5 Key Ways to Maximize Your Weekend Workout

While having a busy work schedule is awesome for productivity, it can sometimes mean that other things have to get pushed, like sticking to our New Year’s resolution to get healthy. Even with the cutest fitness gear and workout playlists, finding time during our busy work week to hit the gym can seem downright impossible. But according to a new study, having a jam-packed work schedule doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up your fitness goals for good. In fact, cramming all of your workouts into the weekend is still a major benefit to your overall health.

So in order to help out our fellow weekend warriors, we sat down with DIAKADI personal trainer Austin Lopez to chat about how we can make the most out of our weekend workouts. Here are his top five tips to help slay your weekend fitness game.

1. Prep your body during non-workout days. Because cramming all your workouts into two days can be mega-hard on your body, it’s important to prepare yourself during your non-workout days. This includes thinking critically about your diet, hydrating and getting up from your desk every hour or so to mobilize your joints and stretch tight muscles.

2. The more intense, the better. “When you undergo intense exercise, your body gets put into a state of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC),” says Austin. “This basically means that your body has an increased rate of calorie consumption — for up to two days — following the exertion.” Try doing a whole body HIIT workout including sprints, lifting moderate weights relatively fast and doing bodyweight exercises.

3. Do resistance training AND cardio. “Like more intense exercise, resistance training produces a rehabilitative effect that can last for days,” notes Austin. Couple your cardio with several resistance exercises to really make the most out of your workout. Use your own bodyweight, or pick up some dumbbells, a kettlebell or resistance bands to work your muscles.

4. Eat and drink strategically. Say goodbye to Saturday night pizza, weekend warriors. “Your diet on the weekend should support your goals,” Austin reminds us. “Make sure that carbohydrates are eaten around your workouts and the rest of the day is relatively low carbohydrate (for fat loss) or high carbohydrate (for muscle gain).” It’s always all about the carbs, isn’t it?

5. Find time to relax. “When your work schedule is crazy, it’s important for both your body and your mind to relax,” Austin counsels. “High levels of stress mean high levels of cortisol. This can decrease the effectiveness of your workouts and lead to increased levels of body fat.” Yeesh. Whether it’s a cool-down yoga routine or some strategic meditation, equip yourself with tools that help you zen out.

Are you a weekend warrior when it comes to working out? Tweet us by mentioning @BritandCo.

(Photos via Getty)

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

Brit + Co

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

Brit + Co

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Holiday movies are one of the best ways to get into the spirit of the season and luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy or romance, we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a mug of comforting hot chocolateand snuggle up with a blanket. Here are our picks for the most highly anticipated new Christmas movies releasing soon!

​Trivia at St. Nick's — On The Hallmark Channel November 8, 2024

Hallmark Channel

Let’s be honest, we all love when Pretty Little Liars co-stars reunite for a new project and the Hallmark Channel is delivering with Trivia at St. Nick’s. When Celeste and Max end up on the same team for their university's annual faculty Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament, they discover a newfound friendship — and chemistry. Who knows what could happen between the two of them before the championship?

Trivia at St. Nick’s stars Tammin Sursok and Brant Daugherty.

​Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

Petr Maur/Netflix

The holidays can be hard for those dealing with a loss, which is something Kathy is still experiencing. However, what will happen after she magically brings a handsome snowman to life? Will she learn to love again?

Hot Frosty stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Katy Mixon Greer, Lauren Holly, Chrishell Stause, Joe Lo Truglio, and Craig Robinson.

​Red One — In Theaters November 15, 2024

Karen Neal/Amazon MGM Studios

Who doesn’t love an action-packed holiday adventure with Dwayne Johnson as the North Pole's main security guard and Chris Evans as a bounty hunter? Throw in a kidnapped Santa Claus and you have a Red One Christmas.

Red One stars Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons.

