Hotdog Who? These Brats Will Be Your New Grilling Go-To

When you think of a bratwurst, visions of Oktoberfest probably dance in your head. But they’re *so* much more than an accompaniment to your favorite German beer. Consider the grill, for example. You tend to opt for a cheeseburger or a hot dog to satisfy your desire for a quick grilled meal, but a juicy and flavorful brat can ease that craving like no other. You can eat them al fresco or on a bun, and top them with caramelized onions, fruity salsa, or even macaroni and cheese (yep, you read that right). The options are infinite, and the 13 recipes below are here to prove it.

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching, and that means we need to start thinking about our Cinco drinks! We've given you countless ways to enjoy a margarita, but if you're looking for something different, these cocktail recipes highlight the best flavors and traditions of Mexican culture, without even a mention of a classic 'rita (okay, maybe there's a few). And as delicious as these drinks are on their own, they're even better when enjoyed outdoors with a taco in hand!

Blood Orange Citrus Mezcal

This combination of bold mezcal and blood orange soda is nothing short of magical. A traditional Mexican drink, this cocktail is even more appropriate for Cinco de Mayo as it takes on a celebratory pink hue and usually is served in a salt-rimmed glass. Think of it as margarita’s prettier cousin! (via Brit + Co.)

Grapefruit Thyme Fizz

Get a good buzz goin' without feeling like you're sipping straight alcohol with this grapefruit and thyme-infused drink. Citrus keeps this easy cocktail recipe bright! (via Brit + Co.)

Lava Flow Cocktail

This frozen Cinco de Mayo drink may seem like a fruity margarita at first glance, but it takes on bold flavors of coconut and strawberry and mixes them with white rum. The result is a refreshing sipper that'll take your brain on a vacation just before it freezes it! (via Ms. Rachel Hollis)

Lemonade Sangria

Nothing says summer like fresh lemonade. Mix some with rosé to form an ice-cold drink for your Cinco celebrations! (via Amanda Wilens)

My Own Mezcalita

To craft this lovely, colorful Cinco cocktail, shake 1.5 oz mezcal, 5 oz triple sec, 2 oz orange juice, 0.5 oz lemon juice, and 0.5 oz ginger syrup over ice. Float 0.5 oz of hibiscus concentrate over the top for flavor and visual effect, then garnish with fruits and flowers! (via Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort)

Grapefruit Paloma

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a paloma. Freshly-squeezed grapefruit takes this cocktail to the next level. (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Michelada

Beer cocktails are serious crowd-pleasers, and this version is as simple to make, as it is smooth to drink. The stellar combination of Mexican beer, tangy lime and silky tomato juice is incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly refreshing! (via A Spicy Perspective)

Boozy Cherry Limeade

Picture Sonic's cherry limeade, but in cocktail form. That's what this tart Cinco drink is! The fresh fruits make this recipe an easy addition to Cinco parties, and the summer season beyond. (via Barley & Sage)

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

The spiciness of this sip is sure to start the party. To make it, add 1.5 oz Flecha Azul Reposado and 5 serrano pepper slices to a shaker, then muddle. Then, add 2 oz cucumber juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, and 0.75 oz orange juice with ice and shake. Strain well into an ice-filled, Tajin-rimmed glass, and sip away! (via Flecha Azul Tequila)

Date-Sweetened Horchata

This traditional Mexican drink can be served with or without rum – but make ours a rum one, please! (via Minimalist Baker)

Frozen Negroni Slushy

Any frozen drink is the perfect partner for Cindo de Mayo. This recipe is especially helpful for planning your May 5 party, because it makes a big batch to share with your pals! (via The Endless Meal)

Raspberry Mojito

Step this cocktail recipe up by making your own raspberry syrup! No matter what, your guests will adore this fruity, fresh drink! (via Amanda Wilens)

Basil Smash Piña Colada

It's decided: piña coladas are the vibe for this year's Cinco. We love that this recipe elevates your run-of-the-mill colada with fresh basil – and of course, flaky sea salt. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Blackberry Friesling

Frozen wine? Consider us sold. All you need to do to make this Cinco de Mayo drink is freeze some Riesling wine, then add fruity liqueur and lemon juice once it's out of the freezer. (via Salt & Lavender)

Tequila Mule

It's not Cinco if there's zero tequila. That's why you need to prep this mule drink! (via Cozy Cravings)

Refreshing Watermelon Smoothie

Watermelon and cucumber balance harmoniously in this keep-you-cool sip. It's amazing on its own to share with the kiddos, but if you're in a boozy mood, pour some tequila in this bad boy! (via Live Eat Learn)

Matcha Pineapple Drink

A single sip of this matcha-infused pineapple drink will transport you to paradise. At least, that's what you can think about during your Cinco de Mayo bash. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Will these drinks do the trick come May 5? Let us know on Twitter and follow us on Pinterest for more cocktail recipes!

