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/, 

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Today's episode requires Moon joy and a strawberry daiquiri! Join Shéa and Amy as they talk to Heather G. Harris about her upcoming books. We'll also talk about Artemis II, planetary alignment, and the imminent rise of the matriarchy!

Affirmation: I am worthy of all success.

Find Heather G. Harris!

Website: https://heathergharris.com/

Aria Ashbrook website: https://www.aria-ashbrook.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.es/stores/Heather-G.-Harris/author/B097ZP5J8S

Free audio books on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherGHarrisAuthor

Follow on insta: https://www.instagram.com/heathergharrisauthor/

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

Last chance to support Shéa's kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sheamacleod/lady-rample-steps-out-special-edition-cozy-mystery-hardback

Give the syrups episode a re-listen: https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/episodes/episode/7f33b886/the-witchs-liquor-cabinet-stirring-up-spells-and-syrups-a-minisode

Strawberry Daiquiri (Energy: Purification, love, good luck, abundance, community building, matriarchal energy)

Ingredients (one large serving):

• 1 heaping cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 90 mL (3 oz) light rum
• 60 mL (2 oz) lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 TB agave nectar or simple syrup (Amy used strawberry simple syrup)

Optional Garnishes: fresh slices of lime, strawberries, or sprigs of mint

Directions:

For blended (the Shéa way)

Add all ingredients to a heavy-duty blender. If using fresh strawberries, add ice. Blend just until smooth. Use rubber spatula to fully transfer into the glass of your choice. Garnish as desired and serve while very cold.

For on the rocks (the Amy way)

Muddle strawberries in the bottom of the shaker. Add rum, lime juice, and strawberry simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice and shake until your hand is wicked cold. Fill glass of your choice with ice, and strain drink into the glass. Garnish with lime and strawberry.

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

Pulling from the archives of unpublished awesomeness! This week's minisode covers the way TV and movies inspire our writing. (We also talk about football, fairy tales, and eavesdropping.)

Join us for an overview of our favorite witchy media!

Let us know what inspires you - or what you think should inspire us! (Head on over to our instagram to see the brackets of Amy's 2023 Vampire Showdown - and let us know if you'd like to see another contest for 2026!)

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

Today's episode calls for an alcohol-free Aperol spritz! Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about witchcraft, Emma Hamm's latest release "The Heartless One," and general shenanigans.

Affirmation:

I stand in my power, honoring the strength of my ancestors while healing generational wounds and reshaping the future.

Emma Hamm:

Website: emmahamm.com

Instagram: instagram.com/emmahammauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmahammauthor

Aperol Spritz (Energy: Joy, luck, and community energy)

Mocktail Ingredients:

• 3 oz Lyres Italian Spritz
• 3 oz. orange Seltzer
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Directions:

Add ice to a wine glass. Add Lyres, top with seltzer, garnish with orange.

COCKTAIL Ingredients:

• 3 oz prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Directions:

Add ice to a wine glass. Add (in order) prosecco, Aperol, and top with soda water. Add orange slice for garnish

Vermouth Spritz

• 2 oz Italian Sweet Vermouth
• 4 oz Tonic Water (this provides both flavor and bitterness)
• Splash of orange liqueur (ups orange flavor) 
• Dash orange bitters
• 1 oz simple syrup (optional for those who prefer sweeter drinks)
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Add ice to a wine glass. Add vermouth, tonic, orange liqueur, bitters, simple syrup (if using) and garnish with orange slice. 

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 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!

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

Thanks - the Caftan Coven

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

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

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

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

Find yourself a bottle of limoncello and settle in for an interview with Steffanie Holmes!

We're gonna talk Pisces season, the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven (best series name ever? I think so), cocktails, and general shenanigans.

Affirmation:

I release my mistakes and open myself to new opportunities.

Resources:

Follow Steffanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steffanieholmeswrites

Sign up (for free!) for Steffanie's Spookybat fan club: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SteffanieHolmesWrites

And buy all her books! https://www.nevermorebookshop.co.nz/

Find the Cracked Amethyst tarot deck: https://www.thecrackedamethyst.com/

Watch us on YouTube at https://youtu.be/WT_O6f4pOw0

Get the FULL interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6C5k24QKRvM

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

Limoncello Spritz (Energy: Cleansing and releasing negative emotions, lifting spirit, attracting luck and connection.)

Ingredients:

• 90 mL (3 oz.) Prosecco
• 60 mL (2 oz.) Luxardo Limoncello
• 30 mL (1 oz.) Club soda
• 15 mL (½ oz.) Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Garnish: Lemon slice 

 Directions:

1. Fill a balloon glass with ice. (Can also use a highball glass or large wine glass.)
2. In order, pour in Prosecco, limoncello, and fresh lemon juice (if using). 
3. Top with club soda.
4. Add citrus slice for garnish.

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

Today's minisode is a bit more serious than usual. Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about writing during hard times, including physical and mental health issues.

But always remember - 

If you CAN write, write.
If you can’t, care for yourself and return when you can.

The words will come back.

They always do.

Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/find-your-local-nami/

• Suicide & Crisis Hotline: call or text 988 (USA/Canada)
• The Trevor Project (US): For LGBTQ youth, call 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678.
• Crisis Text Line (US): Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
• Veterans Crisis Line (US): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255 to connect with the Veterans Affairs specialized team.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (US): 1-800-799-7233(SAFE)
• Domestic Violence Hotlines (EU): https://www.improve-horizon.eu/helplines
• Find a Helpline (EU): https://findahelpline.com/

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

Grab some gin, cherry liqueur, and bubbles, and join us for Amy's 49th birthday episode. We're gonna talk Pisces facts, Amy's upcoming release, cocktails, and general shenanigans.

Affirmation:

Magic flows through me, adapting to the shape of my energy.

Resources:

Amy's cocktail cherry recipe: https://www.crowdedkitchen.com/homemade-cocktail-cherries/

Visit Amy's website & sign up for her newsletter at: https://amycissell.com

Pre-order Wolf Pack of the Apocalypse! https://books2read.com/wolfpackoftheapocalypse

Norse Goddess Rune Oracle by Rebecca Joy Stark: https://blueangelonline.com/shop/card-decks/oracle-cards/norse-goddess-rune-oracle/

Portuguese 77 (Energy: Protection, Divination, Renewal, Love, Luck, and Celebration)

Ingredients:

• 60 mL (2 oz) gin (Portuguese gin for best Portuguese energy, but any London dry style will be amazing)
• 30 mL (1 oz) cherry liqueur* OR 100% cherry juice
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (from the Azores, if you can get it!)
• Espumante (or bubbles of your choice)
• Ice

Garnish: Cocktail cherry* in a lemon peel twist! 

 Directions:

1. Add gin, cherry liqueur, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is cold - about 20 seconds.
3. Strain the cocktail into a couple glass.
4. Top with espumante
5. Garnish with a cherry & lemon twist. 

*Amy made her own cocktail cherries/liqueur-ish type stuff. https://www.crowdedkitchen.com/homemade-cocktail-cherries/

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