The NBA Finals are headed back to Boston after the Mavs finally asserted their place in the series with a dominant Game 4 performance, rolling up a 122-84 win on the Celtics.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 50 points, while the Dallas bench came alive for the first time in the series, led by Dereck Lively II putting up a double-double (and his first career three) in the win. It was the Mavs best shooting performance of the series (50.5 percent from the field, 40.5 percent from three), and they coupled that with their best defensive outing, as they were flying around on defense and held the Celtics to 36.3 percent shooting as a team on the night.

For as fantastic an effort it was from the Mavericks, it was an equally poor performance from the Celtics. Boston seemed to either hope the Mavs would quit, or felt they’d rather have a chance to close things out in front of their home crowd. In any case, they just did not meet the energy or physicality of Dallas and now have given the Mavs at least a glimmer of hope. After the game, Charles Barkley noted his disgust with the “embarrassing” effort of the Celtics in a closeout game.

Unsurprisingly, Barkley was frustrated with Boston’s shot selection, as they took a bunch of threes early and couldn’t get them to fall. He is frequently fed up with the Celtics strategy of launching as many threes as possible, but he’s not wrong that the threes they were taking were often not looks created by good movement — which is, in part, a credit to Dallas rotating much better in Game 4. The volume of threes isn’t Boston’s problem, but how they get those looks that’s often the difference. In this game, Dallas shut off the rim and were able to stay attached to shooters, something they hadn’t done prior to this game. We’ll find out on Monday how much of that was genuine improvement on Dallas’ end and what was Boston going through the motions. For the Celtics sake, they’ll hope it was just a single game letdown and they’ll be back to their normal selves once back home for Game 5.

The 2024 NBA Finals will not end in a sweep. The Boston Celtics entered Friday night’s game in Dallas looking to wrap up the 18th championship in franchise history. But instead, the Mavericks put forth their best effort of the entire playoffs, as the team was completely locked in on both ends of the floor and imposed their will on the Celtics en route to a 122-84 win to make the series 3-1.

The Mavs came out and looked like a team with their backs firmly against the wall. Both of their stars brought their A-game to start Game 4, as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting in the opening period, while their role players showed a bit more dynamism on the offensive end than we’d seen all series.

While Jayson Tatum gave Boston 11 first quarter points, the Celtics ran into a problem that they hadn’t had all series: The Mavs hit shots. Dallas, whose offense had been abysmal for most of the first three games, went 14-for-24 from the field and grabbed 10 more rebounds in the opening 12 minutes. As a result, after one, the Mavericks found themselves with a 34-21 lead.

The second quarter was much of the same, as Dallas completely dominated on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Doncic was in total control of everything, while the Mavs’ role players who just did not show up to the extent they needed for the first three games of the series started to make small but meaningful contributions.

But it was on the defensive end of the floor where Dallas was at its most impressive. Their rotations happened with an urgency that made it look like their season was on the line, and it just never seemed like Boston was able to get a good look unless they really earned it. For the first time all series, it really looked like the Mavericks’ defense was able to set the tone, and the Celtics struggled mightily to find an answer.

As a result, Dallas went into the locker room with a commanding, 61-35 lead. While Doncic had 25 points, the numbers for Boston’s offense were legitimately shocking, as they went 11-for-37 (29.7 percent) from the field and 5-for-19 (26.3 percent) from behind the three-point line. Outside of Tatum, who had 15 points, no one on the team scored more than eight.

The third quarter was much of the shame, as Dallas kept the pedal to the metal and got its lead up to as many as 38 points. With 3:18 left in the third, Joe Mazzulla decided that he saw enough, and pulled his starters for the remainder of the game. It got so bad that, with more than a minute left in the third quarter, Mike Breen straight up asked Doris Burke and JJ Redick, “So, what do you guys wanna talk about?”

