End-of-Summer Shrub Mocktails & Fruit Infused Cocktails Late summer is one of our favorite times to gather with friends for a relaxed cocktail hour. The days are still long, the evenings are warm, and the produce is bursting with flavor. It’s also the perfect season for fresh, fruity drinks—whether you prefer them with a splash of infused spirits or completely alcohol-free. This week, we’ve been playing with our homemade shrubs—blackberry, raspberry, and peach—and the results are too delicious not to share. These tangy-sweet syrups make incredibly refreshing mocktails that feel sophisticated, and are oh-so-easy to make. For those who like a spirited sip, our blueberry-infused gin cocktail has been the star of the show. 🍹 Our Favorite End-of-Summer Drinks Blackberry Mint Spritzer (mocktail) 2 oz blackberry shrub 2-3 oz sparkling water Garnish with fresh mint leaves & blackberries for garnish Raspberry Basil Cooler (mocktail) 2 oz raspberry shrub 2-3 oz lemon sparkling water Garnish with fresh basil & raspberries to top Peach & Sage Fizz (mocktail) 2 oz peach shrub 2-3 oz sparkling water Garnish with sprig of fresh sage & thin peach slice Blueberry Hill Cocktail 2 oz blueberry-infused gin 1 oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz simple syrup or agave Prosecco or sparkling water to top Garnish with fresh blueberries on a pick + mint These drinks are as pretty as they are delicious, which brings me to the real secret for elevating your cocktail hour: the presentation. ✨ Introducing Our New Cocktail Sign Templates We’re adding Cocktail Sign Templates to the website this week, and they are the easiest way to take your drink station from casual to “wow, this is fancy”—without hours of prep. Just print, pop in a frame, and your guests instantly know the drink menu. It’s a simple upgrade, that has a big impact. When hosting, we prefer to keep things simple with a self-serve drink station: Featured drinks (mocktails and cocktails side-by-side) Fun napkins (think bold patterns or seasonal colors) Beautiful glasses and goblets (a variety) Ice (as we have said many times, we love our Opal ice maker) Easy garnishes in small bowls (herbs, citrus slices, berries) Bartender set & cocktail shaker Add in a few light appetizers: cheese board nuts mini bruschetta olives crackers, chips or 5 o’clock crunch (our favorite splurge snack) skewers (use a combination of veggies, fruit, meat, and cheese) With a little pre-planning—which is exactly what August is all about in our book—you can pull together a happy hour that feels luxurious, but comes together in under an hour. (If you saw our August 11th post, The Secret to Chocolate Chip Cookies Anytime, you already know how much we love a make-ahead trick.) August is our planning & prepping month here at ShookHill Secret. We’re getting ahead of the busy fall schedule so when September rolls in, we can say yes to more spontaneous fun without the stress. So, stock your fridge with shrubs, make a batch of blueberry gin, print your Cocktail Sign Templates, and you’ve got the makings of a late-summer gathering that will look and feel like a special occasion—even on a Tuesday night.
Entertaining
How to Host the Perfect Backyard Movie Night…
There is something so nostalgic and delightful about watching a movie under the stars. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with your kids, planning a laid-back get-together with friends, or just want to soak in the joys of summer in a new way, host a backyard movie night – it’s easier (and more magical) than you might think. We’ve got the checklist and tips you need to host the perfect backyard movie night! At Shookhill Secret, we love events that feel special but aren’t fussy. Hosting a backyard movie night checks all those boxes: it’s cozy, casual, kid-approved, and surprisingly easy to set up. All you need is a projector, a portable screen (or a white sheet), and a good movie. Add blankets, pillows, a few string lights or lanterns, bug spray and you’re already halfway there. One of our favorite ways to make it extra fun is by using inflatable kiddie pools. Line them with soft blankets and oversized pillows so to create cozy little nests to curl up in. For guests who prefer not to climb into an inflatable pool, arrange folding chairs, loungers, or deck chairs behind the ground level pool seating. Make sure that everyone can see the screen. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard pool, or know someone with a pool who is willing to host, inflate large floating rings and add waterproof candles to the pool. It will set the stage for a very splashy movie experience. Snacks are a must, of course. We keep it easy and crowd-pleasing: big bowls of classic popcorn, a tray of homemade muddy buddies (a hit with both kids and adults), and a cooler packed with colorful store-bought popsicles. These no-fuss options mean you won’t spend all evening in the kitchen. Add a large dispenser of lemonade and a stack of paper cups, then let your guests refill at their leisure. We recommend setting up a table for the refreshment station close to the group and lighting it with a lantern or battery-operated light. Keep the vibe relaxed and simple. Choose a movie everyone can enjoy—something lighthearted and fun. If you have little ones in the crowd, go for a classic animated feature or a feel-good family film. Older crowds might enjoy a nostalgic throwback, a summer blockbuster or a collection of short documentary films. The key to how to host the perfect backyard movie night is keeping it easy. Let guests bring their own blankets or chairs if they like. Add citronella candles or a bug spray station to keep everyone comfortable. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. There’s something inherently charming about outdoor movie nights—the flicker of the screen, the laughter in the air, and the simple joy of sharing a summer night under the stars. Here is our Movie Night Checklist: Epson Projector (connected to a laptop) Extension Cord Portable screen or white sheet attached to a house wall Battery operated lights Inflatable pools or inflatable rings for the pool Blankets & pillows Citronella candles Movie night napkins, cups and small bowls Drink dispenser for lemonade (from our Entertaining Essentials list) Cooler for popsicles Snacks (Muddy Buddies, popcorn & popsicles) So roll out the screen, gather your people, and let the good times roll. With just a little prep, you’ll be the go-to host for the perfect backyard movie night.