25 Raised Garden Beds That Will Inspire You to Actually Grow Veggies This Year

What are the 6 basic cocktails?

The top 6 basic cocktails are: Old Fashioned, Daiquiri, Martini, Whiskey Highball, Flip, and Sidecar.

What are the 10 most popular cocktails?

1. Old Fashioned
2. Moscow Mule
3. Negroni
4. Mojito
5. Whiskey Sour
6. Daiquiri
7. Margarita
8. Mai Tai
9. Bloody Mary
10. Manhattan

Blood Orange Mezcal Cocktail

Grab some mezcal, lime juice, and blood orange soda for this cocktail. You're going to need plenty of it, especially if you're making drinks for your friends. Feel free to snack on blood orange slices while you make the cocktail! (via Brit + Co)

Citrus Rosé Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Rosé all day, please. What's a better cocktail to sip on than something light and fruity? We used oranges, lemons, and limes to create a drink we'll be sipping all summer long. (via Brit + Co)

Caramel Apple Cocktail

This fun cocktail is like the classic, delicious treat in drink form. It's sure to become your new fave! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Martini

You can never have too much chocolate in your life, so this easy cocktail recipe is a slam dunk. (via Brit + Co)

"Speak Now" Spritz

Who knew Taylor Swift could play a part in your cocktails? These ones are inspired by her "Speak Now" album and are so fun and colorful. (via Brit + Co)

Bubbly Cranberry Cocktail

This cocktail has notes of sweet honey, fresh tart cranberries, rosemary, and cardamom. Basically, it's fall in a drink. (via Brit + Co)

Aperol Spritz

This delicious spritz incorporates yummy pears for a drink you won't forget. We love fun cocktail recipes for fall. (via Brit + Co)

Red Bull Candy Cocktail

This sweet cocktail tastes like candy in liquid form! (via Brit + Co)

Vegas Bomb Shot

This is a classic easy cocktail recipe that you can have on hand for any party this year. The combo of whiskey, peach schnapps, and Red Bull might not sound like your go-to drink mix, but just trust us on this. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Sparkling Campari Orange Cocktail Recipe

Slightly bitter and slightly sweet, this drink is full of fizzies, which convinces us that it's just as good for winter as it is for summer. The best part is that this drink is refreshingly simple to make. (via Imagelicious)

The Elyx Spritz

Mix 1.5 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka and 1.5 oz Lillet Rose in a highball glass, then top with Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic and add a lemon. Stir this cocktail recipe gently and add a lemon wheel garnish. (via Absolut Elyx)

Jameson Old Fashioned

It's always time to sip on something familiar. Swap bourbon for Irish whiskey in this remake of the classic old fashioned. (via Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish)

Tito's Cherry Limeade

Unlock some serious nostalgia with this grown-up version of a cherry limeade. What makes it an easy cocktail is the addition of only 4 ingredients – cherry-infused Tito's, limeade, and a vibrant lime and cherry garnish. (via Tito's Vodka)

Whiskey Sour Punch

Mix up this sweet and sour whiskey punch for your party crew. There's more than enough to go around, no matter how many guests end up showing. (via Tastefully Eclectic)

Patrón Tequila Watermelon Patio Punch

Slice off the end of a watermelon so that it stands flat. Slice off the opposite end to make a "lid" and hollow it out (saving the flesh and juices). Blend until liquified and strain. Mix 25 oz Patrón Silver, 4 cups watermelon juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, 1 cup simple syrup, 0.5 teaspoons salt, and add to the hollowed out watermelon. You can also add a watermelon tap if you have one, or use the watermelon as a punch bowl. (via Patrón)

Easy Pomegranate Margaritas

With five ingredients and 10 minutes, you can churn out this easy cocktail recipe for any last-minute plans. Aside from the fact that it tastes good, we're also obsessed with pomegranates, so we give this one two thumbs up. (via Baker by Nature)

Pumpkin Apple Shandy

You’ll want to drink this classic cocktail made from apple cider and pumpkin beer all year long. With both of these iconic flavors in one drink, you can have the best of both fall worlds. (via Jennifer Meyering)

Lemon Drop Martini

This mixed drink packs the perfect amount of tartness, balanced out with some good old sugary sweetness. This is one of those cocktail recipes that reminds us of summer, so we'll keep sipping it to manifest the warmer season. (via Barley & Sage)

