Gin Drinks Can Be Intimidating – Here's How A Master Distiller Recommends Enjoying Them

Oct 13, 2023

a few gin drinks sitting together on a tabletop

If you're one to avoid ordering gin and tonics or other gin drinks at the bar, you’re not alone – gin can be *quite* an unnerving spirit if you’ve never really been into it. Master Distiller for Empress 1908 Gin, Phil Lecours, urges you to think differently about it, though. Gin, when consumed in a way that best suits you, can open up a whole world of possibilities when it comes to cocktail recipes and entertaining! We spoke with Lecours about why gin is the way it is, the best ways to drink it, and how gin haters can soon become gin lovers.

What's The Deal With Gin?

Photo by Nazir Ahmad / PEXELS

Traditional gin is a distilled spirit that gets its flavors from juniper berries, though there are many styles of gin on the market with varying levels of juniper, according to Lecours. Through his work, he’s crafted spirits for Empress 1908, from their famous Indigo gin to their newer Elderflower Rose gin.

“Most types of gin have a recipe for botanicals that include coriander seeds, citrus peel and angelica root,” Lecours said. “For Empress 1908 Indigo Gin, we also use butterfly pea blossom and grapefruit peel among the eight ingredients that contribute to the unique and refreshing taste.”

A lot of gins are derived from neutral grain alcohol that gets distilled. Neutral grain alcohol comes from a range of grains – the most popular are corn, rye, wheat, barley, and rice. In the US, gin must contain at least 40% alcohol by volume to be classified as actual gin. There’s no doubt that gin is strong.

Though the processes behind making gin are interesting, let’s get into how you can start to really enjoy drinking it.

How To Enjoy Having Gin Drinks

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

Gin stands out from the rest of the spirits you might have drank before.

“Unlike vodka, which at its purest form has no additional flavoring or additives, gin is distilled with botanicals and other ingredients for that unique, signature flavor. Tequila is distilled from agave plants, so it will typically take on more characteristics of that plant, and depending on the process, it derives flavors from the aging it may go through,” Lecours said. “The profile would be different from that of vodka and gin, and not really comparable.”

If you’ve never been a fan of gin, it could be that you just haven’t found one you like yet. Lecours says one of the biggest barriers to gin is the impression that it might be “piny or overpowering,” but he offers that it’s one of the most “uniquely flavored” spirits out there.

For the gin-curious, Lecours recommends trying new world-style gins (as opposed to London Dry gins) as they contain various botanicals that soften the juniper notes. He notes that the offerings from Empress 1908 contain many more botanicals that make the spirit very approachable.

Also, it’s not like you have to drink gin on its own to break down what you may like (and don’t like) about it – try whatever sounds good to you, then you can dwindle down your favorite picks from there.

“I would try a variety of styles of gin to see what you like – but I highly recommend easing into it with cocktails,” Lecours said. “I would recommend something simple but flavourful.”

Here are some beginner-friendly gin drinks to get you started:

Easy Recipes For Gin Drinks

Empress & Tonic

2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
3 oz premium tonic water
Grapefruit slice

Method: Fill a copa glass with ice, add Empress 1908 Gin, and serve with tonic on the side. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Blooming Mule

2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
0.5 oz fresh lime juice
3 oz ginger beer
Lime wheel
Fresh mint leaves

Method: In a collins glass, build the gin, lime juice and ginger beer over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.

Windsor Garden

2 oz Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Basil
Thyme
Rosemary, plus a sprig to garnish
Mint Leaves

Method: Lightly muddle herbs and shake ingredients over ice. Strain into a stemless wine glass with ice. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Garden Gimlet

2 oz Empress 1908 Elderflower Rose Gin
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
Lavender sprig

Method: Shake ingredients on ice. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lavender sprig for aromatics.

Empress Aviation

2 ozEmpress 1908 Indigo Gin
0.5 oz maraschino liqueur
0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
Lemon twist

Method: Shake ingredients on ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Empress Royale

1 ozEmpress 1908 Indigo Gin
1 oz berry liqueur or juice
Sparkling wine
Blackberries & fresh thyme, for garnish

Method: Build in a chilled champagne flute. Garnish with blackberries & thyme.

Photo by Iva Samkov / PEXELS

Whatever cocktail you make with gin, Lecours recommends adding some citrus, whether it’s lemon juice, soda, sparkling wine, or a simple syrup.

“The added citrus and sugar help balance out the cocktail,” he said. “And ice! You’ll want to enjoy gin cocktails nice and cold.”

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Lead photo by Dziana Hasanbekava / PEXELS.

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.

