Last Updated on November 28, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Real, Meaningful and Full of Mana: How to Make This Holiday Truly Your Own

(Family Features) The holidays rarely look like the glossy greeting-card version you grew up with, and that ’s a good thing. From mismatched chairs around the table to spontaneous drop-ins and burnt cookies, the festive season can be a little messy, and all the more wonderful for it. After all, the holidays are yours and the way you choose to celebrate is what gives them meaning. When it ’s time to celebrate whatever the holidays look like for you, thoughtful touches, expert tips and delicious recipes can help turn those imperfect, unforgettable moments into lasting memories. They may even help you create new traditions of your own. Whether hosting a laid-back dinner for friends, a family gathering or carving out a quiet moment with a loved one, the season is truly what you make of it. It ’s all about creating comfort, connection and meaning in ways that feel authentic to you. This year, instead of chasing someone else ’s version of “perfect,” Teremana – the premium small-batch tequila brand – has created “Recipes for Real Mana,” a seasonal moment designed to help people embrace celebrations that reflect their own lives, tastes and communities in a way that feels real and authentic.

People Crave Belonging and Connection

A recent poll from the “American Psychological Association” found that half of Americans lack companionship, signaling that more and more people are craving deeper connections. When you open your doors, welcome others in and share good energy, no matter what that looks like, it offers seasonal inspiration that encourages people to come together in ways that feel real, relaxed and personal, tapping into the fundamental human need for belonging.

Find Your Recipe for Real Mana

A perfect companion for any holiday gathering, Teremana Tequila makes mixing cocktails effortless and fun, while festive initiatives like Recipes for Real Mana offer seasonal inspiration that brings people together. As part of the campaign, its holiday site features an interactive Cocktail Generator. Answer a few simple questions and the tool recommends a cocktail to match your vibe – whether it’s a Pomegranate Margarita for a festive get-together, a Cranberry Paloma for family gatherings or a Mocha Espresso Martini for a cozy evening by the fire. It ’s a playful way to explore new recipes, share good energy and bring a little extra Mana to every celebration. “Mana isn ’t just a word, it ’s a way of celebrating what really matters,” says Teremana Tequila Global Brand Ambassador Alan Ruesga-Pelayo. “This season, it ’s less about perfectly set tables and more about the moments that make you smile, laugh and connect. Whether you ’re raising a glass with friends, hosting a spontaneous gathering or savoring a quiet evening at home, Teremana is there to make those moments feel intentional, meaningful and a little magical. It ’s about opening your heart and your home, on your own terms.” From festive gatherings and cozy nights in, Recipes for Real Mana is a reminder that the holidays don ’t have to be perfect to be memorable. They are yours to shape; full of laughter, warmth and connection, exactly the way you want them. To find more information, inspiration and festive cocktail recipes, visit teremana.com/holiday and follow @teremana across social media.

Pomegranate Margarita

Servings: 8-10

• 2          cups Teremana Reposado
• 1 1/4    cups pomegranate juice
• 1          cup fresh lime juice
• 2/3       cup cinnamon syrup
• 3          pinches salt
• ice
• cinnamon sticks
• rosemary sprigs

1. In pitcher, combine reposado, pomegranate juice, lime juice, cinnamon syrup and salt. Stir to incorporate.
2. Pour into rocks glasses over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs.

Cranberry Paloma

Servings: 8-10

• 1 1/2    cups Teremana Blanco
• 1          cup cranberry juice
• 1/2       cup fresh lime juice
• ice
• grapefruit soda
• lime wheels
• cranberries

1. In pitcher, combine blanco tequila, cranberry juice and lime juice.
2. Pour into salt-rimmed Collins glasses over fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda. Stir gently to combine.
3. Garnish with lime wheels and cranberries.

Mocha Espresso Martini

Servings: 1

• 1 1/2    ounces Teremana Anejo
• 1          ounce cold brew concentrate
• 1/2       ounce coffee liqueur
• 1/4       ounce chocolate syrup
• ice
• 3          coffee beans or shaved dark chocolate, for garnish

1. In cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cold brew concentrate, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup and ice. Shake until chilled.
2. Double strain into martini glass.
3. Garnish with coffee beans or shaved dark chocolate.

SOURCE: Teremana Tequila

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/

Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Rod Washington

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International Merlot Day

Every year on November 7th, wine enthusiasts around the world raise a glass to celebrate International Merlot Day. This special day pays tribute to one of the most beloved red wines, while also encouraging newcomers to experience the unique flavors of Merlot.

Derived from the French word “merle,” meaning blackbird, Merlot likely owes its name to the deep color of its grapes. Originating in Bordeaux, France, Merlot holds the distinction of being the most widely planted grape in the region, surpassing even the renowned Cabernet Sauvignon. It also ranks as the fifth most planted grape in Italy and the second most widely cultivated grape in Israel.

Beyond its European roots, Merlot thrives in various regions across the globe. From California and Washington in the United States to Chile, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Greece, and Mexico, each region imparts its own unique character to the wine.

