch in a Jar Sippin’ Cream. (via Brit + Co)

Cucumber Gin Cocktails

Don't let the electric green color of these Easter brunch cocktails scare you away – it's just a blend of lime, cucumber, and Chartreuse! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Rose Lemon Spritz

Any spring cocktail that includes "spritz" is gonna be a big hit for your Easter brunch. Let this one sweep you away with a dreamy mix of floral rose and punchy lemon! (via Mixop)

Japanese Yuzu Whiskey Sour

Yuzu and whiskey make the perfect pair, and the citrusy notes from this cocktail are just what your Easter brunch needs! (via Takes Two Eggs)

French 75 Punch

This gin-based punch serves as a great base for any fizzy spring cocktail. The orange-y flavor is reminiscent of the beloved mimosa, only better in this batched version. (via Epicurious)

Strawberry Lemonade Bunny Colada

Pop off using some bunny Peeps for your next spring brunch cocktails! This recipe is a perfect fit for Easter celebrations. Here's how to make this dreamy drink.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz Natalie’s Strawberry Lemonade
  • 4 oz cream of coconut
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 4 oz white rum
  • 1 cup frozen strawberries
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut
  • 2 tbsp vanilla frosting
  • 1 tbsp Easter sprinkles
  • Pink bunny Peeps

Directions:

  1. In a blender, combine the Natalie’s Strawberry Lemonade, cream of coconut, lime juice, rum, and frozen strawberries. Blend for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
  2. Rim two glasses with white frosting and dip in a mixture of coconut and sprinkles.
  3. Pour the mixture into the glasses and garnish with pink bunny Peeps marshmallows! (via Natalie’s Juice Company)

The Sunburn Cocktail

This spring cocktail uses Sunshine Punch, a bottled mix of rum and vodka infused with orange and vanilla. Talk about an upgrade to your regular OJ! To make The Sunburn cocktails, shake 2 parts Sunshine Punch with 2 parts pineapple juice and .5 parts coconut rum over ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange wedge for the full effect! (via Sunshine Punch)

Sweet Tea Prosecco Cocktails

Sweet tea is the perfect mixer for brunchy cocktails like this. The lemon and fresh mint leaves amp the flavors up in this glass even more. Iced tea cocktails FTW! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Elderflower Martini

All you need to craft this spring Easter brunch cocktail is four ingredients: cranberry juice, lemon juice, Citron vodka, and elderflower liqueur. Easy peasy! (via A Beautiful Mess)

Cucumber Basil Moscow Mule

We just love the ginger-y effect of Moscow Mules. The drink is super fizzy, which will keep Easter brunch interesting with every sip! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Natalie’s Juice Company.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

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.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

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!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

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?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

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.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

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.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

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:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

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.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

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?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

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

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

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!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

This post has been updated.