​An Almost Christmas Story — On Disney+ November 15, 2024

Walt Disney Studios

The third and final installment of Alfonso Cuarón’s holiday shorts collection for Disney+ is almost here, and it follows the adventure of an unlikely duo: a young owl called Moon and a lost little girl named Luna, both wanting to make it home for the holidays. This Christmas movie was was inspired by the tiny owl who was actually rescued from NYC's Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2020!

An Almost Christmas Story stars Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Jim Gaffigan, Mamoudou Athie, Alex Ross Perry, Gianna Joseph, Phil Rosenthal, Natasha Lyonne, and John C. Reilly.

The Night Before Christmas In Wonderland — On November 15, 2024

Universal Pictures/Hulu

There's nothing more festive than an animated musical and this year, we’re finally getting the film adaptation of Carys Bexington’s The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland, which is a perfect mix of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland. Down the rabbit hole we go!

The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland stars Emilia Clarke, Gerard Butler, and Simone Ashley.

​The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

The Merry Gentlemen is your classic story of a former big-city girl returning to her parents’ small-town to save the day, but with a twist…a steamy, all-male Christmas-themed production!

The Merry Gentlemen stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel.

​Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27, 2024

Chuck Zlotnick/Netflix

Christmas with your ex? Definitely not fun for anyone, especially when you’re stuck under the same roof with new partners. Prepare for a whole lot of chaos and mixed feelings!

Our Little Secret stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

​Nutcrackers — On Hulu November 29, 2024

Nutcracker Productions LLC/Hulu

Ben Stiller is back on our screens after seven years in Nutcrackers! The comedy is filled with heart and tells the story of Mike, who's all work and no play. Everything turns upside down when he becomes the guardian for his orphaned nephews. What’s extra fun is actors Homer, Ulysses, Arlo, and Atlas Janson are actually siblings in real life.

Nutcrackers stars Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Arlo Janson, and Atlas Janson.

​A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter — On Netflix December 6, 2024

Mike Coppola/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

After Sabrina Carpenter’s incredible sixth album, Short n’ Sweet, she’s ready to give us the holiday special we deserve this season. That’s right, it’s a nonsense Christmas with the singer performing songs from her fruitcake holiday EP as well as some unforgettable covers. Plus, we all know there will be some fun surprises!

A Nonsense Christmas stars Sabrina Carpenter.

​A Carpenter Christmas Romance — On Lifetime December 21

Lifetime/A+E

Andrea escapes to her family’s farmhouse to finish her novel. This leads to a run-in with her woodworker ex-crush, who's helping rebuild the town after a tragedy. Naturally, sparks fly.

A Carpenter Christmas Romance stars Sasha Pieterse and Mitchell Slaggert.

​Oh. What. Fun. — On Prime Video Soon

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Claire's preparing to celebrate Christmas with a special family outing, until they forget her (giving classic Home Alone vibes). While this could lead to a miserable holiday for everyone, Claire's determined to get back to her family.

Oh. What. Fun. stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria, Joan Chen, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, and Maude Apatow.

​Champagne Problems — On Netflix Soon

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images for Clase Azul

Who doesn’t want to take a trip to the city of love? Friday Night Lights' Minka Kelly is set to play an executive who goes to France in hopes of obtaining a well-known champagne brand. But life has other plans when she falls in love with the founder’s son.

Champagne Problems stars Minka Kelly.

Here are 28 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For The Holidays to go with your holiday watching :).

I’m a fairly active person. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, hot girl walks, dripping sweat at pilates, and working on my defense skills in boxing. I have yet to find runningincredibly enjoyable, like the people my age rapidly signing up for marathons, but I’ll indulge in a solid 3-mile jog about once a week. So when I was asked to join a wellness weekend in the Bahamas with actress Gwenyth Paltrow’s media brand, Goop, I thought it’d be a breeze. For the most part, it was. Emphasis on ‘for the most part.

Olivia Bria

Goop's wellness retreat in the Bahamas.

