Three easy, refreshing drinks that prove a great cocktail doesn't have to be complicated. There are certain days when the weather practically tells you what you should be drinking. Today is one of those days. It's a perfect mid-70s day here in Charlotte, and honestly, that means it's time to find a spot on the porch, put some ice in a glass, and make a drink. I've always been a fan of cocktails that are easy, delicious, and don't require a trip to three different stores to fi

A tropical escape with a smooth, nutty twist Sometimes you don't need a complicated cocktail to feel like you're on vacation. You just need some good rum, a little pineapple, and a License to Chill. This easy-to-make tropical cocktail combines aged rum, Disaronno, and pineapple juice for a drink that's smooth, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent. The aged rum brings warmth and depth, while Disaronno adds its signature almond sweetness. Pineapple juice pulls everyth

One Last Taste of Summer Summer may be winding down, but I'm not quite ready to give up those warm-weather cocktails just yet. There’s something about the last stretch of summer that makes you want to slow down, soak up every last bit of sunshine, and pretend vacation is still just a sip away. That’s exactly where Keys to Paradise comes in. Creamy, citrusy, tropical, and just boozy enough, this Key Lime Martini is basically a little getaway in a glass. The star of the show is

Some people leave behind more than music...they leave behind memories. Dolly Parton was one of those rare people. She was a country music superstar, songwriter, entertainer, and icon, but through all the rhinestones and larger-than-life glamour, she had a remarkable way of making people feel welcome. She showed love and kindness to people from all walks of life, across generations, races, and communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. She used her success to help others,

Some cocktails are complicated. Some cocktails just work. The Strawberry Peach Affair definitely falls into the second category. This fruity little number brings together Grey Goose Strawberry & Lemongrass Vodka, lychee liqueur, peach juice, and lemon juice for a cocktail that's floral, bright, and incredibly refreshing. The strawberry and peach bring the juicy fruit flavors, while the lychee adds a subtle tropical sweetness and the lemongrass gives everything a fresh, almost

The final cocktail from Flamingle 2026 is one that perfectly captures the spirit of a summer evening...bright, refreshing, colorful, and made for sipping with friends. Introducing the Sapphire Spritz, a vibrant blueberry-forward cocktail that brings together botanical gin, floral notes, refreshing tea, and a sparkling finish. Inspired by the beautiful blue hues of a tropical evening sky, this spritz combines the sweetness of blueberries with the elegant floral flavors of St-G

Some cocktails are made to be savored as the sun dips below the horizon. ✨🌇 That was the inspiration behind Sunset Soirée, one of three signature cocktails created exclusively for Flamingle 2026 at Charlotte's historic McNinch House Restaurant. Elegant, citrus-forward, and beautifully balanced, this cocktail captures the warmth and beauty of a summer sunset in every sip. 🦩 🍊 Bright Citrus Meets Sweet Peach Sunset Soirée begins with SUP Crush Orange Vodka, delivering vibran

Some cocktails transport you to another place with the very first sip. 🌴☀️ That was the inspiration behind The Flamingo Breeze, one of three signature cocktails created exclusively for Flamingle 2026 at Charlotte's historic McNinch House Restaurant. While the evening celebrated creativity, community, and handcrafted cocktails, this drink was designed to capture the feeling of relaxing on a tropical beach with friends. 🦩 🌺 Tropical Flavor in Every Sip The Flamingo Breeze co

There are cocktail events, and then there is Flamingle. On June 18, 2026, guests gathered at the historic McNinch House Restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, for the 4th Annual Flamingle…a one-of-a-kind experience that combined handcrafted drinks, local spirits, culinary excellence, and plenty of flamingo-inspired fun. This year's event embraced a new theme: showcasing the incredible distilleries and spirits being produced right here in North Carolina. Featuring a sele

Recently, while traveling from Palm Springs to San Diego, we decided to take the scenic route through Temecula and spend the day exploring a couple of wineries. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip! To kick off the morning, we stopped at Lindo’s Diner in Banning for breakfast. We had a fantastic meal, and I highly recommend the West Coast Omelet with bacon, avocado, tomato, and cheddar cheese. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and the staff