Grapefruit Martini

Just 5 ingredients allow you to work your way to a refreshing cocktail! This grapefruit-clad drink is perfect for end-of-summer gatherings. (via Mixop)

Frosting Shots

These two-ingredient shots taste just like a celebration. Anyone with a serious sweet tooth will want to get their hands on these sugary shots. (via Crazy for Crust)

Canción Habañero Mango Margarita

There's nothing like a delicious mango flavor to put you in a sunny mood! The best cocktail recipes are ones that channel summer. Shake 1.5 oz infused Canción Tequila, 0.5 oz triple sec, 2 oz lime juice, and 0.25 oz Finest Call Mango Puree together, then serve the mix over ice with a Tajin rim and an orange wheel garnish. (via Canción)

Kentucky Lemonade

Here’s a cocktail you’ll want to sip all year: sparkling lemonade spiked with bourbon. We're big fans of all things bubbly, so this drink is getting added to our list, stat. (via The Chunky Chef)

Oaxacan Rusty Nail

For a drink that lives up to its name, try this take on the rusty nail, made with mezcal, Drambuie, and bitters. Don't worry, there's no actual rust involved. (via Gimme Some Oven)

Patrón Tequila Mockingbird

Combine 1.5 oz Patrón Silver, 2 oz fresh watermelon juice, 0.15 oz fresh lime juice, 4 fresh basil leaves, fresh black pepper drops, and some simple syrup to taste. Shake the mixture with ice, then strain it onto fresh ice in a a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a watermelon slice. (via Patrón)

Moscato Sangria

Sangria is *so* simple to make since it's prepped in a large batch. If you're serving a party, this classic fruity drink is a must-make. (via Culinary Hill)

Sparkling Fig Cocktail

Vodka, champagne, figs and sprinkle of sugar come together to make this fancy-lookin' easy cocktail that really isn't all that involved. If you have a few minutes to spare, try this delicious sip out for yourself! Figs go *amazing* in cocktail recipes. (via Barley & Sage)

Pink Champagne Sangria Cocktail Recipe

We love a fruity cocktail, and this champagne, grapefruit, and pomegranate sparkler is no exception. Say hello to your new pink drink sip. (via The Cookie Rookie)

Easy Bourbon Slush

Okay, but have you ever tried bourbon slush-ified? This recipe is reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer, too, which gives it some amazing flavor, not to mention the pleasing texture. (via Live Eat Learn)

Creamsicle Delight Cocktail

A mixture of whipped-cream vodka, orange juice, and ginger ale, this cocktail tastes just like a popsicle. Don't forget to add a maraschino cherry before serving! (via The Blond Cook)

Irish Cream Pie Cocktail

With its sugar-cookie rim, this Irish cream pie cocktail is perfect for dessert. It's also a great excuse to make sugar cookiesto pair. Coffee and vodka are def a power duo for cocktail recipes. (via Crazy for Crust)

Clean Blackberry Mint Prosecco Cocktail Recipe

This is a great cocktail for anyone who loves blackberries because it's definitely the star of the recipe. Mint adds a wonderful flavor contrast, while the Prosecco adds a bubbly experience that you can't miss! (via Olive You Whole)

The Negroni

Whether you're in need of a drink to go with your dinner or with your favorite holiday movie, this is a simple and classy choice that you can sip on all night long. Just don't forget the iconic orange zest in your cocktail recipes. (via Most Hungry)

Empress Gin French 75 Easy Cocktail Recipe

There's a good chance that if a cocktail is in a fun color, we're more likely to drink it. So, you'll understand why we immediately bookmarked this gorgeous drink! The fact that it has a combo of champagne and lemon juice doesn't hurt, either. (via Barley & Sage)

Irish Coffee

Dissolve some brown sugar in whiskey, then add boiling coffee and a layer of frothy cream right on top for the best Irish coffee around. Another trick you can do is pouring your cream over a cold spoon so that it floats on the rest of the drink. Coffee lovers, unite! (via Culinary Hill)

Lebanese Avocado and Strawberry Cocktail

This booze-less fancy drink makes for a great evening treat or breakfast addition. It's got avocado, strawberries, almonds, and honey that all mix together for something sweet and creamy. Add in a splash of your fave spirit to make it pop! (via Forks & Foliage)

Strawberry Iced Tea Cocktail and Mocktail

Picture yourself sippin' something sweet outside on the porch, and this iced tea cocktail comes into view. It's the perfect summer drink, but we'll take any excuse to make it any season. (via Amanda Wilens)