Both teams turned to their benches to play out the fourth quarter, and even then, Dallas was able to find success — their lead got up to as many as 48 points in the fourth, with Tim Hardaway Jr. catching fire and pouring in jumper after jumper. The crowd, slowly but surely, seemed like it convinced themselves that this is the team that is going to make history and become the first squad in NBA history to overcome an 0-3 series lead. By the time the final horn sounded, the building was in a frenzy as the Mavs wrapped up the win and hit the 100-point mark for the first time in the Finals.

While Doncic didn’t have a great shooting night (he missed all eight of his attempts from three), he led the way with 29 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Irving had 21 points and six assists, while Dallas as a team shot 15-for-37 from behind the three-point line. As for Boston, it was a night to forget in just about every regard, as Tatum’s 15 points were the most on the team, while Sam Hauser chipped in 14 off the bench. The shooting numbers were legitimately stunning, with the Celtics going 29-for-80 (36.3 percent) from the field.

The series will now return to Boston, where the Celtics were able to successfully defend their home court in the first two games of the season. Game 5 will take place on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC.

ESPN has brought in some current player guest analysts for the playoffs this year, with Chris Paul joining them in studio during the conference finals, while Josh Hart and Paul George traded off duties on site during the NBA Finals.

Prior to Game 4 in Dallas, George was joined on set by a surprise guest, as Sixers star center Joel Embiid popped up for a segment just before tipoff. That was notable for a few reasons, with the biggest being the Sixers will have max cap space this summer and George is widely expected to be their top target. George would slot in nicely between Embiid and Tyrese Maxey — who will be an RFA this summer, which is why they have so much space with Tobias Harris and basically everyone else on the roster coming off the books and Maxey not on a max deal just yet.

Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon both made little comments about the two being together on set, and Embiid couldn’t help himself from noting the Sixers need to “add some pieces” this summer, while making a side-eye at George, to get to the Finals next year.

As a friendly reminder, there is no such thing as tampering rules in the NBA when it comes to player interactions, but I’m sure Clippers fans aren’t exactly thrilled about this — at least, the ones that want George back in Los Angeles. Embiid also had some thoughts on Boston and whether they’d be able to start a dynasty run, unsurprisingly disagreeing with Stephen A.’s assertion this will be the first of a run of titles for the Celtics.

It’s pretty funny that Embiid started by simply noting the new CBA will make it very difficult to keep this group together, especially if they pay Derrick White this summer after already signing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to extensions. He did go on to note the rest of the East, including himself with the Sixers, were banged up this year and the Celtics path to the Finals should be more difficult in the future. If Philadelphia can indeed land George and build up their roster around him, that would certainly help their case to reach Boston’s level, and we’ll see if Embiid’s mid-June recruitment efforts in Dallas pay off in about 16 days.

For years, Madden games have featured one set of commentators, which can make the game feel a bit stale after awhile for those who play the game frequently. Even as the commentary has gotten much deeper and they log more than 100 hours of lines, at a certain point, you’ll run into the same things over and over.

So, for this year’s edition of Madden NFL 25, EA Sports looked to freshen things up by adding not one but two new commentary teams to the game. Charles Davis and Brandon Gaudin remain on board, but a new headlining commentary team of Mike Tirico and Greg Olsen join the game, as do Kate Scott and Brock Huard. The Tirico-Olsen pairing is fascinating, as it puts NBC’s top play-by-play man with FOX’s former top analyst, now the No. 2 at the network with Tom Brady stepping into the lead booth to begin his massive contract this season.

Having Tirico and Olsen will give big games in Madden the appropriate big game feel, as having announcers on the call who have Super Bowl experience make the gameplay presentation for those moments feel even more authentic. Adding Scott, who does play-by-play for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Huard, who does college football for FOX, adds another commentary team to the mix that can keep the game feeling fresh for longer. With the new College Football franchise having a pair of commentary teams, EA Sports probably felt a need to up their game in that realm for their flagship NFL offering.

