Cliffhangers and Cocktails Podcast By Amy Cissell & Shéa MacLeod cover art

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 13: Happy Ostara!
    Mar 19 2026

    Grab your springiest mocktail and settle in for a brief overview of Ostara, including CONTROVERY, then stay for Amy's fangirlling over medievalist Eleanor Janega, bareknuckle boxing, and a list of our favorite historians!

    Affirmation: I am nurturing and growing a life that brings me joy!


    In the Southern Hemisphere? Check out our Mabon Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429206/episodes/17883603


    Amy's Ostara Sources

    https://www.tragicbeautiful.com/blogs/book-of-spells/rituals-for-ostara?_pos=1&_psq=rituals+for+ost

    https://www.thornandclaw.com/blogs/news/how-to-celebrate-ostara-the-spring-equinox?srsltid=AfmBOop_vpZKCfGJBG83O4mW9QrPN2hATSeVSMsvNMBGd3zTOVWSRMqN

    https://rebeccadouglas.co.uk/honour-spring-equinox-seasonal-rituals-and-mantras-for-balance-at-ostara/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%92ostre

    https://www.learnreligions.com/hold-a-spring-rebirth-ritual-for-ostara-2562479


    Ostara (1884) By Johannes Gehrts (1855–1921) - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129455268


    Free Spirited Lavender Limoncello (Energy: Renewal, Protection, Joy)

    from Mystical Mocktails by Julia Halina Hadas: https://witchcraftcocktails.com/

    Ingredients (serves 2)

    • 60 mL (2 oz) lemon-lavender cordial* (see recipe below)
    • 90 mL (3 oz) freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 60 mL (2 oz) non-alcoholic sparkling white wine or 120 mL (4 oz) soda water
    • Lavender sprig or lemon peel twist for garnish

    Directions

    1. In a champagne flute, pour in cordial and lemon juice
    2. Top with sparkling white wine or soda water (bubbles for celebration!)
    3. Garnish with lavender sprig or lemon peel twist


    Cordial recipe (yields approx 6 oz)

    • Peel of 2 lemons
    • 100 g (½ cup) sugar
    • ½-1 TB dried lavender
    • 120 mL (½ cup) hot water

    Directions

    1. Peel lemons & place peels in airtight jar, cover with sugar, and shake
    2. Let the mixture sit for 24-48 hours, shaking occasionally.
    3. Add lavender to the mixture & pour in hot water. Steep for 5-10 minutes then strain.

    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    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!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

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    36 mins
  • Episode 21: Coming up on HGTV: Vampires - Crafting Edition! and an interview with STEFFANIE HOLMES!
    Mar 12 2026

    Find yourself a bottle of limoncello and settle in for an interview with Steffanie Holmes!

    We're gonna talk Pisces season, the Nevermore Murder Club and Smutty Book Coven (best series name ever? I think so), cocktails, and general shenanigans.

    Affirmation:

    I release my mistakes and open myself to new opportunities.

    Resources:

    Follow Steffanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steffanieholmeswrites

    Sign up (for free!) for Steffanie's Spookybat fan club: https://www.patreon.com/cw/SteffanieHolmesWrites

    And buy all her books! https://www.nevermorebookshop.co.nz/


    Find the Cracked Amethyst tarot deck: https://www.thecrackedamethyst.com/


    Watch us on YouTube at https://youtu.be/WT_O6f4pOw0

    Get the FULL interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6C5k24QKRvM


    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!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven


    Limoncello Spritz (Energy: Cleansing and releasing negative emotions, lifting spirit, attracting luck and connection.)

    Ingredients:

    • 90 mL (3 oz.) Prosecco
    • 60 mL (2 oz.) Luxardo Limoncello
    • 30 mL (1 oz.) Club soda
    • 15 mL (½ oz.) Fresh lemon juice (optional)

    Garnish: Lemon slice

    Directions:

    1. Fill a balloon glass with ice. (Can also use a highball glass or large wine glass.)
    2. In order, pour in Prosecco, limoncello, and fresh lemon juice (if using).
    3. Top with club soda.
    4. Add citrus slice for garnish.



    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    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!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Minisode 12: Writing Through the Shadows Part II
    Mar 3 2026

    Today's minisode is a bit more serious than usual. Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about writing during hard times, including physical and mental health issues.

    But always remember -

    If you CAN write, write.
    If you can’t, care for yourself and return when you can.

    The words will come back.

    They always do.



    Resources

    National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/find-your-local-nami/

    • Suicide & Crisis Hotline: call or text 988 (USA/Canada)
    • The Trevor Project (US): For LGBTQ youth, call 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678.
    • Crisis Text Line (US): Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
    • Veterans Crisis Line (US): Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255 to connect with the Veterans Affairs specialized team.
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline (US): 1-800-799-7233(SAFE)
    • Domestic Violence Hotlines (EU): https://www.improve-horizon.eu/helplines
    • Find a Helpline (EU): https://findahelpline.com/



    Watch us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@cliffhangersandcocktails

    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!

    Theme song: Chernoye Vedma by Ian Post

    Don't forget to like, rate, review, subscribe, and share!


    Thanks - the Caftan Coven

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
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