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10 Comfy & Cute Summer Sandals Every Shoe Lover Needs To Try In 2025

It’s gradually heating up and summer is definitely calling our names – that means it’s officially sandal season! Whether you’re into fashion-forward strappy pairs or more practical walking sandals, we found 10 perfect cute summer sandals to complete only your best warm weather looks. The best part about all of ‘em? They’re supremely comfortable, so there won't be a single blister in sight.

Elevate your warm weather wardrobe with these 10 cute summer sandals!

Target

Wild Fable Ruby Cherry Mesh Slide Sandals

These easy slide-on sandals are way too cute! Dotted with little cherry motifs, they're such a playful way to step into the warmer season and will work with a variety of outfits.

Teva

Teva Midform Universal Studded Sandals

Fitted with the classic EVA midsole-powered comfort of Tevas and elevated with premium leather straps and silver studs, this wear-with-everything pair means you don't ever have to sacrifice practicality for the look this summer!

Free People

Schutz Inez Strappy Sandals

These dainty strappy sandals are going to be perfect for more formal occasions this year. The elegant shine gives 'em that luxe effect that many heels have, but these are nothing but comfortable since they actually boast a flat, very-walkable sole.

Franco Sarto

Franco Sarto Loran Sandals

These cheetah print sandals are downright stunning. If you like to make a statement with your summer sandals, this pair is definitely for you. Though heightened by a small heel, its blocky nature makes walking in these a total breeze. Plus, they're fitted with hidden thong posts for added stability each time you strut!

Free People

Melissa Possession Fresh Sandals

This cutesy pair combines two of our favorite summer sandal trends: jelly-like materials and fisherman styles! Both supply an undeniable retro vibe, which wears well with timeless wide-leg jeans and flowy white skirts for summertime.

FRANKIE4

FRANKIE4 Isla Black Sandals

These streamlined black sandals are podiatrist-designed, meaning they were thoughtfully made with ample heel, arch, and forefoot support – score! The subtly strappy look up top makes them ever-so trendy, plus they're made of a durable waterproof leather that's certainly pool- and beach-friendly. Vacay is calling!

DSW

Beach by Matisse Del Mar Platform Sandals

Raffia sandals are huge right now, and they're sure to have some staying power well into the summer season. This pair in particular is boosted nicely by a platform sole that's partnered up with some comfy, cushiony support with each step. Their neutral color will be super easy to wear with a multitude of summer 'fits!

Anthropologie

Bibi Lou Holly Sandals

We're already so here for metallic shoes like sneakers, so these slip-ons are definitely going on our summer shoe wishlist. Boasting a wide woven design on the upper, these sleek sandals also have a teeny-tiny heel to give 'em that polished feel – without discarding their immaculate comfort level for summer strolls!

DSW

Steve Madden Shelee Sandals

Simple and streamlined in their shape, the real star of these cute summer sandals is the bold, gold, adjustable buckle on the sides! They're a great pair to reach for for the feel of a flip flop, but the look of a chic formal sandal.

Target

Shade & Shore Rosette Thong Flip Flop Sandals

These are not your average flip flops! Designed with a squared toe and an adorable rosette decal along the straps that easily elevate their look, you no longer have to settle for that years-old pair that's sitting in your closet right now.

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more summery styles!

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

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These 24 Green Cocktails For St. Patrick's Day Are Full Of Luck

St. Patrick's Day means green is queen. We're talking green recipes, green outfits, and green cocktails! Now that you've got the recipe for pot of gold cupcakes, it's finally time to find the perfect green drink for St. Patty's day to pair them with! With our list of green cocktails, you'll be full of luck come March 17.

Find every spirited cocktail worth celebrating here – from Grasshoppers to green margaritas, we're here to make sure your St. Patty's is nothing but fun!

What is the most popular drink for St. Patrick's Day?

Denys Gromov / PEXELS

Green beer, Guinness, and green cocktails made with creme de menthe and Irish cream are the most popular drinks to have for St. Patrick's Day. You'll see celebrations chock full of themed foods and drinks, especially green in color. We love a good cocktail, so enjoying a green spirit like the ones listed is our favorite way to party!

What do Irish people drink on St. Patrick's Day?

RDNE Stock Project / PEXELS

Among a tall pint of Guinness, Irish people typically indulge in local ciders, Dublin Mules, Irish whiskey shots, and Black and Blacks for St. Patrick's Day.

What is the most popular cocktail in Ireland?

Arina Krasnikova / PEXELS

For many, the Irish Maid is one of the best cocktails in Ireland. It's made with quality whiskey, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Other popular cocktails include the Irish Espresso Martini, Irish Eyes, and Irish Sour.