Donovan Mitchell is in for a pretty important summer. After putting forth an All-Star campaign as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and helping the team win a round in the playoffs for the first time since LeBron James left town — and the first time without James on the roster since 1993 — Mitchell is in line for a potentially gigantic contract extension with the Cavs. If he decides not to sign one, he’ll almost certainly become the biggest name on the NBA’s trade market this offseason.

While that’s going on, Mitchell is set to get his latest signature sneaker with adidas, the D.O.N. Issue #6. And on Friday, Mitchell and adidas teamed up to announce the Spida Elite Camp — which will take place in Los Angeles from June 28-30 — while also teasing his newest shoe.

“To coincide with the launch of Donovan Mitchell’s next signature shoe, the D.O.N. Issue #6, the three-day camp will feature Mitchell and a team of NBA coaches who will instruct and compete alongside the best high school hoopers in the nation,” adidas said in a release. “Inspired by Mitchell’s own journey as an overlooked athlete, the camp will also welcome 3- and 4-star recruits seeking to make their mark.”

We’ll keep you updated as more information comes out about the D.O.N. Issue #6.

The Best New Hip-Hop This Week includes albums, videos, and songs from Don Toliver, Moneybagg Yo, NxWorries, and more.

A pair of Golden Age pillars, Common and Pete Rock, made a comeback this week with the announcement of their new album, The Auditorium Vol. 1, and a new single, “Dreamin’.”

J. Cole made his own return from musical exile with the video for “Trae The Truth In Ibiza.”

Atlanta native Quavo dropped a new single, “Mink,” quoting Sexyy Red.

Here is the best of hip-hop this week ending June 14, 2024.

Albums/EPs/Mixtapes

Don Toliver — Hardstone Psycho

Don Toliver trades in his silk shirt for biker gang colors on his latest release, but keeps his signature melodic raps and thumping trap and drill beats. Tapping Cash Cobain, Future, Kodak Black, Teezo Touchdown, and Travis Scott, Hardstone Psycho continues expanding Don Toliver’s world.

JasonMartin & DJ Quik — Chupacabra

Problem — now known by his government name — reunites with fellow Compton star DJ Quik, who once again handles the beats on a modern masterclass in West Coast sounds and styles. Along for the ride are a who’s-who of LA standouts, from OGs Big Hit and Suga Free to mainstays like The Game and Dom Kennedy.

Moneybagg Yo — Speak Now

Originally planned for a 2023 release, the Memphis native’s latest was held back to make sure it received just the right feature. Moneybagg hasn’t revealed just which of the featured artists — which include Lil Durk, Rob49, and country star Morgan Wallen — might have held up the process but it’s a moot point now… and the album bangs, so it was probably worth it.

NxWorries — Why Lawd?

Eight years after their last release as a group, Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge reunite. Once again, Knxwledge’s soulful production lays the foundation for .Paak’s slick-talking P game. This time around, the chemistry is improved upon by a collection of collaborators including Earl Sweatshirt, Charlie Wilson, H.E.R., and Snoop Game.

Singles/Videos

Action Bronson — “Sega”

Action Bronson’s new album Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor is on the way, and if its first handful of singles are any indication (they are), it’s jam-packed with all the wrestling references, off-kilter punchlines, and left-field samples you could ask for from the Queens native.

Kaliii — “Gas You Up” Feat. Hunxho

In something of a departure for the Atlanta rapper, Kaliii shows off some vocal chops on her latest, sliding easily from melodic deliveries to sing-song raps over a smooth R&B-inspired beat. Fellow ATLien Hunxho appears to offer a masculine counterpoint to her coy come-ons, making it one of the more balanced songs from either artist’s growing discographies.