Wellness is an umbrella term — it looks and feels different to each individual person. Despite the fact that I just named five exercises I attempt to partake in weekly — life gets busy! — I really try to branch out of my usual workouts, due to both the need for a challenge and a general interest in looking for new ways to move my body. What are my most recent exercise acquisitions? Breakdancing, hot yoga, and, well, getting TORCH’D. Goop booked us with celebrity trainer, Isaac Boots, to add the last workout to that list.

Boots has a long roster of celeb clients: Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Chastain, Gwenyth Paltrow (of course!) and more. I’ve always been a bit envious of how the celebrities of today are able to build at-home gyms and call for private sessions in a flash. Yet, beyond the affordability aspect, I’ve been more curious on how they become so fit — diet and personal chefs aside — with such busy schedules.

I found out in the Bahamas. And the workout is not as easy as it looks.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots first created virtual at-home sessions to teach TORCH’D classes during the pandemic, with the main premise of the workout focusing on the flow of body resistance, dance conditioning, and targeted repetition with the intention of burning fat. We — the other gal pal journalists and influencers on the trip — were set to complete two morning classes, both Saturday and Sunday. I, unfortunately, missed my connecting flight on Friday and wasn’t able to make it to the Saturday class due to a series of unfortunate travel events (let’s not rehash it, for my sake). But, after talking to the girls who were able to attend that morning session, it seems that the only thing I missed was waking up really sore on Sunday. My quads thanked me for that missed flight.

Olivia Bria

The group Torch'd workout class at Goop's Bahamas retreat.

Group fitness is also something I’ve gotten used to over the years, especially when moving to LA where it's common practice, but going into workouts that I’ve never done before is intimidating. Exercising in front of others, especially when you aren’t familiar with the form of exercise, can be a particularly vulnerable activity.

Therefore, before attending the 45-minute TORCH’D session, I searched for the workouts online to study them a little. I’ll admit, I didn’t think they looked that difficult. But boy, was I absolutely proved wrong. Keep in mind that the Sunday session was outdoors, and although on a shaded rooftop with a stunning ocean view, the Bahamas was in the middle of a heat wave. I already didn’t stand a chance against my already innately sweaty and red-faced self during any form of physical movement.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots started the music — an upbeat, EDM like tune — to get us moving to the rhythm.

We began with small movements like arm circles and donkey kicks, pulsed for a bit, and then went ‘double time’ (AKA we picked up our speed). Those rotations would continue throughout the workout. It was during the pulsing portions of the workout where I really felt it target my biceps, triceps, and glutes. A burning sensation formed in my upper arms and legs several times, making it hard to keep going. There were a few instances when I had to take a quick break to get back into it. It was during those breaks when I noticed I wasn’t the only one taking a breather.

As I’ve grown sick of my mundane daily gym routine, I’ve noticed that having fun while I workout is a priority. Boots’ liveliness and charisma matched with his eagerness to teach really helped me get out of my own head (I have the tendency to become frustrated and want to quit during certain moves.)

I now understand now how a lot of celeb women — like Gwenyth — exercise with time constraints. Workouts like Torch'd are simple and tough, but effective at toning all the right places. While I would 10/10 recommend this class to anyone, I (and my sore muscles) definitely encourage you to take a rest day (or two) afterwards. 😉

Looking for more exercise tips? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via Olivia Bria

Bring it on, fall. It's almost time to put your shorts aside, dig out your sweaters, and start replacing flats with booties. As you honor the changing seasons, don't forget to dress your drinks properly, too! Add some cider to your sangria, some apple to your martini, and some pumpkin spice to yourhot chocolate.

These delicious fall cocktails will brighten your soirees, warm your last outdoor dinner parties, and sweeten the glow of your nights by the fire. With one of these bevs in-hand, you'll welcome fall with open arms.

