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Admit it: when the weather turns cooler, your diet basically becomes that of Buddy the Elf. That means candy, candy corns, candy canes, and syrup will be your main food groups. Instead of pouring maple syrup all over your spaghetti like he does, try mixing it into your favorite cocktails! Whether they’re bourbon-based or laced with rum, the sticky sweetener, maple syrup, is perfect for fall and winter libations. If you still need convincing, check out the maple cocktails below that are like having a maple tree tapped in your backyard all year long.
A Beautiful Mess
Maple Pumpkin Martini
This cocktail combines two of the most iconic fall flavors for a whole new taste that we love. Not only is it delicious, but it's also non-dairy, which makes for a great option if you or your guests need to opt for coconut or oat milk anyway. (via A Beautiful Mess)
Clean Cuisine
Brandy Lemon Drops
Citrusy and sweet, these brandy-filled maple cocktails are sure to get any holiday party going. (via Clean Cuisine)
Half Baked Harvest
Spiced Maple Bourbon Fizz
The bourbon, citrus flavors, and homemade (!) maple syrup in this sip are out-of-this-world delicious, but topping the drink off with champagne really takes it to the next level. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Cookie + Kate
Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
Give your typical whiskey sour a sweet and spicy twist with cinnamon and a splash of maple syrup. Truth be told, you may not be able to go back to regular simple syrup again. (via Cookie + Kate)
Lemon Blossoms
Cranberry Maple Bourbon Cocktail
This holly-jolly cranberry maple cocktail is perfect for all of your holiday get-togethers. Garnish this drink with sugared cranberries and an orange wedge to make it extra festive. (via Lemon Blossoms)
Crumb
Spiced Maple Manhattan
The maple syrup echoes the sweetness of the rye in this cocktail, and the slight warming spices are truly like autumn in a glass. (via Crumb)
How Sweet Eats
Maple Honeycrisp Margaritas
You shouldn’t have to give up your margarita nights when the seasons change. The next time you go apple picking, whip up these margs afterward to enjoy the fruits of your labor. (via How Sweet Eats)
Earthly Provisions
Blanton's Old Fashioned
With just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can have this strong (and a bit sweet) maple cocktail ready to sip. Cozy weeknights just got a whole lot better! (via Earthly Provisions)
Cookie + Kate
Maple New York Sour
If you’ve never had a New York sour, now is the time. You don’t have to choose between a whiskey sour or a glass of wine, because this drink combines the two for a sweet and tangy nightcap. (via Cookie + Kate)
Cheese and Chocolate
Figgy Maple Bourbon Fizz
This maple cocktail gets its fizz from ginger beer, sweetness from syrup, and a nice kick from the bourbon. (via Cheese and Chocolate)
Gastronom
Cold Brew Bourbon Cocktail
There are times when you need a pick-me-up, but you also want a second to chill. Those moments call for a stout cold brew cocktail that’s spiked with bourbon and sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. (via Gastronom)
Food Fanatic
Maple 43 Cocktail
When a cocktail is garnished with a maple-soaked mini waffle, you happily accept and don’t ask questions. (via Food Fanatic)
Just a Little Bit of Bacon
Pear Bourbon Smash
Winter fruits like pears and apples are perfect to pair with maple syrup and bourbon. This bourbon smash has half of a pear in each glass and is full of whole fruit flavor. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)
Feasting At Home
A Long Winter’s Nap
You’ll feel like a snooze is on the horizon with this aromatic drink. Flavor it with everything from whole allspice pods to pine needles. (via Feasting At Home)
Mixop
Gingerbread Latte
This creamy and frothy latte can be made with alcohol for a yummy caffeinated treat. (via Mixop)
Follow us on Pinterest for more cocktail ideas and fall recipes!
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.
My best friends mean the world to me, and though I wish I could give them the world, this year, I just want to get them gifts that are as special as our friendship. Whether it’s a personalized pendant, a cute skincare set, or the lip shade they simply can’t stop talking about, I want them to know just how much I care about their companionship! Thus, I’ve curated the ultimate list of gifts for best friends to help you gift your besties something they’ll truly love, especially if it comes from you. These gifts are so good, I really want them for myself, too.