Tamarind Margarita

If you're a regular margarita drinker, try this twist on the classic. It features Tamarind syrup, tequila, lime juice, and Tajin for an unexpected, complex, and flavorful addition to your happy hour. Creative cocktail recipes FTW! (via Cilantro Parsley)

Berry Lemonade Margaritas

Citrusy and sweet, these raspberry lemonade margaritas are just the thing to drink when you're dreaming about warmer days *and* when it starts getting hot again. (via Crazy for Crust)

Peach Vodka Martinis Simple Cocktail

Made with just three ingredients, these peachy martinis are too good to pass up. Have these mixed drinks at a bridal shower or at brunch. They go great with any occasion! (via Growing Up Gabel)

Frozen Orange Prosecco

Trade in your frozé for this citrusy froz-ecco. Even though it's frozen, the orange flavor gives it a wintertime twist. (via Foodness Gracious)

Tito's Summer Spice

Shake some Tito's, hibiscus liqueur, and lime juice together to craft a balanced easy cocktail! (via Tito's Vodka)

Canción Lyrical Mint Margarita

Raspberry lemonade, tequila and club soda?! We'll take two, please! For a big batch of this drink, mix 1 bottle of Canción Blanco Tequila, 1 can of frozen lemonade, 32 oz water, 32 oz seltzer or club soda, 12 oz raspberry juice, and garnish with fresh mint. (via Canción)

The Bee’s Knees

Honey lovers, take note — you'll want to memorize this simple cocktail. It features a honey syrup that you'll want to add to everything from here on out. (via Hungry by Nature)

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

This easy cocktail will pair superbly well with your summer BBQ plans. (via Mixop)

Mason Jar Margaritas

Mix up a batch of these mason jar margaritas, then let guests help themselves at your next get-together. Everyone will be happy when you make cocktail recipes like this! If you're a salt rim kind of person, go for it! (via Stetted)

Espresso Martini

Four ingredients (including your favorite coffee liqueur), and you've got yourself a delicious sip that you might've just paid a nonsense $15 for if you had gone out. Just keeping it real! (via Culinary Hill)

New York Sour Cocktail

Bourbon, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup are all you need to make this easy cocktail. You probably already have a lot of that at home! (via Dishes Delish)

Guava Margarita

A good margarita can never be passed up, especially this uniquely-flavored guava one. You'll need four ingredients and a hearty shake to make the easiest drink ever. (via Cozy Cravings)

Es Berry Berry Good Cocktail

Shake 1.5 oz Dos Hombres mezcal, 1/2 oz blackberry purée, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/4 oz velvet falernum, and 3/4 oz pineapple juice, and serve on the rocks for a delicious and refreshing cocktail! (via Dos Hombres)

Raspberry Rosé Sangria

With just a few fresh raspberries and a splash of soda, a bottle of rosé gets transformed into a sangria reminiscent of summer. We'll be counting down the months until it warms up outside! (via Stress Baking)

Piña Colada Punch

This piña colada punch makes a long weekend at home feel like a mini vacation no matter what time of year it is. Add some mini umbrellas for the full experience. (via Yes to Yolks)

Nolet's Watermelon Slushy

Cut a watermelon into chunks that are the size of ice cubes, and freeze for two hours on a tray lined with parchment paper. Make a mint lime syrup by heating 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1 bunch of fresh mint, and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Blend the frozen watermelon chunks and a 1/2 cup of the syrup until it's a slushy consistency. Add Nolet's Silver Gin, pour, and garnish with watermelon, mint, and black sesame seeds! (via Nolet's)

Micheladas

Like a cross between beer and a Bloody Mary, Micheladas are the savory brunch cocktail recipes you’ve been missing out on. And yes, that is shrimp in the cocktail. (via Imagelicious)

Blood Orange Margarita

Colorful blood orange juice makes these margaritas immediately seem more dramatic, though the recipe itself stays simple, so that it's easy for you to make yourself. (via Simmer and Sauce)

Nolet’s Watermelon Cooler

Muddle 4 basil leaves with a 1/2 cup of watermelon in the bottom of a shaker. Add ice, 1.5 oz Nolet's Silver Gin, 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, and 0.5 oz lemon juice, then shake until chilled. Strain into a balloon glass and garnish with a basil leaf! (via Nolet's)

Grapefruit Groove

Get ready to shake the most refreshing sip of the summer using Tito's, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave nectar. (via Tito's Vodka)

Spiked Ginger Lemonade

Robust ginger beer mixes with fresh lemon juice and vodka perfectly. The result? These bracingly bold drinks that you can serve in a fun mule mug. (via Whitney Bond)

Spiced Pear and Bourbon Sparkler

Combine 1 cup pear juice, a 2-inch nub of ginger (peeled and sliced), 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5 cloves in a pot. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Take off the heat and add 1/4 cup of lightly packed brown sugar. Stir until fully mixed, cool, and strain. This is your Spiced Pear Simple Syrup, and it can last in the fridge for up to one week!