Brit + Co

Chocolate Mocha Martini

Take a sweet break from those busy fall weekdays with this decadent mocha martini that's made with Baileys Chocolate Liqueur, espresso, vodka, and simple syrup.

Kelly Pettit for Brit + Co.

Fall Aperol Spritz

To craft this fall cocktail, you'll combine Aperol with pear juice, sparkling wine, cinnamon, and more – each ingredient works to bring forth those warm and cozy flavors you love!

Brit + Co

Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail

This cocktail is *so* fit for the season. It's delicately balanced with dry vermouth, pomegranate juice, orange bitters, and ginger beer to make a boozy play at seasonal flavors.

Brit + Co

Butterscotch Bourbon Milk Punch

This sweet drink is sure to follow you through the fall and winter seasons, as it provides a warming sip with the addition of bourbon!

Not Without Salt

This festive cider packs quite a – you know – punch. You would never guess that it only has three ingredients!

Barley & Sage

Apple Pie Moonshine Hot Toddy

Five minutes is all it takes to whip up this warming cocktail that uses apple pie moonshine. One sip, and you'll be leaning into the fall vibes.

Mixop

Pumpkin Spice Martini

Vodka, pumpkin spice liquor, pumpkin puree, vanilla and more join forces for a full-on dessert drink.

Half Baked Harvest

Pumpkin Head Punch

Mix lemon, spiced pumpkin butter, vodka, cinnamon, ginger beer, and a few more ingredients for this stunning, sparkling autumn punch.

Not Without Salt


For this drink, throw in some brown sugar, cinnamon, butter... wait... are these cookies we're talking about, or a favorite fall cocktail? (via Not Without Salt)

Sunshine Punch

Good Morning Sunshine

Missing that summer sun already? Keep it shining all fall long with this unique bev that carries notes of coffee and orange juice. To make it, combine 1 part Sunshine Punch with 1 part cold brew coffee over ice. Stir it, then garnish the mix with a cinnamon stick and an orange slice.

Filthy

Filthy Cherry Apple Punch

Grab your punch bowl, and prepare to please a crowd with this fall cocktail. You'll make a concoction with 750ml bourbon, 12 oz fresh-squeezed (store-bought's way easier) apple juice, 12 oz Filthy® Black Cherry Syrup, and 12 oz cider before garnishing with 2 red apples, cinnamon sticks, and a few Filthy® black cherries.

Sidral Mundet

Sidral Sparkling Apple & Berry Refresher

This apple-berry combo couldn't be more of a fit for fall. To make it, combine .5 oz fresh lime juice, 2 slices of fresh ginger, and 6 blackberries into a shaker and muddle together. Then, add 1.5 oz unsweetened cranberry juice and 1 bottle of Sidral Mundet before shaking it all together. Optionally, add some vodka or gin to make it a complete fall cocktail!

Flecha Azul Tequila

Fall Margarita

Batch cocktails always win people over. To make this pitcher, you'll start by crafting your own fall simple syrup: boil 1 cup of water, then add 3 cinnamon sticks, ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of sugar, and stir vigorously for about 2 minutes until sugar dissolves. Let cool. The rest of the recipe is simple: combine 9 oz Flecha Azul Blanco, 6 oz orange juice, 4 oz lime juice, and 2 oz of the fall simple syrup.

Culinary Hill

Hot Toddy

The ultimate warm-up drink, this hot toddy mixes plenty of lemon juice and honey into whiskey and adds nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon slices.

HGTV

Caramel Apple Martini

The ingredients for this fall cocktail are truly simple — apple schnapps, butterscotch schnapps, Baileys, and your choice of milk. Make a large amount to share at brunch!

Salt & Lavender

Refreshing Persimmon Cocktail

Persimmon season begins in October, meaning it's the perfect time to mix together this drink made of persimmon puree, lime juice, creme de cassis, and Champagne.

Love & Olive Oil

Bourbon Salted Caramel Milkshake

If there's booze in it, it's a cocktail. No matter if it's in milkshake form!

