I believe you have an inner “Cocktail Barista” who’s ready to WOW your party guests with tasty, awe-inspiring drinks.

Susan from Easy Drinks and Appetizers

Hi, I’m Susan

Do you find making cocktails intimidating? 

Have your previous forays into cocktail-making ended in disaster? 

Do you long to wow your guests with your bartending skills but can’t figure out why your drinks taste all wrong? 

If so, you’re in the right place… I can help.

Christmas is a time of magic and warmth, a season that draws loved ones closer to celebrate the beauty of togetherness. The air sparkles with twinkling lights, and every corner seems to echo with laughter and the cheerful sounds of carols. It’s a moment to pause from the whirlwind of daily life and bask in the joy of being surrounded by family and friends.

Whether decorating the tree, exchanging thoughtful gifts, or reminiscing about cherished memories, Christmas reminds us of the importance of connection and gratitude.

Pomegranate Orange Spritz: A Sparkling Cocktail Perfect for the Holidays
Pomegranate Orange Spritz: A Sparkling Cocktail Perfect for the Holidays
Christmas Cranberry Mule garnished with cranberries and a slice of lime
Christmas Cranberry Mule garnished with cranberries and a slice of lime
Tis the season! The Winter White Cosmo. Clearly Christmas. Clearly delicious
Tis the season! The Winter White Cosmo. Clearly Christmas. Clearly delicious

Part of the season’s joy comes from sharing good food and drinks that bring everyone together around the table. From rich, flavorful roasts and decadent desserts to festive cocktails that sparkle with holiday cheer, these moments of indulgence enhance the celebration.

A perfectly crafted bourbon cocktail, a peppermint jello shot, or a creative Christmas martini featuring seasonal flavors like apple, pumpkin, or pecan adds to the festive atmosphere.

Gathering around the fire with a cocktail, swapping stories, and sharing hearty laughter is a simple yet profound way to embrace the spirit of the season.

Christmas truly shines in these shared moments, where love, laughter, and delicious indulgences create memories that last a lifetime.

La Vie en Rouge - Crafting the Perfect Grand Mariner Cocktail
La Vie en Rouge – Crafting the Perfect Grand Mariner Cocktail
Peppermint Jello Shots with Crushed Candy Canes
Peppermint Jello Shots with Crushed Candy Canes
Serious and sophisticated, yet bubbly and playful! The French 76
Serious and sophisticated, yet bubbly and playful! The French 76

Cheers to a season filled with warmth, joy, and the perfect blend of family, friends, and festive flavors!

Best Holiday Gift Ideas for the Host or Hostess on your list!
Best Holiday Gift Ideas for the Host or Hostess on your list!

For the cocktail Barista, sleek cocktail shakers, elegant martini glasses, and handy citrus juicers make thoughtful gifts. I recommend these products because I use them myself, and they’ve become essential tools that elevate both the style and ease of crafting delicious drinks at home.

Powerful Party Cocktails That Will Dazzle Every Guest

Want something pretty in pink? The pink glitter Gin Martini – I Glitterally Can’t
Want something pretty in pink? The pink glitter Gin Martini – I Glitterally Can’t
Peter Island Oceans 7 Bushwacker
The Bushwacker – A specialty drink from Peter Island, BVI
Can you feel it? Passion, Fright, Hypnotizing Hpnotic – the Sapphire Spell Martini!
Can you feel it? Passion, Fright, Hypnotizing Hpnotic – the Sapphire Spell Martini!

Imagine…

Wowing your friends when you hand them that perfect-looking martini. Seeing them take their first sip with wide smiles and declarations of “this is delicious!” Feeling that sense of pride and accomplishment at mixing delectable drinks!

Do you want to know the secrets to mixing the best cocktails EVER? Get my free printable guide:

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A Delightful Twist on Classic Cocktails: The Pear Martini with Ginger Liqueur
A Delightful Twist on Classic Cocktails: The Pear Martini with Ginger Liqueur
A Zesty Twist: The Best Bitter Orange Margarita You Can Make at Home
A Zesty Twist: The Best Bitter Orange Margarita You Can Make at Home
This holiday season, ditch the eggnog and delight with a Snowflake Martini
This holiday season, ditch the eggnog and delight with a Snowflake Martini

Elevate Game Day with the Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser — Man Dip

Indulge your taste buds with Man Dip, an enticing appetizer featuring chili’s bold flavor. Each bite promises an irresistible combination of flavor and savory goodness. The chili, cheeses, and salsa create a flavorful blend that awakens the tastebuds. This appetizer has only four ingredients, can be made in an oven-rated serving dish, and will leave guests craving more.

Perfect for any get-together with friends and family, Man Dip is served with Tostitos Scoops (my favorite), Fritos, Blue Tortilla Chips, or French bread toast. Fire up your game day with the ultimate crowd-pleaser recipe!

College Football Jello Shots! Dozens of Flavors! Team Colors!

Are you ready for the start of College Football season? I am! How would you like to be the hit of the next tailgate party supporting your College Football Team with the best-tasting Football Jello Shots ever? These Jello Shots are what every TRUE football fan needs to try! Make them in team colors and choose from dozens of Vodkas, Rum, and Whiskey flavors! You’ll CRUSH IT!

Ohio State Buckeyes Jello Shots
Ohio State Buckeyes Jello Shots
Indiana Hoosiers Jello Shots
Indiana Hoosiers Jello Shots
Texas A&M Vodka Jello Shots
Texas A&M Jello Shots
Alabama Crimson Tide Jello Shots
Alabama Crimson Tide Jello Shots
Georgia Bulldogs Jello Shots
Georgia Bulldogs Jello Shots
Ole Miss Rebels Jello Shots
Ole Miss Rebels Jello Shots

As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a cozy treat to keep the chill at bay. While a steaming cup of hot cocoa has been a long-standing winter favorite, we’re here to introduce a delightful twist that will warm your soul and add a little kick to your festivities: Hot Chocolate Jello Shots! These tiny, delicious treats bring together the comforting flavors of hot chocolate with the fun and buzz of a jello shot.

