Cliffhangers and Cocktails

Candle magic limericks, Guyanese folklore, and an interview with JASMAINE PAYNE!

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 [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FBL75992] Website: https://jasmainepayne.com/ [https://jasmainepayne.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_jasmainepayne/ [https://www.instagram.com/author_jasmainepayne/] Samantha Hargrove crystal episodes: Episode 10 - Magic ROCKS!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/17620807 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/17620807] Episode 16 - (Crystal) Size Matters: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18224890 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18224890] The Book of Stones: http://www.thebookofstones.com/ [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/ [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 [https://www.etsy.com/listing/4392319596/the-nouveau-goddess-oracle-and-major] Protective Symbols: https://www.pagangrimoire.com/ [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails] Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/ [https://pwfbookclub.com/]. Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ [https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/],  Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ [https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/] and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven

The Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Bitters and Balance (minisode 17)

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 [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 [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails] Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/ [https://pwfbookclub.com/]. Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ [https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/],  Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ [https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/] and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Episode 25: Historical nonsense, inane wittering, and whiskey drink(s) with C.N. ROWAN!

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://cnrowan.com/] https://www.patreon.com/u103571045 [https://www.patreon.com/u103571045] https://www.instagram.com/cnrowanauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/cnrowanauthor/] https://www.facebook.com/groups/cnrowansimperfectimps/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/cnrowansimperfectimps/] More Stuff! Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Base Spirits (including whiskey!) Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18572000 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18572000] Beltane Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/19103430 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/19103430] Burke & Hare death/life masks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke_and_Hare_murders [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 [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 [https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/murder-of-crows-tarot] Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails [https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails] Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/ [https://pwfbookclub.com/]. Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ [https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/],  Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ [https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/] and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Minisode 16: Blessed Beltane!

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 [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://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://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://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/the-festival-of-beltane/] https://www.history.com/articles/beltane [https://www.history.com/articles/beltane] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion/The-Celtic-gods [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion/The-Celtic-gods] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane] https://www.pagangrimoire.com/what-is-beltane-celebrate/ [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 [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails] Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/ [https://pwfbookclub.com/]. Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ [https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/],  Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ [https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/] and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven

Episode 24: Bad Ass-tronauts, Planetal [sic] Alignments, and an interview with HEATHER G. HARRIS!

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/ [https://heathergharris.com/] Aria Ashbrook website: https://www.aria-ashbrook.com/ [https://www.aria-ashbrook.com/] Amazon: https://www.amazon.es/stores/Heather-G.-Harris/author/B097ZP5J8S [https://www.amazon.es/stores/Heather-G.-Harris/author/B097ZP5J8S] Free audio books on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherGHarrisAuthor [https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherGHarrisAuthor] Follow on insta: https://www.instagram.com/heathergharrisauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/heathergharrisauthor/] Tarot Deck: Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roy: https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/murder-of-crows-tarot [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 [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 [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 [https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails] Visit our sponsor, the Paranormal Women's Fiction Bookclub, for a free monthly book at https://pwfbookclub.com/ [https://pwfbookclub.com/]. Follow the pod on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/ [https://www.instagram.com/cliffhangersandcocktails/],  Check out our website at https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/ [https://www.cliffhangersandcocktails.com/] and sign up for our newsletter! Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share! Thanks - the Caftan Coven