LL Cool J — “Saturday Night Special” Feat. Rick Ross & Fat Joe

I don’t know why this feels so unexpected. After all, all three artists here share a generational aspect. They’ve even been on the same labels, for the most part (both Ross and Joe were on Atlantic at separate times, while both LL and Ross were on Def Jam). But I can’t remember the last time LL has sounded so… energized (he always sounds energetic, which is a different thing). It’s not a beat style we’ve heard him on much, but it feels like the sort of beat he should have been utilizing for the last decade. “Saturday Night Special” isn’t the most cohesive, but it’s a prime example of elder statesmen aging gracefully.

Smino — “Polynesian”

Technically, this song’s been out for a week, but the video just dropped today, so I’m putting it here. The world needs more Smino, and while the title refers to his overabundance of sauce, the video’s setting makes for a fitting visual double entendre.

We often see Saturday Night Live cast members dabbling in other projects like Verizon commercials and Homes.com commercials and…just a lot of commercials. So it’s nice to see a comedian like Chloe Fineman appear in one of the most divisive movies of the year, Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. As it turns out, even she wasn’t sure why Coppola asked her to join the movie, but it has to do with Melania Trump.

Hannah Einbinder and Fineman recently met for a Variety interview where Einbinder asked the comedian how she landed the role in the film, which has a massive ensemble cast.

Fineman explained, “Sometimes people go to weird shows that you don’t expect. It was 2019. I was [performing a sketch of] Ivana Trump and Melania FaceTiming,” she said. This is something she does often. “And I guess Francis was there, and he offered it from my weird Melania thing. You just never know who’s there.”

That performance was enough on its own for Coppola to ask Fineman to appear in his passion project, which has been polarizing fans and critics alike, who have called it both “masterwork” and a passion project gone “horribly wrong.” Fineman should be used to controversy, as she has been on Saturday Night Live for almost five years.

The movie also stars Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf, Jason Schwartzman, Talia Shire, Grace VanderWaal, Laurence Fishburne, Kathryn Hunter, and Dustin Hoffman. Shockingly, it does not have a release date at this time!

(Via Variety)

Death and dying isn’t a pleasant subject to talk about, though there’s likely not one living person who has not been touched by death in some way. But the finality of death makes people wonder if people have any regrets from their life that they wish they could do over.

Author, Matthew Kelly decided to ask hospice nurses what they’ve heard patients reveal regretting before they died. The list was fairly long but also heartbreakingly simple. Many people spend their entire lives trying to figure out how to make more money in order to feel financially secure enough to vacation regularly or even retire.

Of course there would be some regrets around working too much, but that regret only made the list once. There are 23 other regrets people seemed to share and we’ll get into them below.

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One of the first ones on the list is, “I wish I had more courage to just be my self.” Oof. That stings a bit. People spend so much time trying to make sure they’re well liked by others that it seems that some people forget to focus on just being themselves. People may hide their true selves for a multitude of reasons such as safety or fear of abandonment depending on what part of their identity they were hiding.

Another common regret is, “I wish I had taken more risks.” Risks can be hard when you have other people depending on you for survival. It makes sense that some people might look back on their life and think of all the risks they didn’t take, whether it be due to anxiety or security.

Listen to the whole list below:

So many regrets on the list are things that people can start doing now. Like wishing to love more or taking better care of themselves. It’s never too late to start caring for yourself or being outwardly more loving. In fact, nothing on the list is overly complex. They’re all heartbreakingly simple things that people have the ability to do before their time comes.

Maybe this list will inspire others to make a few tweaks in their life to work towards doing these things while they still can. Maybe it will cause people to realize they’re already well on their way to not having any of the regrets listed. Either way, it’s serves as a reminder to live life in the best way that you can while still being true to yourself.

With one week to go until the release of their fourth studio album, Crash, Kehlani has shared the official tracklist. Crash will feature 13 tracks, including the previously released singles “After Hours” and “Next 2 U,” and guest appearances from neo-soul pillar Jill Scott, rising Nigerian star Omah Lay, and Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko.