Described by experts as having a dark fruit flavor profile, Merlot exhibits tantalizing notes of black cherry, blackberry, plum, and raspberry. These luscious fruit flavors blend harmoniously with herbal undertones, as well as hints of vanilla and mocha. While not a sweet wine, Merlot can possess a slight bitterness derived from the grape skins during the winemaking process.

International Merlot Day is marked by liquor stores, bars, and restaurants showcasing different varieties of Merlot and offering special discounts on bottles of this cherished wine. Merlot enthusiasts come together to toast their favorite libation, often participating in wine tastings and winemaking demonstrations. For those who have yet to experience the pleasure of Merlot, this day presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in its complex flavors.

To enhance the Merlot experience, consider enjoying a glass while watching a film that features this popular beverage. Movies like “Sideways,” “A Walk in the Clouds,” “Bottle Shock,” “You Will Be My Son,” “A Good Year,” and “Somm” offer a delightful cinematic accompaniment to your wine exploration.

Whether you’re a devoted Merlot aficionado or a curious newcomer, International Merlot Day invites you to savor the essence of this remarkable red wine and join the global celebration of its rich flavors and heritage.

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/international-merlot-day-november-7

Last Updated on November 2, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Share the Mana and Share the Table: How to connect with new people to spark joy

(Family Features) Sometimes the most meaningful conversations happen with people you’ve just met, especially when gathered around a shared table.

With its new initiative, Share the Mana, Share the Table, Teremana Tequila – the premium small-batch tequila founded by Dwayne Johnson – is proving joy multiplies when people open their doors, pull up a few extra chairs and make space for others. At a time when many are craving deeper bonds with those around them, the campaign is a powerful call to turn entertaining into something more meaningful: a chance to spark connections and spread positive energy.

From 113 Distillations to 113 Seats
The movement launched in Los Angeles with a community gathering at Skylight ROW DTLA. In a nod to the 113 distillations Johnson personally tasted while developing Teremana, the brand invited 113 strangers to sit together for a shared meal at one long table. The result was an evening of togetherness filled with conversation, laughter, great food and cocktails, where countless stories were shared and 113 strangers became friends – a living example of Mana, the brand’s guiding philosophy of sharing good energy.

The Case for Connection
Recent Pew research suggests Americans are feeling less connected than ever – only 54% reported feeling a bond with their local community in 2024. At the same time, studies from the University of Chicago show people consistently underestimate the joy of simply talking to a stranger. In other words: Humans are hardwired for connection but often forget how much it lifts them up.

A simple dinner party, a potluck or even a casual get-together can be enough to create those moments of connection. Here are a few ideas to try:

1. Instead of sticking to the usual guestlist, invite neighbors, colleagues or friends-of-friends who might otherwise eat alone.
2. At Teremana’s kickoff event, strangers were encouraged to sit side by side. Try mixing your seating chart to encourage fresh conversations.
3. Begin the meal with a toast that acknowledges everyone at the table, not just for showing up, but for sharing their energy and spirit.
4. You don’t need a five-course menu. A signature cocktail, hearty dish and warm atmosphere are often enough to spark connection.

Remember Mana isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s the positive spirit you bring into the room and the openness you share with others.

The Toast That Travels
While Teremana’s community tables will continue popping up across the country, it is also rolling out a global social media campaign, encouraging fans everywhere to join in. With a few simple posts, you can spread your own ripple effect of good energy, sharing what it means to you to share the Mana.

Of course, there’s no table without a toast. To help kick off your gathering, consider The People’s Margarita and the Mana Paloma – crowd-pleasing drinks that are approachable and full of character. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner for four or a neighborhood gathering for 40, these drinks are designed to be shared.

More Than a Meal
At the heart of Share the Mana, Share the Table is a reminder that gathering isn’t really about the menu or the drinks – it’s about the connection. When people pause to share food, conversation and good energy, they create moments that last long after the plates are cleared. The next time you gather friends, neighbors or even strangers, take a cue from this movement. Pour something delicious, pull up a few extra chairs and remember: when you share the table, you share so much more.

For more ways to embrace the spirit of Mana and to find cocktail recipes for your next celebration, visit Teremana.com and follow on social media @teremana.

The People’s Margarita

Servings: 8-10

• 2 cups Teremana Blanco
• 3/4 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup agave nectar
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• lime wheels, for garnish (optional)
• pineapple leaves, for garnish (optional)
• sea salt, for garnish (optional)
• ice

1. In large pitcher filled with ice, gently stir tequila, lime juice, agave nectar and pineapple juice.
2. Pour into rocks glasses and garnish with lime wheels, pineapple leaves and sea salt, as desired.

Mana Paloma

Servings: 8-10

• 2 1/4 cups Teremana Reposado
• 9 ounces grapefruit juice
• 6 3/4 ounces lime juice
• 4 1/2 ounces simple syrup
• club soda
• lime wheels, for garnish (optional)
• grapefruit slices, for garnish (optional)
• ice

1. In large pitcher with ice, gently stir gently tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and simple syrup to combine.
2. Pour into highball glasses over fresh ice then top each glass with club soda. Garnish with lime wheels or grapefruit slices, as desired.

SOURCE:

Teremana Tequila

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/