Pamela Wiznitzer and Joanna Lin for Ketel One Vodka

Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini

Espresso martinis are great as their own thing, but why not make a pumpkin twist on them? This recipe makes the ultimate dessert drink. To create it, combine 1.5 oz Ketel One Vodka, .5 oz coffee liqueur, .75 oz pumpkin allspice syrup*, and 1 oz coffee concentrate** in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain it into a chilled martini glass and garnish half of the cocktail with some shakes of pumpkin spice and espresso powder!


For the *pumpkin allspice syrup:

  1. Boil 2 cups of water with 1 tbsp pumpkin spice on high for 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes and remove from the stovetop.
  2. In a jar or bowl, measure out the reduced liquid, it will be less than 2 cups because of evaporation during the boiling process.
  3. Measure out the same quantity in sugar for a 1:1 ratio, and add the sugar to the pumpkin spice liquid. Mix until dissolved, and keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

For the **coffee concentrate:

  1. Mix 1 cup of cold brew (or store-bought iced coffee) and mix with 1 tbsp instant espresso powder.

Sidral Mundet

Mundet Appletini

Get a sip full of harvest flavors by mixing up this martini: first, vigorously shake 1.5 oz vodka over ice for 10 seconds and strain it into a chilled glass. Then you'll top things off with cold Sidral Mundet Green Apple soda and an apple slice. Fresh!

Naturally Ella

Apple, Pear + Gin Cocktail

Juice two pears and an apple together. Add honey, lemon juice, and soda water, garnish with rosemary, and voila! That was easy.

Saveuer

Regent's Punch

Pineapple meets a new season when it's mixed with orange, nutmeg, and — an unlikely addition — green tea. Don't forget the cranberries on top!

Proper No. Twelve

Proper Apple Pie Martini

To make this pie-inspired martini, shake 2 oz Proper No. Twelve Irish Apple with 2 oz of Irish cream liqueur in a shaker with ice and a dash of cinnamon. Once shaken, strain into a martini glass rimmed with crushed graham cracker. Get ready for dessert in a drink!

Barley & Sage

Sparkling Fig Cocktail

Made with fresh figs, vodka, and Champagne, this sparkling cocktail is quite the refreshing nod to harvest season.

Culinary Hill

Brandy Apple Cider Slush

Mix some frozen apple cider with brandy, and top it off with hard apple cider (or sparkling water) for a frozen fall cocktail. Gotta love an adult slushy.

Half Baked Harvest

Sleepy Hollow Cocktail

Mix pomegranate juice with tequila, bitters, cinnamon, rosemary-infused orange honey simple syrup and top it off with sparkling water and a smoking sprig of rosemary to create this Halloween-ready brew.

Minimalist Baker

Boozy Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

We like to celebrate all the possible ways to add pumpkin to our drinks. Our favorite method is through this white hot chocolate.

Sidral Mundet

Sidral Mundet Crisp Mezcalrita

This seasonal take on a margarita will provide fun times and fall vibes. First, rim a glass with brown sugar and cinnamon. To the glass, add 1 bottle of Sidral Mundet, 2 oz of mezcal, and 2 oz of triple sec. Add a squeeze of lemon and ice before mixing it together. Finally, garnish with a star anise piece!

Intoxicology

Cider Jack Cocktail

Friends forever: hard cider and apple jack liqueur.

Wyn Vida for Dulce Vida

Tequila Vanilla Sour

Indulge in a fancy fall cocktail by following this recipe: shake 1.5 oz Dulce Vida Anejo Tequila, .5 oz Licor 43, .5oz vanilla liqueur, 1 oz lemon juice, .5 oz agave, and 1oz egg whites together before straining into a sour glass!

Half Baked Harvest

Vanilla Chai White Russian

A chai tea simple syrup made with chai tea, honey, and vanilla extract is added to a classic white Russian for this autumnal spiced cocktail.