Kehlani hyped the release on New Year’s Eve last year, telling their fans, “Describing the year would take more words than I have. Everything led to this. I accept all of God’s plan for me: twists, turns, and gifts alike. ’24, my luckiest number. See you then.”

So far, 2024 has brought at least one unexpected surprise for the singer, who was tapped by the WNBA’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, to narrate the new team’s announcement video. Given the Bay Area’s commitment to employing local musical talent across sports (P-Lo and Saweetie’s 49ers anthem, E-40 and Too Short’s trip to the White House with the Warriors), it’s probably safe to say this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Kehlani’s association with the league — especially since they’ve already got a strong working relationship.

01. “GrooveTheory”
02. “Next 2 U”
03. “After Hours”
04. “What I Want”
05. “Crash”
06. “8”
07. “Sucia” Feat. Jill Scott & Young Miko
08. “Better Not”
09. “Tears” Feat. Omah Lay
10. “Vegas”
11. “Deep”
12. “Chapel”
13. “Lose My Wife”

Crash is out 6/21 via Atlantic.

Now that Charli XCX’s BRAT is over a week old, I think we can all comfortably say it’s the album of the year, or at the very least, the album of the summer. Of course, for Angels (the Charli XCX fan community) we’ve been considering this the album of the year since back when Charli announced she’d be reconnecting with the producer A.G. Cook in 2023. But that’s just kind of what it means to be a Charli XCX fan. We always think, or should I say, recognize, that Charli Baby is miles ahead of the game and since the release of Vroom Vroom in 2016, we’ve all been waiting for you slugs to catch up.

Well, it looks like it’s finally happened, BRAT is both a critical (a perfect 10 from Fantano) and commercial success, and truly, we’re happy you can enjoy this moment with us. Even if at the same time we’re asking “what the hell took you all so long!?”

I’ve already listened to BRAT more times than any other album of the year, diving deep into the songs, and getting into arguments with friends over which are the best, but it’s time for me to draw a line in the sand. So I’m naming the five best songs on BRAT and because this is party music we’re talking about, I’m assigning each a cocktail that embodies the spirit of each song and captures the song’s delicious essence.

Getting f*cked up while listening to BRAT just feels right — it’s an album designed for nightlife. And since Charli is currently on tour (with another upcoming tour with Troye Sivan to follow) we know all the angels out there are going to need some ideas on how to turn up before the show. To that end, we’ve gathered five cocktails crafted by our departed whisky and cocktail expert Zach Johnston so that you can get lit with a little guidance.

How We Decided On These Cocktails

It’s a vibe, not a science. I attributed each drink to a song based on the flavor profile, name, look, and how it makes me — and hopefully you — feel drinking it. All of these drinks are just so BRAT. You know it when you feel it.

Let’s drink — here are the five best songs (no bonus tracks allowed) from BRAT and the cocktails to pair with them.

”Sympathy is a knife” — The Pornstar

“Cause I couldn’t even be her if I tried. I’m opposite I’m on the other side.”

Why We Chose This Drink:

“Sympathy is a knife” is not only my favorite song on BRAT, I think it best exemplifies the album as a whole. It’s raw, it’s direct, it’s emotional, and yet, a whole lot of fun. So we needed a cocktail that could exemplify Charli herself, which is why we went with the Pornstar, a cocktail that combines vanilla vodka, passionfruit, lime juice, simple syrup, and chilled prosecco into a refreshing and dessert-like drink.

Not only does it sound like a drink Charli would order based on the name alone, the Pornstar is part glamour part grime. What better way to represent Charli? Charli has always had a strained relationship with her fame, she’s not like the other super put-together pop girls out there, she’s messy, and it’s why we love her, and BRAT is a messy album.

There are rumblings in the fan community that “Sympathy is a knife” makes reference to Taylor Swift and we’re not going to get into all of that, but what other pop artist would leave a trail of breadcrumbs in a song that would even allow people to entertain the thought it could be about Taylor, a person with the most insane fan community? Only Charli.

