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Cliffhangers and Cocktails

Cliffhangers and Cocktails

By: Amy Cissell & Shéa MacLeod
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Fantasy book discussions, author interviews, cocktail recipes (and drinking!), and witchy content. Hosted by Shéa MacCleod and Amy Cissell, USA Today Bestselling Authors of urban fantasy, cozy mysteries, paranormal women's fiction, and all things magical and wonderful.

© 2026 Cliffhangers and Cocktails
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Episodes
  • The Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Stirring up Spells (and Syrups) (a minisode!)
    Mar 31 2026

    In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk about how to sweeten your spells with syrups and sauces - as well as how to make your own!

    Mix yourself a cocktail and learn about the energy you can find in the various fruits, herbs, or spices used to add sweetness, texture, and complex flavor profiles to drinks!

    Remember to choose your syrups with intent, because you’re not just mixing a drink.

    You’re mixing magic.


    Resources:

    Witchcraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas

    Moon, Magic, Mixology and Witchcraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas

    https://juliahalinahadas.com/


    Grenadine (Energy: manifest wishes, enhance divination, and provide protection)

    • 1 part unsweetened pomegranate juice (fresh or store bought)
    • 1 part granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp lemon juice or orange blossom water*

    Add all ingredients to a saucepan and heat slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until sugar dissolves and the liquid just starts to bubble. DO NOT BOIL. Remove pan from heat and let cool. Grenadine will last about a month in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator.

    Bergamot-Ginger Syrup (Energy: money, clarity, success)

    • 1 bag of Earl Grey (or 1 tsp broken loose leaf)*
    • 1 TB chopped fresh ginger
    • 4 oz hot water
    • ½ cup granulated sugar

    Put ginger and tea bag in a jar. Hold the jar and focus your intent on the manifesting energy…money, success, clarity, good luck. Now pour in the hot water and let steep 5 minutes. Pour in sugar and mix until dissolved. Refrigerate covered at least 24 hours, then strain. The syrup will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.


    Sour Mix (Energy: cleansing, protection, joy, renewal)

    • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
    • (8 oz) water
    • (8 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • (4 oz) freshly squeezed lime juice

    Bring the sugar and water to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain freshly squeezed juices into a resealable bottle. Pour in the cooled simple syrup. Shake. The syrup will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/.

    Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/,

    Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

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    36 mins
  • Episode 22: In case of emergency, brandish fork - and enjoy an interview with JENNIFER L. HART!
    Mar 24 2026

    Today's episode calls for an electric lemonade! Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about Aries season, Jennifer L. Hart's upcoming release "Queen of the Midlife Mystics," manifestation, cocktails, and general shenanigans.

    Affirmation:

    I am fearless in pursuit of what brings me joy and sets my soul on fire.

    Resources:

    Shea's Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sheamacleod/lady-rample-steps-out-special-edition-cozy-mystery-hardback

    The Rooted Woman Oracle Deck by Sharon Blackie: https://sharonblackie.net/rooted-woman-oracle/

    The Trope Thesaurus by Jennifer Hilt: https://www.amazon.com/Trope-Thesaurus/dp/B0BFYR9L4Z/

    https://www.instagram.com/namastemagical

    Jennifer Hart:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.jennifer.l.hart/

    Queen of the midlife mystic - out on March 27

    Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/cw/jenniferlhart

    Substack: https://authorjenniferlhart.substack.com/

    Shop: https://jennifer-l-hart-shop.fourthwall.com/

    Website: https://www.authorjenniferlhart.com/


    Electric Lemonade (Energy: Cleansing and releasing negative emotions, lifting spirit, attracting luck and connection, joy and creativity)

    Ingredients:

    • 40 mL (1 1/4 oz.) Vodka
    • 15 mL (1/2 oz.) Blue Curacao
    • 60 mL (2 oz.) sour mix*
    • 7-up or other lemon-lime soda

    Garnish: Lemon slice

    Directions:

    Add sour mix, vodka, and curacao to a tall glass and stir. Fill with ice and top off with soda. Garnish with a slice of lemon.


    *Homemade Sour Mix:

    Mix ½ cup sugar and ½ cup hot water together until sugar dissolves. Let cool then add ½ lemon juice and ¼ cup of lime juice (adjust for tartness by adding or reducing the lemon) and stir.



    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/,

    Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Minisode 13: Happy Ostara!
    Mar 19 2026

    Grab your springiest mocktail and settle in for a brief overview of Ostara, including CONTROVERY, then stay for Amy's fangirlling over medievalist Eleanor Janega, bareknuckle boxing, and a list of our favorite historians!

    Affirmation: I am nurturing and growing a life that brings me joy!


    In the Southern Hemisphere? Check out our Mabon Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/17883603


    Amy's Ostara Sources

    https://www.tragicbeautiful.com/blogs/book-of-spells/rituals-for-ostara?_pos=1&_psq=rituals+for+ost

    https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox?srsltid=AfmBOop_vpZKCfGJBG83O4mW9QrPN2hATSeVSMsvNMBGd3zTOVWSRMqN

    https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk/honour-spring-equinox-seasonal-rituals-and-mantras-for-balance-at-ostara/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre

    https://www.learnreligions.com/hold-a-spring-rebirth-ritual-for-ostara-2562479


    Ostara (1884) By Johannes Gehrts (1855–1921) - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129455268


    Free Spirited Lavender Limoncello (Energy: Renewal, Protection, Joy)

    from Mystical Mocktails by Julia Halina Hadas: https://witchcraftcocktails.com/

    Ingredients (serves 2)

    • 60 mL (2 oz) lemon-lavender cordial* (see recipe below)
    • 90 mL (3 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 60 mL (2 oz) non-alcoholic sparkling white wine or 120 mL (4 oz) soda water
    • Lavender sprig or lemon peel twist for garnish

    Directions

    1. In a champagne flute, pour in cordial and lemon juice
    2. Top with sparkling white wine or soda water (bubbles for celebration!)
    3. Garnish with lavender sprig or lemon peel twist


    Cordial recipe (yields approx 6 oz)

    • Peel of 2 lemons
    • 100 g (½ cup) sugar
    • ½-1 TB dried lavender
    • 120 mL (½ cup) hot water

    Directions

    1. Peel lemons & place peels in airtight jar, cover with sugar, and shake
    2. Let the mixture sit for 24-48 hours, shaking occasionally.
    3. Add lavender to the mixture & pour in hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes then strain.

    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/,

    Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ and sign up for our newsletter!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
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