This post has been updated.

Anne Hathaway — you know, the Queen of Genovia herself — just officially joined TikTok, and it's so Mia Thermopolis-coded. We've already been lucky enough to witness her fun and flirty press tour for The Idea of You, where she stars opposite Nicholas Galitzine and says iconic things like "I'm a Scorpio; I know how I am on a Saturday night." Now, she's giving us a glimpse into the last four years of her life from her perspective. Take a look!

Anne Hathaway's First TikTok Post Is Too Perfect

www.tiktok.com

⏰⏰⏰⏰ 😳🫢🫡🤗

While many of us probably don't like to reminisce on 2020 itself (though I do sometimes miss the days of Tiger King and Tiktok being oh-so-new), Anne starts her journey right in the middle of the pandemic. Throughout the video, she gives us a sort of retrospective on her life...very similarly to Mia Thermopolis at the beginning of Princess Diaries 2. (I'll never forgive them for writing Michael out in the intro 😭) Here's what she detailed, with my own commentary on what she's referring to in parentheses. 😘

  • Made a movie about a lockdown in a lockdown (Locked Down)
  • Tapped into my Scorpio energy and became a witch (The Witches)
  • (We)Crashed (starring alongside Jared Leto)
  • (We)Met Again (running into Jared Leto at the Met Gala)
  • Wore pink in Rome (yes, THAT outfit)
  • Wore white in Cannes (the film festival)
  • Emerged from the Venice Canals dripping in Bulgari (yes, that OTHER outfit)
  • Tasted the rainbow (another fab 'fit)
  • CALMA, CALMA, CALMA (all the times she told paps to chill out)
  • Not calma (iconic dancing YAS)
  • Definitely nor calma (more The Witches realness)
  • Met Monique Eastwood (come on, exercise!)
  • Chopped my hair off (french girl bob goodness)
  • JK no I didn't (ok long hair slay)
  • Cried a lot (that's a water sign if I ever saw one)
  • Became besties with Donatella (oh, casual)
  • Gave cupcake eating lessons (this is the only way to actually eat a cupcake, TBH)
  • Got the world to primal scream (it's giving Claire Danes in Fleishman is in Trouble)
  • Went skiing with Moncler (I can barely walk in snow, let alone look good)
  • Kept being this person (HERSELF 🥹)
  • Had a Devil Wears Prada reunion (oh, we KNOW!)
  • Produced The Idea of You — and acted in it (everyone say, "Thank you, Annie!")
  • Went to SXSW (the outfits, again!!!)
  • Premiered The Idea of You in NY (cue 1989)
The video ends with her saying she forgot to join Tiktok — clearly because she was so dang busy with everything else! Needless to say, if this is the kind of content she's serving, I'm so in! (Especially if it ever entails showing off Princess Diaries 3updates!!!!!)

Looking for more pop culture news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Header image by Cindy Ord/Getty Images

We are all about bubble tea and boba these days. It's sweet, it's creamy, and it also doubles as a nice snack, thanks to the starchy-sweet tapioca pearls. Thankfully, it’s so easy to prepare at home and you get to choose whatever flavors, teas, and milks you like! Stock up on tapioca pearls and take note: these bubble tea recipes might just inspire you to open your own drink stand.

National Boba Day is April 30, so get ready to celebrate with these sips!

Boozy Vanilla Chai Bubble Tea

Add an extra kick to your usual bubble tea order with a little bit of boozy Baileys! Cinnamon sticks and star anise up the cozy factor of this bubble tea recipe, which makes this drink perfect for chilly nights. (via Brit + Co)

Colorful Tapioca Milk Tea

As much as we love bubble tea, we wish some of the details were more colorful. So when it comes to making our own, you better believe we went crazy with *all* the rainbow accessories! (via Brit + Co)

Mango Boba

Mango nectar adds sweetness and a tropical essence to the plain black tea that makes up this infusion. Try soaking your tapioca in a vanilla simple syrup to give the pearls some flavor of their own! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Matcha Boba Latte with Lavender Cold Foam

This heavenly boba tea recipe (that's low-key giving Starbucks' new lavender drinks) uses one of BOBABAM's convenient pre-made Matcha boba packs to craft the perfectly balanced sip. It's earthy and floral, and oh-so delish. (via BOBABAM)