Tasting Notes:

Vanilla-forward and dessert-like. Imagine a passion fruit upside-down cake with a deep creamy flavor and a lip-smacking citrus brightness.

Ingredients and How To Make:
• A coupe or cocktail glass (prechilled)
• 2 oz. shot glass
• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail strainer
• Fine strainer
• Jigger
• Hand juicer
• Pairing knife

1. Prechill your glasses.
2. Add the vodka, passion fruit puree, simple, lime, and passion fruit liqueur to the cocktail shaker. Add a large handful of ice, affix the lid, and shaker vigorously for about 20 seconds.
3. Double-strain the cocktail into the prechilled coupe.
4. Garnish with a dried orange wheel or passion fruit wheel (if you’re using fresh fruit) and serve with a two-ounce sidecar of prosecco.

For a full list of tools and techniques, click here.

”Everything is romantic” — Classic Mai Tai

“Early nights in white sheets with lace curtains. Capri in the distance. In a place that can make you change, fall in love again and again.”

Why We Chose This Drink:

The Mai Tai, with its tropical combination of Jamaican rum, orange curaçao, and lime juice is one of the most iconic cocktails of all time, and because of that, it’s one of the most copied. That reminds me a bit of our girl Charli, whose sound is so unique and next level that we’ve seen the undeniable effect her artistry has had on modern pop music, even if most people don’t know it.

Simply put, hyperpop wouldn’t be the cultural force it is without the work of Charli and her collaborators like A.G. Cook, Easy Fun, and the late Sophie. Also special shout out to El Guincho, one of the producers of this track and another artist whose sound holds an equally strong and underappreciated influence on modern pop.

This song, like the Mai Tai itself, is infectious. The sweeping strings at the intro, the way the clattering beat hits for the first time, the imagery — it’s pop music perfection and the first song on BRAT that gave me chills on my initial listen. I can picture myself sipping a Mai Tai on a warm Italian night, looking out at the ocean, Capri in the distance.

Tasting Notes:

Complex and elevated, yet easy to fall in love with. It has a bright lime and orange-forward flavor with a deep nuttiness and a complex lush finish. A balance of tropical notes and woody spice.

Ingredients and How To Make:

• 2 oz. aged Jamaican rum
• 0.5 oz. Orange Curaçao
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz. orgeat
• Crushed ice
• Fresh mint
• Lime wheel

1. Add the rum, Orange Curaçao, fresh lime juice, and orgeat to the cocktail shaker with a large handful of crushed ice. Affix the lid and shaker vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds.
2. Pour the whole drink with ice into the waiting glass. Add a little more crushed ice to the top of the cocktail and then garnish with fresh mint and a lime wheel. Serve.

For a full list of tools and techniques, click here.

”I think about it all the time” — The Pain Killer

“Cause maybe one day I might, if I don’t run out of time. Would it make me miss all of my freedom? I think about it all the time.”

Why We Chose This Drink:

Next to “So I,” “I think about it all the time” is one of the most emotionally bare moments on BRAT. It has Charli contemplating her fame, her values, and her future and it really puts into perspective how multidimensional an artist she is.

Charli, in one song contemplates putting the party days behind her and becoming a mother, only to say in the next song “Should we do a little key? Should we have a little line?” I love the songs on BRAT always feel in dialogue with one another, and “I think about it all the time,” feels like Charli in dialogue with herself.

This was the hardest song to assign a cocktail, but we’re going to go with The Pain Killer, a frothy and fruity cocktail that puts an elevated spin on the Piña Colada. It’s fully crushable and party-ready, but with its use of nutmeg and its complex flavor, it feels a bit mature. If that’s not “I think about it all the time,” I don’t know what is.

Tasting Notes:

A wonderful balance between sweetness and tropical acidity. It’s bright and easy on the palate, yet complex. The nutmeg really deepens the flavor here and gives your palate something nuanced to focus on.

