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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
  • Minisode 18: Once in a Blue Moon
    May 28 2026

    Today's episode is about the May 31, 2026 Blue Moon. We're talking astrology, fun facts & superstitions, ways to celebrate this every 2.5 year event, and sharing moon words and moon joy.

    Make yourself a Blue Moon Margarita and join us!

    Sources:

    https://www.crystals.com/blogs/news/may-2026-lunar-guide-flower-moon-in-scorpio-blue-moon-crystal-rituals#:~:text=A%20Blue%20Moon%20(the%20second,%2C%20freedom%2C%20and%20higher%20purpose.

    https://magebymoonlight.com/ways-to-celebrate-full-moon/

    https://www.astrowitch.org/blue-moon-energy-explained/

    https://www.thepsychictree.co.uk/blogs/psychic-skills-education-and-how-to-guides/a-full-moon-sacred-reset-for-mind-body-spirit-blue-moon-31-may-2026?srsltid=AfmBOopn_wz9sZBw6BAPWfwNQRp4Xa_IOnxRcJQKycyC-k6kWQgyiACT

    https://originalbotanica.com/blog/blue-moon-spiritual-meaning-rituals-spells?srsltid=AfmBOop7186ib0MXxTE5D_IVU-QjHOkbq-ySw_FejX1lQFCP4Hi5Q0NF


    The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor: https://www.sonyareneetaylor.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/sonyareneetaylor/

    Burnout by Amelia & Emily Nagoski: https://www.burnoutbook.net/

    https://www.instagram.com/enagoski


    Blue Moon Margarita: (Energy: Energy, purification, protection)

    Ingredients (1 servings)

    • 50 mL blue tequila
    • 25 mL orange liqueur (I used caracao)
    • 20 mL fresh lime juice
    • Pea flower salt for rimming (optional)
    • Fancy giant ice sphere

    Directions

    1. Add tequila, liqueur, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
    2. Shake it up, baby!
    3. Rim your glass (martini, margarita, or coupe glasses will look the coolest) with the peaflower salt
    4. Add the giant ice sphere
    5. Strain into a margarita glass (or whatever suits your fancy!)
    6. Garnish with lime wheel

    Blue tequila

    Add 5-10 butterfly pea flowers to 1 cup of tequila. Shake, let sit overnight, and 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

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    42 mins
  • Episode 26: Candle magic limericks, Guyanese folklore, and an interview with JASMAINE PAYNE!
    May 19 2026

    This week's episode features protective amulets and spells - mostly to keep our minds safe from Jasmaine Payne's LEECH! Blend up a piña colada and settle in for a great interview that covers topics such as Guyanese folklore, writing and mentoring in Guyana, and ways to protect your mind and spirit.

    Find Jasmaine Payne:

    Buy LEECH on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBL75992

    Website: https://jasmainepayne.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_jasmainepayne/


    Samantha Hargrove crystal episodes:

    Episode 10 - Magic ROCKS!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/17620807

    Episode 16 - (Crystal) Size Matters: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18224890

    The Book of Stones: http://www.thebookofstones.com/

    Candle Magic! https://digital-coven.com/2025/04/10/candle-magick-for-busy-witches-5-minute-spells-for-protection-abundance-self-love/

    Nouveau Goddess Oracle Deck: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4392319596/the-nouveau-goddess-oracle-and-major

    Protective Symbols: https://www.pagangrimoire.com/


    Piña Colada (Energy: abundance, luck, fertility, cleansing, protection)

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz white rum
    • 4 oz pineapple juice
    • 2 oz cream of coconut
    • I cup ice
    • Maraschino cherry/Pineapple wedge to garnish


    Directions:

    Add all ingredients to blender and blend well. Pour into glass and garnish. Enjoy while focusing on abundance.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • The Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Bitters and Balance (minisode 17)
    May 12 2026

    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

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
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