I believe you have an inner “Cocktail Barista” who’s ready to WOW your party guests with tasty, awe-inspiring drinks and jello shots.
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.
Kick Off the Summer with 15 Easy Cocktails & Jello Shots
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a lineup of refreshing, easy-to-make drinks.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to the lake, or just relaxing on the patio, these cocktails are made for warm weather and good company.
This collection of 15 summer drinks and Jello shots brings together bright citrus flavors, chilled classics, and a few fun, crowd-pleasing favorites.
From light and fizzy sips to bold and fruity blends, there’s something here for every kind of happy hour.
Many of these recipes come together quickly, so you can spend less time mixing and more time enjoying the moment.
Cheers to kicking off summer with great drinks, great friends, and a long weekend well spent!
Festive Red, White & Blue Drinks for Summer Parties
For the cocktail Barista, sleek cocktail shakers, elegant martini glasses, and handy citrus juicers make thoughtful gifts. These are some of my favorite finds that I personally use and love. They’ve become essential tools for making delicious cocktails at home while adding a little extra style and fun to the experience.
Powerful Party Cocktails That Will Dazzle Every Guest
Drinks by Liquor
Drinks by Liqueur
Drinks by Color
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:
Drinks by Flavor
Drinks by Region
Drinks by Holiday
The Featured Jello Shot is Tequila Margarita Jello Shots
These tequila Margarita Jello Shots bring all the bold, tangy flavor of your favorite margarita into one fun little party bite. Made with tequila, lime, and a splash of citrusy sweetness, they’re perfect for summer parties, Taco Tuesday, game nights, or anytime you want a fun twist on a classic cocktail. They’re easy to make ahead, simple to serve, and always disappear fast once the tray hits the table.
If you love margaritas but want something a little more playful, these jello shots are the perfect pick. Add a salted rim, a tiny lime wedge, or festive cups to make them extra fun for your guests. They’re bright, refreshing, and guaranteed to get the party started — with just enough tequila wiggle to keep things interesting.
More AMAZING Jello Shot Recipes – Your Family & Friends will LOVE them!
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!
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!
Elevate Game Day with the BEST Chili Appetizer, 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!
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!
Tropical Temptations: Discovering Curaçao’s Best Beaches and Cocktails
Indulge in the vibrant allure of Curaçao with every sip of these exotic, tropical cocktails. Each drink bursts with the island’s distinctive flavors, instantly whisking you away to its sun-soaked shores. Ready to bring this Caribbean paradise to your home? Discover my simple, step-by-step recipes to making authentic Curaçao cocktails that will transport you to a world of tropical bliss. Click here to start your flavor-filled journey!
Appalachian Charm and Cocktails – Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg at their BEST
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.
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.
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.
Have a sweet tooth? I do. Then you’ll love Carmella’s Cafe and Dessert Bar.
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!
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.
The Best Ever Chocolate Martini, from The Vault, Cleveland, Ohio
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!
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.
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