Our 40 favorite gifts for best friends:
- Free People Super Wide Stripe Soft Headband
- Solar Eclipse Hand-Painted Brush
- Refy Lash Sculpt Mascara
- Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum
- Caitlyn Minimalist Custom Tiny Toi et Moi Birthstone Ring
- Free People Quilted Micro Pouch
- Saltair Golden Hour Body Wash
- Noyz Perfume Discovery Kit
- Versed The Glowing Skin Collection Gift Set
- Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
- Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
- SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes
- Sol De Janeiro Rio Body Trio Discovery Set
- Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle
- Darn Tough Critter Club Lightweight Micro Crew Socks
- Lego Icons Tiny Plants + Flowers Set
- Kitsch Satin Pillowcase
- Alo Holiday Candle
- By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace
- Yuletide Stemless Wine Glass
- Lush Snow Fairy Lip Mask
- Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag
- Flippy Instax Mini Picture Frame
- Oomiay Cannoli Earrings
- Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set
- Ototo Mon Cherry Measuring Spoons
- Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set
- Ban.do Quilted Blanket
- Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Cotton Twill Baseball Cap
- Chunks Colorful Bobby Pins
- Custom-Made Birthdate Pendant
- Dame Massage Oil Candle
- e.l.f. Glow Reviver Quad Goals Lip Oil Kit
- Fig.1 SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
- Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee
- Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles
- Madewell Metal Mini Bow Stud Earrings
- Otherland Fallen Fir 3-Wick Candle
- OSEA Super Glow Body Set
- Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette Gift Set
Scroll on to see the absolute best gifts for best friends to give in 2024!
Amazon
1. Scent Beauty by Sabrina Carpenter Cherry Baby Eau de Parfum
Leave it to Sabrina Carpenter to influence my list of gifts for best friends. Her "Cherry Baby" scent carries sultry notes of vanilla, peony, cherries, and chocolate, which is the perfect aroma for a night out with the girls.
Summer Fridays
2. Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
This lip balm is viral for a reason. Your besties' lips deserve all the instant moisture, color, and shine this tube provides. This brown sugar shade looks decadent AF, but you can also snag it in other fun 'flavors' like iced coffee and mint.
Urban Outfitters
3. Camp Snap Screen-Free Digital Camera
For the one that's always documenting the friend group's antics, they'll enjoy taking this unique, screen-free digicam on nights out, weekend trips, and cozy nights in! It captures film-style photos (without the time-consuming film photography process), and it can be used over and over again since it's rechargeable.
SeaVees
4. SeaVees Hayward Platform Shoes
Moccasin-style shoes are super popular this winter. I love how comfortable SeaVees' shoes are, so I might just have to share the love with my besties this holiday season... and snag a pair for myself so we can match, of course!
Dieux
5. Dieux Angel Face Cleanser + Moisturizer Bundle
Dieux is one of my go-to skincare brands for effective products that still take it easy on my sensitive skin. Their Baptism cleanser, part of this giftable duo, provides a nice clean without stripping any moisture from my skin. I also use their Instant Angel moisturizer religiously in the wintertime since things tend to get real dry. I'd say you can confidently gift this set to besties of any skin type.
Anthropologie
6. By Anthropologie Monogram Heart Locket Necklace
Personalized gifts will always feel special. Kick this gift idea up a notch by inserting a little pic of you and your BFF in the locket before wrapping and handing it over!
Urban Outfitters
7. Baggu Mini Nylon Shoulder Bag
I carry this Baggu bag just about everywhere I go. It's perfect for happy hours or dinners since it's small and not too much of a hassle to tow along, but don't let its size fool you: this baby can fit a lot. Your most stylish best friend will be wearing it the moment they open their gift!
Target
8. Jingle & Mingle 5 Days of Rosé Wine Set
You can never go wrong with rosé, baby! This gift set carries 5 personal-sized bottles of different varieties for them to sip on around the holidays.
Kulfi Beauty
9. Kulfi Beauty All Night Out Eye Set
This eye makeup set is complete with a bold eyeliner shade and a shimmery pot of eyeshadow. You get to choose the exact shades of each before purchasing, so this is truly one of the most fun personalized gift ideas. The set also comes with a funky pair of mismatched hair clips – so cute!
Dame
10. Dame Massage Oil Candle
This soothing candle melts down into a sweet-smelling massage oil that's easily dispensable, thanks to the pointed spout on the glass. This is a great gift for your single and partnered pals alike, whether they're using it to wind down themselves or for sexy time with their S.O.!
Life is Good
11. Life is Good 'I Deserve A Little Treat' Boxy Crusher Tee
Everyone deserves a little treat. Wrap up this awesome (and comfy!) tee alongside your bestie's favorite snack, sweet treat, or freshly-baked dessert to totally nail their gift this year!
Compartés
12. Compartés Pistachio Sea Salt Chocolate Truffles
These aesthetically-pleasing truffles could be the perfect sweet treat in question!
Nordstrom
13. OSEA Super Glow Body Set
I know anyone in my close friends circle would be happy to be gifted some nice skincare goodies. This luxe set from OSEA comes with a body wash, oil, and serum to keep skin looking and feeling happy!
