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

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

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://www.patreon.com/u103571045

https://www.instagram.com/cnrowanauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/cnrowansimperfectimps/

More Stuff!

Witch's Liquor Cabinet: Base Spirits (including whiskey!) Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/18572000

Beltane Minisode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/19103430

Burke & Hare death/life masks: 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

Tarot Deck: Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roy: https://www.loscarabeo.com/products/murder-of-crows-tarot

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

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

Amy's Beltane Sources

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://religionmediacentre.org.uk/factsheets/the-festival-of-beltane/

https://www.history.com/articles/beltane

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Celtic-religion/The-Celtic-gods

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beltane

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

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

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

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/

Aria Ashbrook website: https://www.aria-ashbrook.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.es/stores/Heather-G.-Harris/author/B097ZP5J8S

Free audio books on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@HeatherGHarrisAuthor

Follow on insta: https://www.instagram.com/heathergharrisauthor/

Tarot Deck: Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roy: 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

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

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

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

Pulling from the archives of unpublished awesomeness! This week's minisode covers the way TV and movies inspire our writing. (We also talk about football, fairy tales, and eavesdropping.)

Join us for an overview of our favorite witchy media!

Let us know what inspires you - or what you think should inspire us! (Head on over to our instagram to see the brackets of Amy's 2023 Vampire Showdown - and let us know if you'd like to see another contest for 2026!)

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

Today's episode calls for an alcohol-free Aperol spritz! Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about witchcraft, Emma Hamm's latest release "The Heartless One," and general shenanigans.

Affirmation:

I stand in my power, honoring the strength of my ancestors while healing generational wounds and reshaping the future.

Emma Hamm:

Website: emmahamm.com

Instagram: instagram.com/emmahammauthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emmahammauthor

Aperol Spritz (Energy: Joy, luck, and community energy)

Mocktail Ingredients:

• 3 oz Lyres Italian Spritz
• 3 oz. orange Seltzer
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Directions:

Add ice to a wine glass. Add Lyres, top with seltzer, garnish with orange.

COCKTAIL Ingredients:

• 3 oz prosecco
• 2 oz Aperol
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Directions:

Add ice to a wine glass. Add (in order) prosecco, Aperol, and top with soda water. Add orange slice for garnish

Vermouth Spritz

• 2 oz Italian Sweet Vermouth
• 4 oz Tonic Water (this provides both flavor and bitterness)
• Splash of orange liqueur (ups orange flavor)
• Dash orange bitters
• 1 oz simple syrup (optional for those who prefer sweeter drinks)
• Ice

Garnish: Orange slice

Add ice to a wine glass. Add vermouth, tonic, orange liqueur, bitters, simple syrup (if using) and garnish with orange slice.

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

In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk about how to sweeten your spells with syrups and sauces - as well as how to make your own!

Mix yourself a cocktail and learn about the energy you can find in the various fruits, herbs, or spices used to add sweetness, texture, and complex flavor profiles to drinks!

Remember to choose your syrups with intent, because you’re not just mixing a drink.

You’re mixing magic.

Resources:

Witchcraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas

Moon, Magic, Mixology and Witchcraft Cocktails by Julia Halina Hadas

https://juliahalinahadas.com/

Grenadine (Energy: manifest wishes, enhance divination, and provide protection)

• 1 part unsweetened pomegranate juice (fresh or store bought)
• 1 part granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice or orange blossom water*

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and heat slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Heat until sugar dissolves and the liquid just starts to bubble. DO NOT BOIL. Remove pan from heat and let cool. Grenadine will last about a month in an airtight bottle in the refrigerator.

Bergamot-Ginger Syrup (Energy: money, clarity, success)

• 1 bag of Earl Grey (or 1 tsp broken loose leaf)*
• 1 TB chopped fresh ginger
• 4 oz hot water
• ½ cup granulated sugar

Put ginger and tea bag in a jar. Hold the jar and focus your intent on the manifesting energy…money, success, clarity, good luck. Now pour in the hot water and let steep 5 minutes. Pour in sugar and mix until dissolved. Refrigerate covered at least 24 hours, then strain. The syrup will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

Sour Mix (Energy: cleansing, protection, joy, renewal)

• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• (8 oz) water
• (8 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• (4 oz) freshly squeezed lime juice

Bring the sugar and water to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain freshly squeezed juices into a resealable bottle. Pour in the cooled simple syrup. Shake. The syrup will keep for about 2 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

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