Proper No. Twelve

Apple Mule

Make a twist on your go-to mule with this seasonal offering. Over ice, combine 1.5 oz Proper No. Twelve Irish Apple and 3 oz of ginger beer. From there, garnish with a lime wedge for a special touch!

Aviation American Gin

Negroni Upgrade

Let this smooth cocktail engage your senses with each sip.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin

0.75 oz Bitter Aperitivo Liqueur

0.75 oz Sweet Vermouth

Orange Twist

Combine all ingredients into mixing glass with Ice. Stir, then strain into Rocks glass with Ice. Garnish with Orange Twist.

Aviation American Gin

NY Juniper Sour

Give your taste buds a jolt with this amazing cocktail.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin

1 oz Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Ginger Syrup

Top with Red Wine

Combine all ingredients except Red Wine into cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Rocks glass with Ice. Carefully top with Red Wine.

Aviation American Gin

Tom Collins

Keep everything easygoing with a Tom Collins. (via Aviation American Gin)

Ingredients

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin

1 oz Lemon Juice

0.75 oz Simple Syrup

Top with 2 oz Club Soda

Combine all ingredients except Club Soda into cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Collins glass filled with Ice. Top with Club Soda and garnish with Lemon Slice.

Aviation American Gin

Gin Espresso Martini

When you combine nutmeg, espresso and Aviation American Gin, you're bound to fall in love with a Gin Espresso Martini. (via Aviation American Gin)

Ingredients

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin

0.75 oz Coffee Liqueur

0.75 oz Espresso

0.5 oz Simple Syrup (optional)

Coffee Beans or Nutmeg

Combine all ingredients into cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into chilled Martini glass. Garnish with 3 Coffee Beans or grated Nutmeg.

Mixop

Caramel Martini

We're entering sweet territory with this scrumptious drink! It's like drinking a dessert instead of hearing your fork scrape a ceramic dish. All you need are Vodka, Irish and heavy creams, caramel syrup, and brown sugar. The best part about this drink are the soft caramel candies you can use as a garnish!

SirDavis

Honey Bee Cocktail

Your fall cocktails should be as sweet as they are warm and spicy like SirDavis's Honey Bee Cocktail. The ingredients and instructions are simple so you'll be sipping on this delectable drink in no time!

Ingredients

2 oz of SirDavis American Whisky

.75 oz of Lemon Juice

.50 oz of Honey Syrup

Garnish

Honeycomb or Lemon Twist

*To make honey syrup, add 2 parts honey and 1 part water into a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved. Allow to cool and transfer to an airtight container.

Mixop

S'Mores Martini

The upcoming bonfire party you're attending needs a ton of tasty camping foodand one of the sweetest fall cocktails anyone has ever tasted. With ingredients like Marshmallow Vodka, Kahlua, and Chocolate Syrup, you may find that you don't need to eat S'mores after all!

We might be drooling now. These fall cocktails are sure to warm you up this autumn.

Join our newsletter and check out our complete list of hot cocktails for more inspiration.

This post has been updated.

Sure, we all love the idea of a roasted turkey on Thanksgiving, but IRL, they’re usually overcooked, bland, and in need of a good dose of gravy to make up for their lackluster flavor. This year, think outside of the box and treat your friends and family to a stellar meal that will awaken their tastebuds! You’ve DIYed your own pie stand, you’ve created the perfect tablescape, and you’ve even worked extra hard on your place settings. You might as well make one of these main course dishes focused on Thanksgiving proteins (including some veggie options!) that are just as impressive as your decor.