Green Beer

We had to go there. This is one of the easiest and most quintessential American-Irish drinks. (via Brit + Co)

Cucumber Gin Slushie

Brit + Co

This green slushy makes our hearts soar since you only need 6 ingredients for the recipe. This is one of the best St. Patrick's Day cocktails you can make if it's hot outside on the holiday. (via Brit + Co)

St. Patrick's Day Green Shots

Sarah Anderson

Okay – this green cocktail is actually a dessert shot, but we had to include its yumminess. You'll build a chocolatey Oreo base on the bottom before layering on the boozy pudding. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Pickleback

Kurt Andre

Green pickle juice and bacon bourbon in a salt-rimmed glass is all you need for a green shot to remember. (via Brit + Co)

Mezcalima Lime Cocktail

Brittany Griffin

This citrusy margarita is a great addition to your St. Patrick's menu. It's got ginger beer, so it's a good option for anyone who isn't a fan of thick, sweet drinks. If you desire a sweet sip, whip up some simple syrup to mix in. Mix in some addition green food dye to up the color! (via Brit + Co)

Midori Lemonata

Brit + Co

Don’t let the green color of this drink scare you. This St. Patty's cocktail tastes just like melon-flavored lemonade – with a boozy kick, of course. (via Brit + Co)

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Pizzazzerie

Adding a little bit of Irish Whiskey into your drink makes it St. Patty's Day-appropriate, like this version of a whiskey sour from our collection of St. Patrick's Day recipes! (via Pizzazzerie for Brit + Co)

Avo-Keto Margarita

Don Julio

Just because you may be going low-cal doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to St. Patrick's party with the rest of 'em. This keto-friendly margarita earns its green hue from fresh avocado. (via Don Julio for Brit + Co)

Cucumber Gimlets

Brit + Co

Forget normal glasses — you can drink right out of a cucumber with these green cocktails! All you need to scoop out the inside is a melon baller, then you're all set to fill to the brim with gin and Sparkling Ice. (via Brit + Co)

Matcha Gin Sour

Takes Two Eggs

Prep this appealing matcha-based cocktail for all the green on the 17th. Think of this creative recipe as your #1 St. Patty's sip! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Key Lime Margarita

Barley & Sage

Take this classic margarita to the St. Patty's hang, and your buds will be hooked. This is a great option for when you want to serve green drinks that don't have Guinness or Irish cream. (via Barley & Sage)

Luck Of The Irish Sunrise

First Light Whiskey

Shake 2 oz First Light Whiskey, ½ oz blue curacao, ½ oz orange juice, and ¼ oz simple syrup with ice, then garnish your festive green sip with cherries and a brown sugar rim. This delicious drink will definitely keep the party going. (via First Light Whiskey)

Grasshopper Cocktail

Culinary Hill

Whip up this dessert-y green drink using just three ingredients: green creme de menthe, creme de cacao, and cream! Finish your St. Paddy's cocktail off with delicious chocolate shavings! (via Culinary Hill)

Bali Squeezed Mocktail

Chef Bai

Just because you're not drinking drinking, doesn't mean you can't sip on something delicious for the holiday. Get in the St. Patrick's spirit with this green cocktail that's full of nutrients from superfood supplements and coconut water. (via Chef Bai)

Spicy BLT Green Bloody Marys

Heather Christo

What's better than a bloody Mary? A themed bloody Mary with bacon, of course! Sip this green drink for an unforgettable St. Patrick's. (via Heather Christo)

Frozen Mint Lemonade

The View From Great Island

A slushy, minty limonana is only St. Patty's-approved when rum is added to the blender. All your pals will love these green cocktails. (via The View From Great Island)

Classic Mint Julep

Salt & Lavender

Throw back a sip so refreshing, you'll immediately want a second one. And that's totally accepted to amp up the St. Patrick's party! (via Salt & Lavender)

Taffer's Grasshopper

Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon

To make this creamy green cocktail, shake 1.5 oz Taffer's Browned Butter Bourbon, 1 oz crème de menthe, 1 oz crème de cacao, and 1 oz crème over ice. Strain into your go-to martini glass, then top everything off with a generous amount of shaved dark chocolate. Yummm! (viaTaffer's Browned Butter Bourbon)

Cucumber Gimlet

Leite's Culinaria

Add a splash of cucumber juice to a gin classic, and your tastebuds will be in luck for St. Patrick's Day. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Vodka Limeade Punch

Crazy For Crust

Mix up a pitcher of this easy green punch for a breezy bartending duty. Tons of green lime and fresh mint leaves means there's no pinching to be had! (via Crazy For Crust)