Some drinks just feel like sunshine the second they hit your lips, and Lychee del Sol is exactly that. This one started as a simple idea: take the bold, earthy backbone of tequila, brighten it up with fresh lime, soften it with that smooth, floral lychee vibe, and finish it with a little sparkle. What came out of the shaker? Something dangerously easy to drink...the kind of cocktail that turns one round into three before you realize what happened. It’s light, it’s crisp, it’s

This drink started as a simple spring cocktail experiment and somehow turned into a full-on tropical optical illusion. Bright watermelon vodka meets pineapple juice and cranberry-watermelon juice for a fruity, refreshing base, then everything gets topped with crisp seltzer and a slow pour of Midori that creates a glowing green gradient effect that looks almost too cool to drink. Almost... The result is juicy, lightly bubbly, dangerously smooth, and built for warm weather, roo

While recently traveling to New York City, I made it a mission to explore a mix of tried-and-true favorites and new happy hour spots. The lineup included some repeat visits and a few first-timers...some good, a couple great, and all worth sharing. I’ll also sprinkle in a few standout dining experiences from the trip. 🍸Happy Hour #1: Paris Bar This was easily one of the highlights. From the moment we walked in, the hospitality stood out...friendly staff, comfortable seating,

Light, bubbly, and made for slow, sun-soaked sips There’s something about watermelon and bubbles that just feels like a vibe. The Sparkling Watermelon Daydream is exactly what it sounds like...bright, refreshing, slightly floral, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of cocktail you pour when brunch turns into afternoon lounging, when the music is just right, and nobody’s in a hurry to leave. This one leans into juicy watermelon notes, a crisp cranberry twist, and a delicat

There are two kinds of Easter people: the ones hunting eggs...and the ones hunting cocktails. This year, we’re doing both, but with a glass in hand. The Peep Show Martini: Easter Edition is exactly what spring should taste like. Bright, playful, a little nostalgic, and just indulgent enough to feel like you’re sneaking candy before brunch. It’s inspired by those colorful Easter baskets...juicy strawberries, soft citrus, a hint of peach sweetness, and finished with a refreshi

Sometimes the best cocktails aren’t planned...they just happen. The Mile High Mixer is exactly that: a simple, refreshing in-flight creation that proves you don’t need a full bar to make something worth sipping. After a little time away on vacation, inspiration decided to show up somewhere unexpected...mid-flight, 35,000 feet in the air. With limited options from the drink cart, it became a fun challenge to turn a few basic ingredients into something elevated. This cocktail i

Sometimes the best cocktails taste like a celebration in a glass. The Orchard Party Spritz is exactly that...a refreshing, fruit-forward drink that combines vibrant citrus, juicy peach, tart cranberry, and sparkling bubbles. It’s colorful, easy to make, and perfect for casual sipping or entertaining friends. This cocktail is built around Cathead Distillery Satsuma Mandarin Vodka, which longtime fans may recognize by its former name: Bitter Orange Vodka. The spirit hasn’t chan

Bright, Floral, and Just a Little Dangerous Spring is right around the corner, and you can feel it in the air...longer days, golden sunsets, and that subtle shift from heavy winter pours to something lighter, fresher, and a bit more playful. Enter: The Mandarin Mischief Martini. This cocktail is sunshine with a wink. It’s vibrant citrus layered with tart cranberry, softened by delicate elderflower, and finished with a crisp squeeze of lemon. It looks flirty, drinks smooth, an

The Valentine’s Cocktail That’s Sweet, Sophisticated, and a Little Flirty If Flirtini Blush is the classic pink flirt, then Love You Lychee is the sophisticated wink. 🍸💘 This Valentine’s Day, I wanted a cocktail that felt connected to Flirtini Blush...same pink, same flirty energy...but with a twist: exotic lychee, bright raspberry, and a little citrus zing. The result? A cocktail that’s romantic, refreshing, and impossible not to adore. Start with a shaker full of ice 2oz

A Valentine’s Cocktail That Knows How to Flirt Some cocktails whisper. Flirtini Blush winks. This gorgeous pink stunner was created for Valentine’s Day, but honestly? It’s too good to be limited to just one holiday. With soft berry notes, a touch of peachy-cranberry brightness, and a bubbly finish, this martini-style cocktail is sweet, flirty, and dangerously easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, hosting a Galentine’s party, or just tr