Cara Strickland

2 weeks ago | aftermagazine.com | Cara Strickland

Most of us already know what we’re eating on Thanksgiving Day. Whether you lean toward turkey or ham, eclectic or traditional, north or south, you can probably already picture what the table will look like. But what are you drinking? You might want to pair something with the meal, enjoy an aperitif with some crudités, or nurse a nightcap when you’re feeling full. Whatever your plans, we’ve got you covered. This complex, lightly floral, fruity aperitif is a great choice to whet your appetite.

2 weeks ago | aftermagazine.com | Cara Strickland

When we release new tasting notes, we’ll mention panel favorites from time to time. While we don’t like to actually play favorites, a panel favorite is pretty special. It means that everyone on the panel for that tasting likes the beverage, which is a tall order. It’s totally normal for drinks to be polarizing—some of my favorites are the least favorite of others on the panel—and vice versa, so it’s worth reading all the notes to find ones that especially speak to you.

2 weeks ago | aftermagazine.com | Cara Strickland

Start with ice, add an ounce or two of a spirit and top with tonic—you have one of the easiest cocktails in the world, but it still feels elevated. If you’re feeling extra fancy, go for a garnish—something classic like an orange peel twist—or take a cue from your spirit of choice and branch out. You might try some dried rose petals, a pineapple spear, or a curl of red bell pepper.

2 weeks ago | aftermagazine.com | Cara Strickland

A picnic can turn a normal day into an occasion. Just the act of packing up some food and a few drinks and spreading a blanket on some grass, a beach, or wherever you find yourself makes the meal special. Maybe you have standard picnic food you enjoy—potato salad from a special recipe, certain sandwiches you like, fresh berries or homemade cookies (or maybe you’re just grabbing takeout). Whatever your preference, you don’t want to forget something thirst quenching to go along with it.

2 weeks ago | aftermagazine.com | Cara Strickland

Figlia Sole Non-Alcoholic Aperitivo Multi-layered depth with herby, black licorice, floral, and woody on the nose and a variety of flavors including mandarin orange, basil, grapefruit bitterness, tea, and wood, with a little bit of heat. We found the texture to be slippery and sweet, transitioning to a slight astringency and mellowness. In general, the panel preferred this with sparkling water or over ice. Click to try