Life Tastes Good

Garlic Roast Beef

Feed a carnivorous army with this gorgeous garlic roast beef that is as juicy as it is flavorful. Slice this baby tableside, and your guests won’t be able to resist the aroma. (via Life Tastes Good)

The Healthy Foodie

Maple Walnut Crusted Salmon

This salmon deserves a place front and center at your Thanksgiving table. Not only do you have the sweet maple glaze, but you also get a welcomed crunch from the walnut crust in this recipe. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Pickles and Honey

Stuffed Butternut Squash with Tempeh

This meatless (yet protein-packed) dish is a feast for your eyes and your mouth! It’s a vegan Thanksgiving treat that is almost too pretty to eat… almost. Bring this out of the oven and let the “oohs” and “ahhs” ensue. (via Pickles and Honey)

What’s for Lunch, Honey?

Beef Wellington With Roast Pumpkin, Parsnip and Mushrooms

This luxe beef wellington is sure to impress even the classiest of Thanksgiving guests. Whip this up for your in-laws and your M.I.L. will be wrapped around your finger! (via What’s for Lunch, Honey?)

Running to the Kitchen

Cranberry Apple Stuffed Cornish Hens

If you’re having a small Thanksgiving gathering this year, go with some Cornish game hens. Everyone gets their own bird, which makes for a beautiful presentation, and this recipe is even stuffed with fresh cranberries and apples! (via Running to the Kitchen)

Salt & Lavender

Creamy Mushroom Pork Tenderloin

Time is of the essence during the holidays, so a hearty main dish is as precious as gold. Plus, if there’s a delicious gravy involved, it’s already a hit. This creamy mushroom pork tenderloin will be gone faster than it took you to make it! (via Salt & Lavender)

The Gourmet Gourmand

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

Have someone you’re trying to impress this Thanksgiving? Break out these herb-crusted lamb chops and you’ll be considered a T-Day queen for many years to come! (via The Gourmet Gourmand)

Connoisseurus Veg

Chickpea Vegan Meatloaf

Sure, meatloaf isn’t quite a traditional Thanksgiving main course, but with a sweet maple tomato glaze, it sure fits the bill flavor-wise. (via Connoisseurus Veg)

Minimalist Baker

1-Hour Vegan Pot Pies

These individual pot pies are so adorable and full of rich flavor, no one will even notice they’re vegan. Plus, who doesn’t love getting their own little dish of food? (via Minimalist Baker)

Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch

Slow Cooker Pineapple Honey Mustard Ham

Ham isn’t only for Christmas, people. This juicy pineapple-glazed ham is perfect for any holiday meal. Bonus: it’s made in the slow cooker, which frees up tons of vital oven space. (via Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch)

Vikalinka

Vegetarian Lentil & Butternut Squash Wellington

In case you need to feed an entire crew of plant-based eaters, opt for this veggie spin on a crowd favorite. There’s no need to sacrifice a hearty main course when you have awesome alternative Thanksgiving proteins like these. (via Vikalinka)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Cranberry Meatballs

These little spheres of flavor are a burst of savory and sweet, with a tangy cranberry glaze that's downright addictive. Forget the gravy – these meatballs will be the saucy stars of your Thanksgiving spread! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Feel Good Foodie

Grilled Lamb Chops

These lamb chops, perfectly seasoned and seared, bring a touch of elegance to your table. This is the premier choice for a feast fit for royalty. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Bowl of Delicious

Dutch Oven Whole Roast Chicken

Succulent, juicy, and infused with a medley of herbs, this bird takes center stage in a cast iron pot. Your Thanksgiving guests will be clucking about this chicken long after the last bite. (via Bowl of Delicious)

This Wife Cooks

Roasted Vegetable Wellington

Imagine a golden puff pastry hugging a medley of roasted veggies, herbs, and savory goodness. It's like a Thanksgiving hug for your taste buds – a vegetarian delight that even carnivores will crave. (via This Wife Cooks)

Cozy Cravings

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

Layers of velvety butternut goodness dance with sautéed spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, creating a symphony of flavors that'll have your guests singing your culinary praises. This is comfort food elevated to a whole new level. (via Cozy Cravings)

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This post has been updated.