Cliffhangers and Cocktails
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.
Episodes
In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy take on the Knights who say Ni! And while they’re doing that, they talk about shrubs, a vinegar based beverage that’s been used for ages. It can be used as a beverage, a cocktail ingredient, or a spell ingredient! And making them feels like fun, fermented magic.
And remember -
Craft your shrubs with intent, because you&rsq...
Shéa and Amy are on vacation, so we're bringing back one of our earliest (not redited at all) episodes.
Please make yourself a bloody bellini, settle back, and enjoy this interview with Elizabeth Hunter!
You can find Elizabeth Hunter (and buy her books direct) at elizabethhunter.com, follow her on Instagram (@elizabethhunterwrites), and join her Facebook Group "Hunters Haven" https://www.facebook.com/g...
In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy are reminded that words come from fingers, not faces as they look back over their favorite moments of the last year and a half. And while Shéa was able to choose a single cocktail as her pod fave (a limoncello lemondrop), Amy couldn’t decide between a French 75 (she did her signature Cherry Portuguese 77) and a spicy pineapple marga...
In today’s episode of Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy talk about inherent witchiness of tea and the magic of joy, make a play for a Harney & Sons sponsorship (call us!), and Amy pretends to be author ISA MEDINA.
Isa's Links
https://www.instagram.com/isamedina_author/
https://www.facebook.com/IsaMedinaAuthor
Other Resources
In today’s episode of Peach Pie and Lord of the Rings … err, we mean Cliffhangers and Cocktails, Shéa and Amy talk about Litha - the Summer Solstice. Make yourself a Solstice sip (strawberry margaritas anyone?) and settle in for some history, a ritual, and some divination.
Litha Ritual -
Sample power statements:
- “I am amazing. I am powerful. The work I have done is real and ...
In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk crystals that amplify self-love and healing, the best tangy, floral cocktails, and interview IRIS BEAGLEHOLE about magic, both real and fictional.
Find Iris
https://www.instagram.com/irisbeaglehole/
https://www.facebook.com/IrisBeaglehole
https://www.tiktok.com/@irisbeagleholeauthor
Arcane Awakenings Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projec...
In today's episode, Shéa and Amy talk about how to make liqueurs, the secret weapon of magical potions...um...cocktails.
Remember to craft your liqueurs with intent, because you’re not just mixing a drink.
You’re mixing magic.
Resources
For a quick guide on the magical correspondences of base spirits for your liqueurs, this is a good reference:
https://www.tumblr.com/...
This week's episode is all about Tarot and Oracle decks. Shéa and Amy delve into the difference between the two before interviewing Cartomancer Extraordinaire Delle!
So grab a cocktail (might we recommend an Empress Gin French 75 or a Bergamot Old Fashioned?) and settle in!
Y'all - the references here are bananas. We talked about so many books and card decks and other things - hopefully, we didn't miss anyth...
Today's episode is about the May 31, 2026 Blue Moon. We're talking astrology, fun facts & superstitions, ways to celebrate this every 2.5 year event, and sharing moon words and moon joy.
Make yourself a Blue Moon Margarita and join us!
Sources:
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.co...
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...
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/
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
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.ama...
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 ...
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/...
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 mixin...
Today's episode calls for an electric lemonade! Join Shéa and Amy as they talk about Aries season, Jennifer L. Hart's upcoming release "Queen of the Midlife Mystics," manifestation, cocktails, and general shenanigans.
Affirmation:
I am fearless in pursuit of what brings me joy and sets my soul on fire.
Resources:
Shea's Kickstarter! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sheamacleod/lady-rample-steps-out-special...
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 ...
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
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