Coconut Vanilla Boba

We’ve all had our fair share of bad bubble tea recipes at some point. When you make your own at home, you can adjust the sweetness to your liking and ensure that the tapioca balls are fully cooked every single time. (via Savory Tooth)

Bubble Cold Brew

You don’t always have to choose between your favorite frosty cold brew and boba. Combine the two, and you’ll be saving yourself a ton of cash and getting exactly what you want. (via The Movement Menu)

Thai Almond Milk Bubble Tea

Visit any Thai restaurant, and you’ll likely see a vat of bright orange Thai tea waiting to be sipped. Add some chewy tapioca balls to that, and you’ll get this insanely creamy and refreshing Thai bubble tea. Warning: it’s addicting! (via Love and Olive Oil)

Peanut Butter Banana Boba Shake

You just can't go wrong with peanut butter and banana. Plus, when boba's in the mix, every sip gets sweeter and sweeter. (via BOBABAM)

Horchata Boba

This homemade horchata boba is culinary fusion at its finest. The milky rice, cinnamon and almond combo may take some time to perfect, but once you do… your life will never be the same. (via Love and Olive Oil)

Marscapone Bubble Tea

The (not so) secret ingredient to making this bubble tea extra-creamy is Canadian mascarpone cheese. Finish with cranberry juice for a tart balance to the otherwise sugary taste! (via Dairy Goodness)

Pumpkin Spice Bubble Tea with Boba

Say “buh-bye!” to your daily PSL runs. This bubble tea packs the same seasonal flavor punch, but is way better for you. (via Honestly Yum)

Easy Red Bean Bubble Tea

Red bean tea is typically offered at bubble tea shops, but it’s deceptively easy to make at home. All you need is milk and red bean paste to go with your tapioca pearls and you can have one whenever you desire. (via Contemplating Sweets)

Royal Milk Tea with Boba

Sometimes, simplicity is greater than complexity. This black tea, milk and sugar concoction is mildly flavored and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. (via Hello Lovely Living)

Follow us on Pinterest for more bubble tea recipes, and subscribe to our email newsletter for all your recipe needs!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

We love to celebrate and support all different types of fabulous AAPI founders, and one way to do so is by shopping their incredible products! I know I'm not alone when I say I love coming across new brands, especially if they're BIPOC or women-owned. And while I'm sure you don't think you need a cute new slip dress or hand-poured candle, I'm confident you'll find something to snag from one of the below AAPI brands!

AAPI Fashion & Beauty Finds To Shop

Ming Wang Knits Midi Slip Dress

This cute slip dress is full of summer colors like flamenco and pale marigold that make it impossible to look away from. The pleated detail adds depth and dimension to the dress while the smart color blocking style gives it a versatile appeal. Have a cute summer soiree or daytime wedding to attend? This dress has your name on it.

Misook Midi Fit & Flare Dress

Black dresses will always be trendy because of their chic factor. Misook's fit and flare dress has a button-front design that has exposed stitching on the front, but don't let that deter you. If anything, that's what helps this dress stand out from the crowd.

The other thing that I absolutely adore about it is that it features hidden side pockets. They may not be needed, but they're certainly welcomed here!

If you want to look like the ultimate "it girl" this summer, add this midi dress to your shopping cart ASAP!

Maile Kitty Heel in Black Canvas

Since we're on the subject of how the color black makes things look good, Maile's black canvas heels have stolen the heart of the fashionista that lives in a portion of my mind. They're the epitome of 90s style and will look good with Misook's midi black dress.

Since the heel height is under 4 inches, you'll feel comfortable sauntering from place to place.

Behno Tina Baguette Mini Pebbled Ruched (Buttercream)

Butter yellow is the color of the summer and Behno's tiny baguette basically confirms it. The exterior is designed with supple leather and it comes with a chain crossbody strap in case you get tired of holding it in your hand.

I happen to love that it comes in a dust bag to signal the luxurious quality of it. Although it's a mini bag, your cellphone, wallet, keys, a pair of sunglasses, and lip oils can fit inside without an issue!

Ming Yu Wang Orbita Earrings

There are a ton of earrings on the market, but this pair stands out with their orbital design. They're rhodium plated and recycled with cute multicolored resin objects that line the inside of them. Whether you want to wear them daily or reserve them for a special date night, these earrings are sure to be the center of attention wherever you go.

These earrings are sure to sell fast during AAPI month so make sure you order a pair today!