Subscribe to our newsletter for even more holiday gift ideas!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
I spent all of high school, and most of college, avoiding the color red. With my very minimal understanding of color analysis, I'd absorbed the idea that because of my cool undertones, I needed to stick in the blue-green-purple world. Plus, the fact that my alma mater's colors are blue (and one of our rival's is red) meant I'd never really needed shades of cranberry, auburn, or ruby. But one clothing swap, When Harry Met Sally movie night, and red sweater later, and my approach to fashion totally changed. Because just like our skin has cool and warm undertones, so do clothes! Now I love wearing my H&M turtleneck sweater, especially since I can recreate one of Meg Ryan's most iconic outfits.
And when red cardigans started trending for fall this year? I became laser focused on a single mission: find the perfect red cardigan and find it quick. But of course my thorough, Type A, oldest daughter mentality meant that to find the perfect sweater, I had to scroll through hundreds of options. Red cardigans are like wearing red lipstick — they're an easy, bold addition to any outfit! Here are the best results, per my very thorough research.
- Red cardigans are an easy, bold way to brighten any outfit.
- Red cardigans can work for any skin tone because they come in so many tones.
- Here are an editor's picks — including Old Navy, Target, and J. Crew — after scrolling through hundreds of options.
Old Navy SoSoft Crop Red Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy
These Old Navy cardigans have taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. They come in multiple colors, they're ultra flattering, and they're super soft. The 53 percent cotton x 24 percent recycled polyester is like wrapping yourself up in a blanket, but it's not thick enough that you'll sweat through it. And to top it off, while writing this story, the Old Navy site is telling me 3,839other usersviewed this item today. Grab one while you can!
Target Cozy Knit Button-Front Red Cardigan
Target
Target is always one of my favorite places to hop on a trend while staying within my budget, and its red cardigans are no different. This pick had midweight fabric (made with polyester, acrylic, and spandex) and I'm obsessed with the dimension the ribbed cuffs and tortoiseshell buttons add!
Target Rib Pearl Shrunken Sweater Cardigan
Target
Prefer thinner fabric? This red cardigan has the same classy neckline but features faux pearl buttons that Blair Waldorf would be all over. The cropped hemline is perfect for all your high-rise denim, and considering this sweater comes to just $24, you might as well grab another color or the perfect pair of fall shoes.
Banana Republic Red Ribbed Merino Cardigan
Banana Republic
I love a crew neckline, but if you're more a V-neck fan, Banana Republic has you covered. The split cuffs and rib knit is ultra modern, and the slim fit means it's perfect for layering. But my favorite part is BR's Responsible Wool Standard that makes sure the sheep themselves are protected.
Zara Smooth Knit Crop Cardigan
Zara
I'm obsessed with this Zara single-button cardigan just for how unexpected it is. This is great for days you want extra color and dimension but you don't need the warmth of a sweater. The silhouette and square button are classy, but the asymmetrical look gives it a new age look.
Urban Outfitters Kimchi Blue Rachel Cardigan
Urban Outfitters
If you're looking for a super bright red cardigan, definitely check out this Urban Outfitters piece. If you look closely, you can see it features just a bit of white or gray alongside the red, which makes the whole thing even more eye-catching! Pair with an LBD or my favorite combo: white tee, jeans, and sneakers.
Mango Curly-Knit Red Cardigan With Jewel Buttons
Mango
Speaking of LBDs, if you need a red cardigan to dress up an outfit, this cozy sweater is great for any occasion. Despite the fact the cardigan is all one color, the different designs along the hem, collar, and buttons provide plenty of contrast. I'm a firm believer in "the devil's in the details," and these jewel effect buttons prove it!
J. Crew Featherweight Cashmere Pointelle Shrunken Cardigan Sweater
J. Crew
If you'd describe your style as kitsch, this pointelle sweater will add the perfect dose of creativity to your fall outfits.The design (and four pockets) give it a super cute vintage look, but the cropped hemline and fitted silhouette make it modern enough to go with all the latest trends.
Aritzia Cashmere Relaxed Crew Cardigan
Aritzia
In need of a football game outfit? Something to dress up your grocery store look while staying comfy? This cardigan is what you're looking for. The 100 percent Grade-A cashmere just might make you feel like you're wearing pajamas, and the midweight fabric will keep you warm without leaving you overheated. And once it really gets cold, you can layer it with your favorite turtleneck!
Free People Most Wanted Cardi
Free People
If you're still in desperate need of warm-weather options, this short sleeve piece will give the illusion that you're wearing a cardigan without committing to a thick, fuzzy sweater. The cap sleeves and flayer hem are totally reminding me of all the peplum silhouettes I saw on red carpets this fall. The deep cherry color is also great for anyone who prefers toned-down shades.