Then, pour 1.5 ounces of bourbon, the syrup, 0.5 ounces of lemon juice, and ice into a cocktail shaker and shake for 30 seconds (or until the surface of the cocktail shaker is cool to the touch). Strain over a chilled coupe glass and top with Prosecco! (via Lisa and Erika of Boozy Kooties, Swerve, and FitVine)

Citrus White Wine Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Made with white wine, this sangria is a little lighter than its crimson counterpart, which is great for anyone who doesn't like heavy drinks, but still wants to take part in the fun. (via Joyful Healthy Eats)

Watermelon-Infused Vodka

On the rocks or sipped with soda, it’s hard to go wrong with the fresh taste of this homemade watermelon vodka. Watermelon cocktail recipes always taste super refreshing! (via Dishes Delish)

Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Margaritas

These tropical margaritas are made just a little spicy thanks to a sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper rim. It'll give you just enough of a kick! (via The Endless Meal)

Lavender Mojitos

If you're a fan of lavender recipes, then you have to make this easy cocktail recipe. Lavender sparkling soda is the secret to making these easy floral mojitos. (via West of the Loops)

Skinny Salty Dog

Grapefruit vodka and seltzer water put a healthier twist on the Salty Dog, a cocktail recipe usually made with grapefruit juice and plain vodka. (via The Every Kitchen)

Tequila Mule

This easy cocktail recipe only requires three ingredients (tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a flavor combo that is classic for a reason! Serve in a classic mule mug with extra limes. (via Cozy Cravings)

Cucumber Gin Cocktail

Aside from its bright green hue, this stunning cocktail is the ultimate refresher. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Easy Triple Citrus Margarita

This is a healthy take on the classic margarita – with a fruity twist. It still has the mezcal and tequila that you usually add to your drinks, but features a healthy soda alternative. Plus, it only takes five minutes to put together. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Maple Old Fashioned

We love how maple makes anything taste more autumnal, and this five minute, easy cocktail recipe has fall written all over it. If you can't resist fall flavors, even in spring, this drink is the one for you. (via The Endless Meal)

Patrón Watermelon Basil Margarita

Shake 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado, 1 oz fresh watermelon juice or puree, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz agave nectar, and 3 basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass, and garnish with a basil leaf and watermelon wedge. (via Patrón)

Mythology Gin Fizz Recipe

You'll love the foam on this drink — it's almost like the cappuccino of cocktails. Dry shake 2 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.75 simple syrup, 8 drops lavender bitters, 1 egg white, then add ice and shake again once foamy. Double strain into a Collins glass with no ice and top with soda until the foam reaches the top. Sprinkle with lavender. (via Mythology Distillery)

Mythology Garden Gnome Cocktail Recipe

We can't wait to sip this Garden Gnome cocktail in the garden because, well, where else would we drink it? Shake 1.5 oz Mythology Needle Pig Gin, 0.25 oz dolin genepy, 0.5 simple syrup, 0.75 lime juice, and 1 oz cucumber basil puree, then strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with soda, black pepper, and garnish with a cucumber wheel. (via Mythology Distillery)

Champagne Cocktail

Let's be real — you never need a real excuse to pour out a little champagne in your cocktail recipes. These easy cocktails elevate your go-to drink just a little more! (via Culinary Hill)

Sorel Spritzer

Combine 2oz sparkling wine and 1oz Sorel in a champagne flute and garnish with an edible hibiscus flower for an easy wintertime sip! (via Sorel Liqueur)

Lavender Lemonade Cocktail

The most commitment you'll need to make to prep this refreshing drink 10 minutes to make a homemade simple syrup. Trust us, the effort will be worth it for all that amazing lavender flavor. (via Amanda Wilens)

​What should I do first in my garden?

