Beverages
Real, Meaningful and Full of Mana: How to Make This Holiday Truly Your Own
holiday entertaining, authentic celebrations, holiday cocktail recipes, meaningful traditions, holiday hosting tips, festive gatherings, holiday connection, Teremana tequila, holiday drinks, margarita recipes, paloma recipe, espresso martini, imperfect holidays, holiday belonging, seasonal entertaining.
Last Updated on December 23, 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
- In pitcher, combine reposado, pomegranate juice, lime juice, cinnamon syrup and salt. Stir to incorporate.
- Pour into rocks glasses over fresh ice.
- 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
- In pitcher, combine blanco tequila, cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Pour into salt-rimmed Collins glasses over fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda. Stir gently to combine.
- 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
- In cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cold brew concentrate, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup and ice. Shake until chilled.
- Double strain into martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans or shaved dark chocolate.
SOURCE:
Teremana Tequila
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Food and Beverage
Chili’s Drops a $6 “Bombshell Margarita” for July — Here’s What to Know
Chili’s is rolling out its July Margarita of the Month: the $6 Bombshell Margarita, available nationwide through July 31. Here’s what’s in it, where to find it, and what fans can expect from the limited-time menu drop.
Chili’s® is leaning into peak summer energy with a new July Margarita of the Month that feels tailor-made for group chats, watch parties, and post-episode booth debriefs. The chain’s Bombshell Margarita is available nationwide through July 31 for $6, positioning it as an easy, low-commitment add-on to a casual night out.
Inspired by the buzz of reality TV’s summer romances and the “did you see that?” conversations that follow, Chili’s is framing the drink as part of the moment—not just a seasonal menu item.
What’s in the Bombshell Margarita?
According to the company, the Bombshell Marg is a bright, sweet-and-citrusy mix built around:
- el Jimador® Blanco Tequila
- Monin® Dragonfruit
- Triple sec
- Strawberry puree
- House-made sour
The drink also comes with a custom “Bombshell vs. OG” swizzle stick (while supplies last), adding a playful, collectible touch that fits the theme.
Why Chili’s is tying it to pop culture
Chili’s says it’s seeing guests use its booths as the place to unpack the season’s biggest storylines—especially the romance-and-drama kind.
“We know our guests are breaking down the drama of the summer’s biggest romances with their friends, often sitting around booths right here at Chili’s,” said George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International. “The Bombshell Marg is a fun way for us to recognize that passion and be part of the conversation in a way only we can — serving a great, affordable margarita.”
The bigger strategy: Margarita of the Month momentum
The Bombshell Marg is the latest entry in Chili’s long-running Margarita of the Month lineup. The brand reports it served nearly 30 million margaritas in 2025, and the monthly drops are designed to stay culturally relevant—pulling from trending flavors, seasonality, and whatever people are talking about right now.
For guests who track each release, Chili’s also promotes its Margarita of the Month Club at chilis.com/motmclub, where members can collect digital stickers, build streaks, and shop limited merch.
Merch drop: “I got a marg!” tank top
As part of the July rollout, Chili’s is also releasing a Bombshell-themed “I got a marg!” tank top, available July 1 at welcometochilis.com (while supplies last).
How to get the $6 Bombshell Marg
The Bombshell Margarita of the Month is available at participating Chili’s locations nationwide for $6 through July 31. Guests must be 21+ to purchase or consume alcohol.
For more information or to find a participating location, visit chilis.com.
About Chili’s Grill & Bar
Chili’s® Grill & Bar, founded in 1975, is the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). The company operates 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories, with more than 70,000 team members.
Chili’s is known for Big Mouth Burgers®, Crispy Chicken Crispers®, and sizzling fajitas, and the brand says it hand-shakes more margaritas than any other restaurant brand in the U.S. Chili’s also notes it has raised more than $120 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital over more than 20 years.For media inquiries, contact media.requests@brinker.com
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Last Updated on July 1, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Cool Down This Summer with a Sweet Slushie
(Family Features) Each season throughout the year seems to
have its own “flavor,” and summer is no exception. Hamburgers and hot dogs off
the grill, refreshing watermelon at snack time and cool, delicious ice cream on
warm evenings.