French Connection Fluffy Knit Cardigan
Macy's
Every time I see a piece from French Connection, it stops me in my tracks, and this red cardigan is no exception. It's relaxed, it's bold, it's adorable. I love the way the color of the buttons blend into the sweater, while the shiny material still stands out against the fabric. Wear it buttoned with just a bralette or overtop of a bodysuit! It goes good with everything.
Check out 12 Flattering Target Sweaters For Cozy Fall Days for more!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations
Our favorite dancing queens (Meryl Streep included) might be returning to the big screen for a third encore of Mamma Mia! and we’re already rewatching the first two movie musicals in preparation.
In an interview with Deadline in May of 2023, Mamma Mia! franchise creator and producer Judy Craymer said a third movie musical is in "earliest stages." She also shared that she has come up with a way to bring Meryl Streep back again.
"I don't want to over-egg it," she said of the unofficial news, "but I know there's a trilogy there…and I do think Meryl should come back, and if the script is right, she would, I think, because she really loved playing Donna."
"Of course I want to do it," Streep said during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (via Deadline). Sounds promising to us!
Is Mamma Mia 3 happening?
Universal Pictures
Yes, Mamma Mia 3 is in its early planning stages! Christine Baranski just told The Hollywood Reporter that she's met with producer Judy Kramer, and that Kramer has plans for the third movie. "She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen," Baranski says. "That’s all I can say! But, it’s not like, 'Oh, I wish it could happen!' Judy Kramer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Kramer to get everybody back together."
Universal Pictures
A third installation was first mentioned way back in 2020, during a Collider interview with Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried. Seyfried said she was on board — and at the time, she thought the rest of the star-studded cast would be too.
"Listen, every single person in that movie would say yes in a heartbeat because we want to hang out with each other," Seyfried told Collider at the time. "That's what we talked about last time, like did we ever think that we'd end up here again on an Island in Croatia?"
When will Mamma Mia 3 come out?
Universal Pictures
We don't have an official answer about when to expect this highly anticipated sequel. The project is in the "earliest stages," according to creator and producer, Judy Craymer. Cher also revealed to Entertainment Weekly that everyone is "talking about it," but she doesn't "know when they're going to do it."
Has casting information been shared about Mamma Mia 3?
Jonathan Prime/Universal Studios
While nothing's been made official, Amanda Seyfried just said something that made my heart skip a beat. She told ABC News she loves Sabrina Carpenter's music and dropped this admission: "If Sabrina Carpenter wants to play my daughter, I’ll make it happen."
But before she admitted that, the actress said something else that made me raise my eyebrows. "Everybody says it’s gonna happen, but I mean, I haven’t seen a script."
Cher is also eager to return to the beloved franchise and is rooting for Meryl to make an appearance again. "I keep saying, 'Meryl, you've got to come back,'" she said (via Entertainment Weekly). She also said she's told her, "'It'll be fun. You'll have a good time. You'll be able to sing.'"
I don't know what it'll take, but hope someone gets a script in Amanda Seyfried, Cher, and Meryl Streep's hands ASAP!
What is the first Mamma Mia about?
Universal Pictures
The first film follows Donna (Streep) and Sophie (Seyfried) as mother and daughter living on a remote Greek island. When Sophie is about to marry Sky (Dominic Cooper), she sets out to learn who her real father is after discovering it could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgard, and Colin Firth).
Who does the second Mamma Mia follow?
Universal Pictures / NBCUniversal
Mamma Mia 2takes viewers back to 1979, where young Donna (Lily James) embarks on a series of adventures throughout Europe following her Oxford University graduation. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam – the latter whom she falls in love with. In the present day, pregnant Sophie dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on a Greek island island.
TBH, we’re pretty happy that Mamma Mia! is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what the franchise has in store for us next. Stay updated on all the latest entertainment news with Brit + Co.
This post has been updated.
There's nothing ~normal~ about how much we love Normal People's Paul Mescal & Daisy Edgar-Jones. While it turns out we're not getting a Normal People season 2 (yet), the two actors are starring in some of 2024's biggest blockbusters (Twisters and Gladiator II, namely), and we've been soaking up their presences ever since.
Paul recently exhibited his ongoing friendship with Daisy at the Gladiator II premiere in Los Angeles. While he approached Brittany Broski on the red carpet for an interview, he recognized her from her recent 'Royal Court' interview with Daisy:
"You were with Daisy!" he chimed in excitingly. We just love this power duo!
Enda Bowe/Hulu
Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."
But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.
"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."
Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.
"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"
Let us know your favorite Normal People moment in the comments and check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com.
This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.