The hardest part of any new venture is getting started. It’s easy to be overwhelmed at the getgo but fear not, breaking down your gardening journey into easy steps can make the process seem less daunting. Let’s get started:

Assess Your Garden: First things first, take a leisurely stroll through your garden space, observing any winter damage, areas of overgrowth, or potential improvements. This initial assessment will guide your planning and help you identify areas that require attention.

Prepare the Soil: Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a thriving garden so survey what you’re working with and prep it for growth.. Begin by clearing away debris and gently turning the soil to aerate it. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with essential nutrients, promoting robust plant growth.

Prune and Trim: Out with the old and in with the new. Trim back any dead or damaged branches from trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Pruning encourages new growth and enhances the overall appearance of your garden.

Weed Control: Tackle weeds early to prevent them from overtaking your garden beds. Pull weeds by hand or use organic mulch to suppress weed growth while nourishing the soil. Regular weeding sessions throughout the spring will keep your garden looking tidy and vibrant.

Plan Your Plantings: With a clear understanding of your garden's layout and soil conditions, strategize your plantings for the season. Consider factors such as sunlight exposure, water requirements, and plant compatibility. Draw a quick sketch and map out how you’ll create your space.

What's the key to a good garden?

You’ve done the prep work and your seeds or plants are in the ground. Now what? Besides an abundance of patience, the secret to a successful garden is nurturing it regularly.. Here are some key principles to keep in mind as the season goes on:

Water Wisely: Plants need water, especially as the sun comes out and the days get warmer. But there are some ground rules. Water your garden in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize evaporation and ensure optimal absorption. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for efficient water distribution, focusing on the root zone of plants.

Practice Patience: For me, this is the hardest part. The fact is that gardening takes time. Understand that growth takes time, and not every seed will sprout overnight. Embrace the process and celebrate each milestone, knowing you’re on your way to a harvest.

Encourage Biodiversity: Things thrive in nature thanks to a healthy dose of biodiversity. Create that in your own garden by integrating a variety of plants that will attract insects, pollinators, and birds. Companion planting is a great way to make the most of your garden. In placing companion plants together, they mutually benefit from each other’s nutrients, and can aid in pollination, pest control, and flavor.

Continuous Learning: Gardening is a lifelong experience. With each season, your intuition will grow and you’ll gather nuggets of information to aid in your future gardens. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new plant varieties, techniques, and design concepts.

What's the best garden layout?

When it comes to garden layout, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. Whether you envision a lush English cottage garden or a sleek modern landscape, the key is to design a layout that reflects your personal style and maximizes the potential of your outdoor space. Here are some popular garden layout ideas to inspire your creativity:

Traditional Rows: Ideal for vegetable gardens and formal landscapes, traditional row planting maximizes space efficiency and makes it easy to maintain everything. Arrange plants in straight rows with defined pathways for easy access and visual appeal.

Circular Gardens: Embrace the elegance of curves with a circular garden layout. Plant circular beds with a focal point at the center, such as a fountain or sculpture, to draw the eye and add visual interest. You’ll create your own zen space to go and relax.

Container Gardens: Perfect for small spaces and city livers, container gardens are the way to go. Plant flowers, herbs, and vegetables in decorative pots and containers, arranging them creatively on patios, balconies, or windowsills.

Vertical Gardens: Vertical gardens have gained in popularity in the past years for how versatile and space-saving they can be. Install trellises, arbors, or living walls to support climbing plants and create vertical interest. Vertical gardens are not only space-saving but also add a striking visual dimension to your outdoor oasis.

Naturalistic Landscapes: Embrace the beauty of nature with a naturalistic garden layout inspired by wild landscapes and native plant communities. Incorporate meandering pathways that feel whimsical and natural.

What if I don't have a green thumb?

I wasn't born with a green thumb, but over the years, I’ve picked up tidbits that have helped me with more success each year. Gardening is a journey of learning and a little patience and persistence will lead you to success. Start small, choose low-maintenance plants that suit your climate and soil conditions, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

​How can I attract pollinators to my garden?

Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds play a crucial role in plant reproduction and ecosystem health. To attract pollinators to your garden, plant a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers, provide shelter and nesting sites, and avoid using pesticides that harm beneficial insects.

​What's the best way to deal with garden pests without using harmful chemicals?

Natural pest control methods are safe and effective alternatives to chemical pesticides. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and birds by providing habitat and food sources. Employ physical barriers, such as row covers or netting, to protect vulnerable plants from pests, and practice crop rotation to deter pest buildup.

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."