While many people think of sweetpotatoes during the
holidays, you can make this sweet vegetable a key ingredient all year-round –
including summertime. As one of the most versatile veggies you can find,
they’re easy to add to a variety of recipes while enhancing flavor and boosting
nutrition content.
Sweetpotatoes can be your summer staple in both simple and
elevated recipes alike, as well as in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be
cooked or prepared in several ways: on the stove, baked, microwaved, grilled or
slow cooked.
Or, for an easy way to cool down in the heat, try them in a
creamy drink like this Sweetpotato Summer Slushie. It may surprise you, but
sweetpotatoes are ideal for sipping – smoothies and cocktails are both
crowd-pleasers, especially during sweltering summer days. This refreshing treat
can be made with or without the boozy kick; just break out the blender and kick
back in the sunshine.
To discover more ways to cook and enjoy sweetpotatoes all
summer long, visit ncsweetpotatoes.com.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5xyuKDlklQ?si=JiKNgtk78Vc8NiMU&controls=0]
Recipe courtesy of the North
Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
- 1 cup cooked,
mashed North
Carolina Sweetpotatoes - 1 cup
pineapple juice - 1/2 cup orange
juice - 1/4 cup lemon
juice - 1/4 cup coconut
milk - 2-3 tablespoons
simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon
vanilla extract - 2 cups crushed
ice - 2 ounces
spiced rum, coconut rum or bourbon (optional) - pineapple
slices or orange wedges, for garnish (optional)
- In blender, blend sweetpotatoes, pineapple juice, orange
juice, lemon juice, coconut milk, simple syrup or honey, vanilla extract and
ice until smooth and slushy. - Pour into glasses and serve.
- For alcoholic version: Add spiced rum, coconut rum or
bourbon after blending. Pulse in blender or stir after blending for layered
effect. - Garnish with pineapple slices or orange wedges, if desired.
SOURCE:
News
How healthy is Sodastream?
The SodaStream Sparkling Water Maker is a device that forces carbon dioxide (CO2) gas (stored under pressure in a cylinder) into water, making it sparkling (fizzy)
Sodastream machines have been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative to store-bought soft drinks. Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also offer several health benefits compared to traditional sodas.
Reduced Sugar Intake
One of the most significant health benefits of using a Sodastream machine is reducing sugar intake. Traditional sodas are loaded with sugar, and excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems such as Type 2 diabetes. With a Sodastream machine, you can control the amount of sugar you add to your drink, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing beverage without the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption.
No Artificial Sweeteners
Many store-bought soft drinks contain artificial sweeteners, which can have negative health effects such as headaches and digestive problems. Sodastream machines, on the other hand, allow you to use natural sweeteners such as fruit extracts, honey or agave nectar, giving you a healthier and more natural alternative.
No Preservatives
Another advantage of using a Sodastream machine is that you can avoid preservatives commonly found in store-bought soft drinks. Preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate have been linked to health problems such as cancer and allergies. By making your own drinks, you can avoid these harmful additives and enjoy a healthier, preservative-free beverage.
Eco-Friendly
In addition to the health benefits, using a Sodastream machine is also environmentally friendly. Traditional soft drinks are packaged in plastic bottles or cans, which contribute to environmental pollution. With a Sodastream machine, you can reuse the same bottle multiple times, reducing waste and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Variety
Finally, Sodastream machines offer a wide variety of flavors and options, allowing you to customize your drink to your liking. You can mix and match different flavors or create your own unique blends, giving you a healthier and more enjoyable alternative to traditional sodas.
In conclusion, Sodastream machines offer several health benefits compared to traditional store-bought soft drinks. By reducing sugar intake, avoiding artificial sweeteners and preservatives, and being eco-friendly, they offer a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional soft drinks. Moreover, with a wide variety of flavors and options, you can customize your drink to your liking, making it a fun and enjoyable way to stay healthy.
