7 Festive Holiday Cocktails from San Francisco’s Best Bars

With holiday crunch time officially upon us, we’re heavy into planning out all the details for our own festive holiday fêtes. We’ve got the holiday party theme down, the trendy Christmas decor on lock and almost have our menu all planned out. And yes, this includes the cocktails! With all the festive finger foods you’ll be whipping up this season, you’ll *definitely* need a few tasty holiday cocktails. To spark some inspiration, check out these seven cocktails from some of San Francisco’s best bars. Add one of these to your party menu and your guests will be full of the Christmas spirit in no time.

1. Browned Butter Spiked Eggnog: With browned butter-infused Applejack, egg, maple syrup and brandy, this is an elevated take on the quintessential Christmas classic. You’ll wonder what you ever saw in the store bought ‘nog in the first place. (via Rich Table on Snapguide)

2. Milk Punch: Forget Santa’s usual cookies and milk and leave him THIS instead. Made with dark rum, brandy, nutmeg and of course, whole milk, this drink tastes just like Christmas in a glass. (via 15 Romolo on Snapguide)

3. Harvest Moon: This frothy and festive libation gets its flavor from a mixture of asian pear puree, fresh lime juice and tequila. With that mega-punch of bright flavors, it’s certain to liven up any soiree. (via Third Rail on Snapguide)

4. Bourbon Spiked Apple Cider: If you’re looking for a simple classic to keep you cozy during a chilly night, reach for a cup of this spiked apple cider. Made with star anise, cinnamon sticks, ginger juice, bay leaves and a dose of bourbon, this drink is sure to warm you up from the inside out. (via Outerlands on Snapguide)

5. Loch Ness: Named after the smokey scotch used in the recipe, this drink gets its flavor from a mixture of apple cider, lemon juice and freshly grated cinnamon. It can take a little work, but the final product is so worth the trouble. (via Third Rail on Snapguide)

6. Spiced Wine: With spiced rum and a few dashes of orange bitters, this spiced sipper is a festive spin on your usual glass of merlot. Served warm, it’s a great holiday cocktail for all the wine lovers in the room. (via Burritt Room & Tavern on Snapguide)

7. American Gothic: This drink brings in the unexpected. With rye whiskey, cardamom and butternut squash puree (yup, you read that right), the cocktail sneaks in a hint of savory flavor that is both crazy and amazing. (via Third Rail on Snapguide)

Which cocktail are you craving? Follow us on Pinterest for more holiday drink recipes.

Halloween is on its way people! With just a handful of weeks to go, it's crunch time to find a costume and figure out what you'll be doing the night of October 31. Whether you're throwing a Halloween party and still need to figure out a food and drink recipes or you need a fun dish to bring to the one you're attending, these quick and easy Halloween snacks are here to help! After all, you don't want guests to be left hangry – that would be frightening. Have no fear! We have some last-minute Halloween snacks that are fast, festive, and tasty AF.

Brit + Co

Mummy Jalapeño Poppers

This savory Halloween snack can be made as spicy as your guests want it – just scoop a little or all of the jalapeño seeds out before stuffing these 'mummies' with cheese and wrapping them in store-bought crescent roll dough.

Brit + Co

Deviled Egg Brains

Your party pals will definitely be freaked out by this bite! Red food coloring aids in turning traditional deviled egg filling a spooky pink color.

Half Baked Harvest

Sweet and Salty Healthier Caramel Apples

Made without any processed sugar, these caramel apples require just a few ingredients: apples, maple syrup, honey, cream, vanilla, chocolate, and flaky salt.

A Spicy Perspective

Halloween Popcorn Mix

This candy-coated bowl of popcorn loads up on festive accoutrements like candy corn, pumpkins, and Halloween sprinkles.

Salt & Lavender

Halloween Puppy Chow

Add Halloween-themed sprinkles to some classic Chex mix for a spooky seasonal snack.

Handmade Charlotte

Monster Party Bark

Melt a few chocolate bars with some pretzels, candy eyes, and coconut flakes for a salty-sweet Halloween snack that will be ready in only three minutes.

Sally's Baking Addiction

Halloween Pretzel Bites

Just place small pieces of chocolate on top of pretzels, heat them long enough for the chocolate to soften, then lightly place a candy corn on top. Viola! Simple, tasty treats with a twist – and no tricks!

The Healthy Family and Home

Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus

We don't know anyone who doesn't love hummus. This quick dip can be served with crackers or veggies for a healthy Halloween party snack.

Crowded Kitchen

Halloween Pumpkin Covered Strawberries

If you have some strawberries on-hand, this recipe is made even easier. Just grab some orange candy melts and decorate away!

Polka Dot Chair

Caramel-Dipped Marshmallows

Simply dip marshmallows in caramel, then cover them in some cute holiday sprinkles for an easy treat that everyone won't stop snacking on.

Skinnytaste

Banana Boo Pops

Put a festive touch on the classic frozen chocolate “boo-nana" by giving them a ghostly makeover. The only heavy lifting you'll have to do for this recipe is let them sit in the freezer for a bit.

Delia Creates

Spiderweb Pretzels

Melt some chocolate, then swirl it over pretzel sticks for a spooky spiderweb-like snack. These could be served alone, or on a cake or ice cream.

Completely Delicious

Halloween Candy Bark

Whether you're using new or leftover Halloween candy, this bark recipe is super simple.

Home Made Interest

Apple Kabobs

Buy a package of pre-sliced apples, then dip them in chocolate and caramel for an easy alternative to a favorite Halloween pastime. Plus, they're just easier to eat!

Suburbia Unwrapped

Candy Corn Fruit Parfait

For a sweet treat that's still healthy, skip the candy corn and cut up some colorful fruit in its place.