Hot Chocolate Jello Shots are a creative and delicious way to bring a unique twist to your holiday celebrations. Combining hot chocolate’s rich, comforting flavor with the fun and festive vibe of jello shots, they’re perfect for spicing up any holiday gathering.

More AMAZING Jello Shot Recipes – Your Family & Friends will LOVE them!


3 Reasons This is the Best Pimento Cheese Appetizer You’ll EVER Make
3 Reasons This is the Best Pimento Cheese Appetizer You’ll EVER Make

As a former-Northeasterner-turned Southerner, I wanted to create a fabulous appetizer for a party but hadn’t a clue what might be a party-pleaser. Enter: Pimento cheese! Everyone loves it, but I never tried this creamy and slightly spicy delicacy till I moved South–and then I became a believer!

48 Hours in Las Vegas: A Birthday Experience with Holiday Sparkle

Las Vegas has always been a great place to make a quick getaway, so what better way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or girls’ weekend! With so much to see and do, we made every moment count, from staying at the opulent Venetian Hotel to experiencing the city’s seasonal charm.

Juliet Cocktail Room, a sleek and stylish bar quickly became our favorite. The moody ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable cocktail experience. The Queen’s Garden and Monkey Slide Martini were artfully crafted, showcasing unique flavor combinations that left us impressed (and maybe a little buzzed).

Discover how to make the most of a whirlwind 48-hour Vegas adventure with insider tips, must-try cocktail recipes, and stories that blend excitement with indulgence!


Espresso Martini, Ocean House 19 Willemstad, Curacao
Espresso Martini

Pigeon Forge is a fantastic place to visit because of its beautiful natural surroundings and fun attractions. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s an excellent spot for nature lovers. You can go hiking, see wildlife, and enjoy stunning mountain views. Each season brings something special, like colorful wildflowers in the spring and fantastic fall foliage.

Dollywood 70
Dollywood 70
View from Clingmans Dome
View from Clingmans Dome
Dollywood Umbrellas
Dollywood Umbrellas
A Zesty Twist: The Best Bitter Orange Margarita You Can Make at Home
A Zesty Twist: The Best Bitter Orange Margarita You Can Make at Home
Indulge in Decadence: The Pecan Pie Martini, You Wish You Tried Sooner
Indulge in Decadence: The Pecan Pie Martini, You Wish You Tried Sooner

Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas are a paradise for food and drink enthusiasts. The town offers a wide variety of Southern cuisine, with places like the Dancing Bear Lodge Townsend, TN, providing a fine dining experience using locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, rustic setting. 

Espresso Martini with Cold Foam Dancing Bear
Espresso Martini with Cold Foam Dancing Bear

For those with a taste for local spirits, a visit to Sugarlands Distillery is a must. Here, you can take a tour to witness the making of their award-winning moonshine and indulge in tastings of various flavors. Whether craving a hearty meal, a sweet treat, or a unique cocktail, Gatlinburg has many options to satiate your palate.

Read more about my trip and get the recipes for some of Tennessee’s best cocktails.

Headed to Charleston?

Entering my favorite Charleston restaurant feels like coming home to a cozy haven where I can leave the hectic day behind me and be replaced by the promise of a delightful evening ahead. The soft lighting casts a friendly glow, setting the stage for an energetic experience. Discover the vibrant cocktail scene in Charleston, SC, where every sip tells a story of Southern charm.

Dirty Martini Halls Chophouse
Dirty Martini Halls Chophouse
Guaranteed to find pure gold and exhilarate your senses: the Bourbon Gold Rush!
Guaranteed to find pure gold and exhilarate your senses: the Bourbon Gold Rush!
French 76
French 76 Halls Chophouse
Last Word, Felix
Last Word, Felix

Have a sweet tooth? I do. Then you’ll love Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar.

Carmella's Cafe and Dessert Bar, Charleston
Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar, Charleston

8 Exotic, Amazing and Effortless drinks from the British Virgin Islands

Travel and photography have always been my passion. Now I can share my travel stories and photographs with you, along with the best exotic cocktail recipes the BVIs offer. Click here to check out the videos of local Bartenders mixing some of the best exotic tropical drinks the BVIs have to offer. Enjoy!

Drinks from the Cooper Island Beach Club, BVI
Drinks from the Cooper Island Beach Club, BVI

5 Easy, Amazing and Unique Drinks from Nashville, TN

My friends and I recently traveled to Nashville for a 50th Birthday celebration. While in Nashville, I found 5 great-tasting, easy drink recipes that I know you’ll love to try. Check out the local bartenders sharing their recipes for these 5 easy drinks.

You can also read about our trip and check out the pictures of the most fun people in Nashville! Click here for the recipes and story.


Planning a trip to Cleveland, check out The Vault, and order the best tasting Chocolate Martini ever! Brooklyn shows you how to make this delicious cocktail!

Brooklyn from the Vault
Brooklyn from the Vault making a Chocolate Martini! Thank you Brooklyn!!!!

While traveling in Ireland, I learned how to make 5 Traditional Irish Drinks to serve on St Patrick’s Day

On a trip to Ireland, I learned how to make 5 Traditional Irish Drinks. I serve them on St Patrick’s Day, and any day I want to feel the luck of the Irish. Check out the story here.

Galway Ireland
Galway Ireland

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