Ingredients and How To Make:

• 2 oz. dark Caribbean rum
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 oz. fresh orange juice
• 1 oz. cream of coconut
• Nutmeg
• Pineapple wedge
• Cocktail cherry
• Ice

1. Add the rum, juices, and coconut to a cocktail shaker with a large handful of ice. Affix the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 to 30 seconds until the shaker is ice cold and the drink is nice and frothy. There’s a lot of liquid in the shaker with this one, so start slowly and build up speed.
2. Fill the glass with fresh ice — about 3/4 full. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Dash nutmeg over the top of the drink and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry. Serve.

For a full list of tools and techniques, click here.

”Girl, so confusing” — The Spicy Cucumber Margarita (El Pepino)

“You’re all about writing poems but I’m about throwing parties.”

Why We Chose This Drink:

Because BRAT and Charli are all about the party, we couldn’t make this list without a true people-pleaser party drink, and what better cocktail than the Spicy Cucumber Margarita? AKA El Pepino, this drink takes everything great about a margarita and turns it up a level by adding cucumber and fresh jalapeño for a spicy and vegetal twist.

“Girl, so confusing,” feels like a true encapsulation of what makes A.G. Cook’s production such a natural pair for Charli’s songwriting. It’s bubbly, cute, and aggressive. It’s a reflection of Charli as much as a throwback to the sound A.G. Cook helped popularize. There are moments in the song that make me think of the early days of PC Music, its club music through an aggressively feminine filter.

Tasting Notes

Refreshing, savory, and spicy. It has a snappy tartness and a subtle heat that is absolute joy for the tastebuds. This takes a simple margarita and deepens the flavor and experience.

Ingredients and How To Make:

• 1.5 oz. blanco tequila
• 0.5 oz. Cointreau
• 0.5 oz. lime juice
• 0.5 oz. cucumber juice
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 slice of fresh jalapeno
• Ice
• Chili Salt for the rim
• Lime wheel

1. Add the tequila, juices, and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker with the fresh chili and a large handful of ice. Affix the lid and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds or until the shaker is ice-cold to touch.
2. Wet the rim of the glass with the lime wheel dip the glass into the chili salt and then add fresh ice to the rocks glass.
3. Double-strain the cocktail into the glass, drop the lime wheel in the glass, and serve.

For a full list of tools and techniques, click here.

”360/365” — Gin Basil Smash

“I’m everywhere I’m so Julia.”

Why We Chose This Drink:

Surprise! Okay, I kind of cheated a bit here, this is technically two songs, but they are the bookends of the album and are very much iterations of one another. This was the hardest song to pick, and there were many other tracks that I considered in its places (shout out “Club classics,” “Von Dutch,” and “So I”). Ultimately, I settled on “360/365” because the cocktail it reminds me of came to mind the fastest.

This song is without a doubt a Gin Basil Smash — it’s sharp, bright, spicy, and come on, look at that color, it’s the album color in liquid form! It’s a simple but classic cocktail with just a few ingredients. The drink is a showcase for how simple elements can come together to make something greater than the sum of their parts, much like this pair of songs which are relatively minimal and yet, huge sounding.

Tasting Notes:

Bright, and spicy with a mix of mint and citrus flavors and a wonderful herbaceousness. Everything element of this drink works in perfect harmony.

Ingredients and How To Make:

• 2 oz. London dry gin
• 0.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz. simple syrup
• 2 large basil sprigs
• Ice
• Extra fresh basil for garnish

1. Add the basil and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use the muddler to bruise the basil leaves and break up the stems a tad. Add the gin, lemon juice, and a large handful of ice to the shaker. Affix the lid and then shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.
2. Add a large ice cube to the rocks glass. Double strain the cocktail into the rocks glass and then garnish with a fresh basil sprig. Serve.

For a full list of tools and techniques, click here.