Moscow Mule Push Pops

What Should I Make For

The warm weather will be in full spring mode come St. Patty's, meaning it's time to bust out your freezer pop molds for a cooling boozy treat! These sweet popsicles draw inspo from the classic Moscow mule. (via What Should I Make For)

Sweet Liberty's Grasshopper 2.0

Sweet Liberty

This unique green cocktail reimagines the ever-popular St. Patty's Grasshopper in the tastiest way. To make it, shake .75 oz Tempus Fugit crème de menthe (colored with green dye), .75 oz Giffard crème de cacao, .5 oz Del Maguey ‘Vida’ mezcal, .25 oz Branca Menta, 1 barspoon of absinthe, and 1.25 oz heavy cream over ice. Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and grate some dark chocolate over top! (via Sweet Liberty in Miami Beach, FL)

Mint Matcha Latte

Chef Bai

This matcha drink is luckily super healthy for you! Enjoy this green drink recipe on its own, or spike it with Irish cream for a nice buzz. (via Chef Bai)

Cucumber Margarita

The Endless Meal

Tequila, triple sec and lime join cucumber to form a refreshing green cocktail. Everyone at the party will adore this fun refreshment! (via The Endless Meal)

Tweet us your favorite green cocktails @BritandCo and follow us on Pinterest for more!

This article has been updated.

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'The Last Of Us' Season 3 Is Already On Its Way — & Season 2 Isn't Even Out Yet

The Last of Us immediately gripped TV fans when it premiered on HBO and Max in January 2023 — regardless of whether they played the video game. Its themes of light and dark, family, and the length we go to for love set it apart, nearly doubling its viewership from premiere to finale and winning it eight Emmys! The Last of Us season 2premieres April 13, 2025, but season 3 is already on the way. And considering there are only two games, this is totally uncharted territory. Keep reading for everything you need to know about The Last of Us season 3.

Here's everything we know about The Last of Us season 3, coming soon to HBO and Max.

Is The Last of Us renewed for season 3?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Yes, The Last of Us season 3 is coming to HBO and Max!

“We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew," creator, executive producer, writer, and director Craig Mazin said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”

Neil Druckmann, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, added,“To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans' enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We're thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”

Where can I watch The Last of Us season 3?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

We don't have an official The Last of Us season 3 release date yet, but you can watch the season 2 premiere on Max and HBO Sunday, April 13 at 9 PM ET.

Who's in The Last of Us season 3 cast?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The Last of Us season 3 cast might look different than the cast we've seen before, so stay tuned for official casting announcements. The Last of Us season 2 cast includes:

Pedro Pascal as Joel: a man tasked with bringing Ellie out west in hopes of finding a cure for the infected.
Bella Ramsey as Ellie: an immune young girl taken under Joel's wing.
Gabriel Luna as Tommy: Joel's brother who went MIA and is now living in Jackson.
Rutina Wesley as Maria: one of Jackson's leaders and Tommy's wife.
Kaitlyn Dever as Abby: a young woman determined to get revenge.
Isabela Merced as Dina: a headstrong young woman in Jackson who catches Ellie's eye.
Young Mazino as Jesse: one of Ellie's friends, and Dina's exes.
Ariela Barer as Mel: a doctor who's part of Abby's group.
Spencer Lord as Owen: a strong but gentle member of Abby's crew.
Tati Gabrielle as Nora: a medic in Abby's group.
Danny Ramirez as Manny: a member of Abby's crew who tries to keep their spirits up.
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac: the leader of the militia.
Catherine O’Hara as Gail: Joel's therapist.

How many seasons of Last of Us will be there?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin told Deadline they were thinking of making up to four seasons of the show.

“The story material that we got from Part II of the game is way more than the story material that was in the first game, so part of what we had to do from the start was figure out how to tell that story across seasons,” Craig said, before adding that "season 3 will be significantly larger."

“One thing is absolutely for sure, I don’t see how we could tell the story that remains after Season 2 is complete in one more season,” he continued.

When is The Last of Us 3 coming out?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Stay tuned for an official The Last of Us season 3 release date! (Hopefully we won't have to wait for another 2 years...)

Loving all the recent TV news? Check out the latest news on Severance season 3.

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Amazon

This mid-century modern loveseat is one of our favorite finds on this home product list! There is just something about the tufted floral fabric and accent chair legs that makes it a winning moment in any space.

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These Elegant Couple Glasses Are Fantastic for Those Who Love to Entertain

Amazon

These elegant hand-blown coupe glasses are great for serving your favorite cocktails. Each of the six colorful glasses has a luxe gold rim with intricate cut details. Great for those who love to entertain.

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