BONBONWHIMS Heart Gumdrop Tennis Necklace (Deep Red)

Haven't you heard? Tenniscore is in and we have the Challengers film to thank for that. I love that this necklace has featured on the TODAY show according to BONBONWHIMS' site and is 18K sterling silver-plated.

Those of us with sensitive skin know that we have to be careful when we wear certain jewelery because certain things trigger allergic reactions, but BONBONWHIMS isn't hearing any of that with this hypoallergenic necklace.

It's also available in different colors should you find that you're not a fan of the deep red color.

AMYO Tiny Starburst Earrings

These 14K earrings are a perfect buy during AAPI Month due to their dainty design. Featuring cubic zirconia stones in the center of the dangly shapes, you won't lose the back of your earrings because they also have a click close design that makes putting and taking them off super easy.

Notte Amore Mio Charm Necklace

I can safely wear statement necklaces again now that my son is almost four so I'm proud to say Notte's Amore Mio charm necklace is a bias pick.It has a thick gold-plated moon-cut chain and several charms that will make any outfit you wear feel stylish.

You can also customize one of the charms to feature your Zodiac sign and it's a handmade necklace.

YENSA AAPI Month Kit

In honor of AAPI Month, YENSA has curated a collection of their skincare staples! You'll find the brand's Super Glow Radiance Polishing Mask, Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Face Cream, and their Pink Lotus Peptide Renewal Eye Creaminside of the kit.

AAPI Home + Kitchen Brands To Shop

Aerangis No. 40 LIvraria Antiga

This candle is so book-lovers coded because it's scent is described as 'sandalwood and old books.' It's meant to offer a grounding experience with a hint of romance whenever lit, making it the perfect companion to your new "romantansy" book. The full notes are:

  • Top: Ceylon Pepper, Saffron, Lemon Peel
  • Middle: Rose, Patchouli, Sandalwood
  • Base: Vanilla, Birch Resin

You'll also get 50 hours of burn time without inhaling toxic fumes!

Copper Cow Coffee Vanilla Ground Coffee

This coffee may make you breakup with Starbucks beyond AAPI Month. You can trust that you're getting 100% Vietnamese coffee that's a delicious blend of robusta and arabica, and is also sustainably sourced. The vanilla beans are very real and ground into absolute perfection so you can serve coffee however you want at home.

Want to make a cold brew or rely on your french press? Copper Cow Coffee makes it easy for you to follow your coffee-loving heart's desires.

Potluck Combo Set of Gochujang and Ssamjang

Tired of relying on the same rotation of seasonings and flavorings when cooking? Well, it's time to introduce your kitchen to Potluck's combo set of Gochujang and Ssamjang! They're sweet and spicy Korean pastes that'll help you create an excellent marinade to use on whatever light lunchmeal you're eating.

There are no additional sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives in these yummy tastes you'll be glad you discovered during AAPI month.

Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp

If you're not familiar with Fly By Jing yet, now really is the time to find your new fave sauce! Founded by Jing Gao, she sought to reclaim her original name — instead of going by Jenny like she had for years — and introduce the flavors of her hometown (Chengdu) to others. This viral condiment comes in six different flavors, with the Sichuan Chili Crisp being the most popular. The other options you have are:

What are your favorite AAPI brands to shop? Let us know in the comments!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Copper Cow Coffee

Brunch is a decadent ritual. Late mornings full of sticky syrup and bottomless mimosas (!) are all fun and games until you receive the dreaded bill from your local spot. It's not that the food's not good, it's just expensive. We're here to *happily* report that you can save some dough and take the brunch party inside by hosting your own at home! Here are the best recipes and brunch party ideas to enlist for your next brunch time shenanigans!

What do you serve at a brunch party?

Any dish you can break up into smaller servings or finger foods are good for serving at a brunch party. Think mini pancakes, sausage links, breakfast sandwiches, and more.

What activities do you do at brunch?

Playing games, serving food, drinking mimosas, and visiting with friends and family are all activities that you can do at brunch.

How do you throw a casual and fun brunch party?

Keep things low-key for throwing a fun and casual brunch party – first, send out some simple invites to your inner circle and set a realistic budget for the party. You don’t have to necessarily go for a theme or full-fledged party. As long as brunch foods are involved, your guests will feel welcome.

What are some easy brunch party ideas for hosting at home?

You could organize a pancake bar, a coffee station, or a decorate-your-own donut set-up for an at-home brunch party.

Brunch Party Recipe Ideas

Here are some of our favorite recipes for when you wanna be the brunch hostess with the mostess!

