In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk about how to balance your beverages with bitters - as well as how to make your own!

Mix yourself a cocktail (originally defined as spirits, water, sugar, and bitters) and learn about the energy you can find in the various roots and botanicals and how to combine them to make bitters and bring balance to the force ... er cocktails.

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

You’re mixing magic.

If you want to listen to the episode where we talk about the magical properties of cherry, head back to Amy's birthday 'sode (it's always a good time celebrate Amy!): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18739772

If you want to hear us discuss aperol and vermouth, check out Emma Hamm's episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18921646

Cherry vanilla bitters

This super simple cherry bitters recipe requires only a few ingredients and 1–2 weeks of maceration to create a rich, aromatic addition to cocktails. Combine 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, 1 split vanilla bean, and 2 crushed cardamom pods in a jar with 1 cup of 100-proof rye or bourbon, shaking daily for 1–2 weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250ml) 100-proof rye whiskey or bourbon/vodka
• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries
• ½ cup sweet cherries
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• 2–3 cardamom pods (crushed)
• 1 star anise
• 1 ½ tsp wild cherry bark

Instructions

1. Combine: Place all ingredients into a clean, sealable glass jar (like a Mason jar).
2. Macerate: Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks. Shake the jar once a day.
3. Strain: After 1-2 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a dropper bottle. Squeeze the cherries to extract all the liquid.
4. Store: Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Optional: If the mixture is too harsh, add a teaspoon of simple syrup to balance it.

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!

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

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

This week's episode features an interview with urban fantasy author C.N. Rowan, the magic of whiskey, and a journey with our ancestors. So find yourself a glass of single malt Scotch and come along for the ride!

Affirmation: "I carry forward the resilience and strength of my ancestors, while releasing their fear."

Sign up for the Chris's newsletter & get free books! https://cnrowan.com/

https://www.patreon.com/u103571045

https://www.instagram.com/cnrowanauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cnrowansimperfectimps/

More Stuff!

Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Base Spirits (including whiskey!) Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18572000

Beltane Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/19103430

Burke & Hare death/life masks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke_and_Hare_murders

Link to post about Ancestor Rites and Whiskey: https://zora.medium.com/heres-why-we-offer-spirits-for-the-spirits-ec1406125fbb

Tarot Deck: Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roy: https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/murder-of-crows-tarot

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!

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

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

In today's minisode, you can learn all about the ancient Celtic trampolines, as well as the history of, superstitions around, and modern practices to celebrate Beltane.

Make yourself a strawberry honey mojito, get your thorn bush decorated for the Best Bush contest, and settle in to this week's minisode!

Affirmation: The Beltane fires ignite my passion and creativity

In the Southern Hemisphere? Check out our Samhain Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18110509

Amy's Beltane Sources

https://naturallymodernlife.com/beltane-celebrations-for-the-modern-green-witch-altar-ideas-tradition/

https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-holidays-beltane-and-the-last-day-of-ridvan/

https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/the-festival-of-beltane/

https://www.history.com/articles/beltane

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion/The-Celtic-gods

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane

https://www.pagangrimoire.com/what-is-beltane-celebrate/

Oracle Deck: Seasons of the Witch Beltane by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz, Illustrated by Giada Rose: https://www.rockpoolpublishing.com/en-us/products/seasons-of-the-witch-beltane-oracle

Strawberry Honey Mojito (Energy: Abundance, Love, Creativity, Purification, Joy)

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 2-3 TB honey simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 90 mL (3 oz) white rum
• 1 lime cut into pieces (leave a half-wheel for garnish)
• 2 strawberries (+ 1 more for garnish)
• 4-5 mint leaves (+ more for garnish)
• Club soda

Directions

1. Gently muddle limes, strawberries, and mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker.
2. Add ice honey syrup & rum & shake it up, baby!
3. Pour (do not strain!) into a highball glass.
4. Top with club soda.
5. Garnish with lime, strawberry, and mint leaves

Honey simple syrup

Heat ½ cup of water & ½ cup of honey together, stirring until honey is completely dissolved.

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!

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

Thanks - the Caftan Coven