This Wife Cooks

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds

For flavors both sweet and salty, these pumpkin seeds can be made in a jiffy.

Miss Candiquik

Strawberry Ghosts

Dip some strawberries in white chocolate, then give them chocolate chip eyes and a mouth for these cute and tasty snacks.

Bren Did

Tangerine Pumpkins

Peel a few tangerines and place a small piece of celery in the middle to make these tangerine pumpkins. Bonus: these can definitely double as the perfect kid's snack for school.

Feel Good Foodie

Witches' Brooms

To make these adorable 'brooms,' you'll push a pretzel in the end of a sliced string cheese stick.

Culinary Hill

Halloween Walnuts

These nutty little guys are the perfect snacking companion for the holiday.

Averie Cooks

Loaded Halloween Cream Cheese Brownies

These super soft and gooey brownies are the ultimate snack that'll melt in your mouth. They're perfect for anyone who has a sweet tooth and loves a combination of fudge, oreo cookies, and cream cheese. Plus, you'll taste a hint of vanilla extract in it that serves as a nice surprise!

Completely Delicious

Halloween Candy Bark

Looking for chill Halloween snacks to munch on throughout the day? Make this holiday candy bark that has all the makings of a trick-or-treat explosion. You'll need everything from bittersweet chocolate to your favorite Halloween candies for this fun recipe.

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

Halloween Popcorn Mix

Got a taste for something that involves trail mix and popcorn? This Halloween snack has your name written all over it! It takes less than an hour to perfect and involves popcorn, a little sugar, honey, salt, and more delicious ingredients! In our mind, it's the perfect sweet and salty treat you'll want to recreate every season!

What are some of your favorite Halloween snacks? Let us know in the comments, and join our newsletter for more holiday inspiration!

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

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

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

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

Chris Andre

Instructions:

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

Chris Andre

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

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

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

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

This post has been updated.

As the 96th Annual Academy Awards dazzle the world this Sunday, March 10, 2024, the glamour of the evening can extend far beyond the red carpet and star-studded performances inside the Dolby Theatre. If you're planning to host an Oscars watch party, then you're no doubt already plotting your Oscars finger foods and DIY Oscars decor. But don't forget about your cocktail recipes! You can't properly enjoy the theatrics of the show without a drink to toast your favorite celebs as they accept those well-deserved Oscar wins.

For this special occasion, we've curated a collection of 13 award-winning cocktails to elevate your Oscar Sunday. Whether you're whipping up a big batch for the whole family or just a few fancy cocktails for you and your bestie, we've got some killer cocktails that are sure to win you a standing ovation. Just be sure to have plenty of edible glitter (and your acceptance speech) on hand.

Champagne Mojitos

A bubbly take on the classic cocktail favorite, this drink is sure to win over even the pickiest of drinkers. Be sure to really muddle the mint with the lime juice and simple syrup to release the oil and flavor in the leaves. (via on B+C Guides)

24 Carat Champagne Cocktail

This award-worthy cocktail combines our love of bubbles and sparkles. With edible gold stars lining the rim and a few berries for a pop of color, this champagne cocktail gets its subtle cinnamon taste from our old college favorite — Goldschlager! (via on B+C Guides)

Oscars 89

Craft a cocktail that's as bold as the red carpet when you make your own blood orange simple syrup. Yep, you read that right. (via Brit + Co)

Ginger Pear Bellini

Switch up the brunch classic with a unique combination of flavors like homemade ginger simple syrup and fresh pear puree. The last step in this recipe is to just pop and pour that bottle of bubbly! (via on B+C Guides)

French 75

Even though it's an oldie, this classic cocktail is definitely a good addition to your night. With its short list of yummy ingredients, the French 75 is always at the top of our must-sip list. (via on B+C Guides)

Rosemary Blackberry Limonata

If you're looking for a drink that's both fresh and bright, grab a glass of THIS. It's the perfect burst of summer herbs and fruit in the dead of winter. (via onB+C Guides)

The Golden Snitch Cocktail

Nothing says "Welcome to the Academy Awards" like a golden cocktail. The fact that this one is inspired by Harry Potter makes it even more perfect for a night that's all about film. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Blackberry Gin Fizz

This recipe uses fresh blackberry puree to give the cocktail its unique flavor — or substitute the blackberries for your favorite berries of the day. Either way, make sure you include a gilded drink stirrer for the perfect finishing touch. (via on B+C Guides)

Asian Pear + Tequila Cocktail

The sophisticated family member will love this complicated cocktail. With a purée of Asian pear and Anise and a splash of fresh lime juice — and, of course, Tequila — this drink is well-balanced and delightfully smooth to sip. (via on B+C Guides)

Grapefruit Sparkler

A bright and bubbly drink is perfect for any party, and it makes for a fun addition to a game of Oscars bingo. Want to keep things sober? Just swap the bubbly for sparkling water. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Scotch + Oat-Infused Honey Cocktail

If sweet sippers just aren't your thing, raise your glass to this oat-infused smokey scotch cocktail. With a name like “Needle in the Hay," this cocktail is sure to stand out on your party menu. (via on B+C Guides)

Champagne Cocktail

Make a glass of champagne feel more sophisticated when you add bitters and a lemon peel garnish. Feel free to add some edible flowers if you want to take it to the next level. (via Culinary Hill)

Pear, Lime + Gin Cocktail

We say the award for the fanciest cocktail goes to… this one! With homemade pear liquor, gin and absinthe and the need for a brûlée torch (yup, you read that right) this is one A-list cocktail. (via on B+C Guides)

Tag us in your Oscar night creations @BritandCo and check out our Oscars page!

This post has been updated from a previous post.

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

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

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

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

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

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

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

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

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

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

Starbucks

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

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

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

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

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

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

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

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

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

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This post has been updated.