Ultimate Spring Brunch Board

Let your brunch party guests have at it. This sharable brunch board hits all the marks – with sweet and savory bites included. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Easy Vegan Strawberry Tart

These single-serving tarts make feeding a crowd unbelievably easy, especially since they're made with only 10 ingredients. (via The Edgy Veg)

Breakfast Fruit Salad

Luckily, there's not much to making fruit salad. Just toss your favorite fruits in a massive bowl with a ladle, and consider your brunch party side dish done! (via Live Eat Learn)

French Toast Casserole

This *iconic* french toast casserole is made in one pan, plus there's an option for the lazy hosts to let the dish sit overnight before baking. So, if your A.M. routine feels like a Manic Monday every day, all you need to do is pop the prepped casserole in the oven, and voila! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Stuffed Waffle Breakfast Sandwich

This breakfast sandwich truly delivers the best of both worlds. Each stack is comprised of savory bacon, egg, and cheese, plus sweet waffles and syrup for that *ultimate* flavor balance. For a brunch party, simply prep all of the ingredients, then let your guests build their own sammie! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Breakfast Potatoes

Dressing up some diced potatoes with bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño spruces up a familiar brunch recipe that'll please pretty much everyone at the table. Bonus points for making big batches for your brunch party! (via This Wife Cooks)

Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

You know (and love) cinnamon rolls – now get ready for something even sweeter and tangier: lemon rolls! This ooey-gooey recipe is ideal for a brunch party because it brings some good 'ol share-worthy pull-apart goodness to the table. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Shakshuka

Hear us out: you could host a dippable brunch party. Sounds tasty, right? First up on your menu should be this shakshuka recipe, a prime dish to dip some toast into for those hard-hitting morning munchies. Next up, dippable biscotti cookies! (via Brit + Co.)

Funfetti Biscotti

Coffee + pastries is the *best* breakfast combo on the weekends, so why not opt for a coffee brewing bar paired with a bake like these colorful biscottis? Your weekend warrior pals will totally dig it! (via Barley & Sage)

Ricotta Biscuits

These luscious biscuits recall Southern home cooking in every good way possible. Each bite is equal parts cushy and crunchy, the perfect contender for a hearty gravy bath at brunch. (via Cozy Cravings)

Sheet Pan Pancakes

This sheet pan recipe is a *total* time saver when it comes to a brunch party! It beats pouring out individual pancakes and waiting for each one to cook by miles. Just don't forget the syrup! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Japanese Fruit Sandwich (Sando)

Japanese sandos are prime picking for brunch because they carry a light, airy, and fruity flavor that just makes mornings better. No matter the type of fruit you use, you can always count on this dish to taste balanced and refreshing. Plus, it's painfully easy to make. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Sausage Hash Brown Casserole

If you're up to feed a large group, casseroles are the #1 move. This brunch-forward recipe idea compiles cheese, sausage, hash browns, and more to form a creative (and communal) dish. (via Culinary Hill)

Millionaire's Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This brunch party recipe did not come to play. It mixes sticky sweet icing in with caramelized bacon that makes every decadent mouthful feel truly fit for a millionaire. Take care to make extra dozens for your party's company! (via Brit + Co.)

Easy Breakfast Yogurt Bake

We have to admit, we've never thought of baking yogurt, but now we see the light with this recipe. The dish brings a beneficial amount of protein to any brunch function, plus it can easily be cut up into individual portions for serving the whole table. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Citrus Fruit Cups

These fruit cups are genius for brunch party spreads. It's as simple as staging as many cups as you need for the party the night before, storing them in the fridge, and serving! (via Amanda Wilens)

Berry Bulgur Breakfast Bake

Bulgur is extremely similar to oatmeal or grits, making it a supremely healthy pick for a brunch party! Cook a large amount for your guests to eat on over time – this recipe calls for blueberries and strawberries, but you can add whatever you're feelin' in the moment. (via Live Eat Learn)

Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins

Starbucks' egg bites? Never heard of 'em. This recipe toes the line of being a copycat, except *totally* better than what you can get your hands on in the drive-thru. The cups are prepped in a muffin tin, so you can create countless numbers of the savory breakfast bite. (via Salt & Lavender)

Healthy Breakfast Cookies

Cookies for breakfast have to be the best thing since sliced bread, TBH. What's even more desirable about this recipe is that it's health-focused, so you don't lose track of your goals at breakfast. Make some for your brunch party guests to take home once the festivities are done! (via The Endless Meal)

Ultimate Breakfast Tacos

Because only a crazy person would say 'no' to breakfast tacos. For your brunch get-together, you can prep the additions separately, then have your attendees build their own tacos! (via Cozy Cravings)

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Header image via The Girl On Bloor