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For several years, the Mediterranean diet has been ranked the No. 1 diet by U.S. News and World Report, winning praise from experts for its proven health benefits—particularly heart health—and potential for long-term lifestyle change.

"there are decades of great research on the Mediterranean diet and numerous health benefits have been reported over this time," shares Megan Hilbert, MS, RDN, of Top Nutrition Coaching.

Bonus: While many diets are restrictive, making certain food groups off-limits, following a Mediterranean eating plan allows individuals to eat various foods and doesn't encourage calorie restriction. Often associated with olive oil and salmon, this  diet that embraces many different kinds of foods while providing a shortlist of foods to avoid eating on a daily basis. 

You’ve probably heard your friends and family or maybe even your doctor talk about the Mediterranean diet. Whether your goal for changing the way you eat is lowering blood pressure, increasing energy or losing weight, here is what you need to know about adopting a Mediterranean diet, including what you can eat on it, recipes, snack ideas and more.

Related: ‘I'm a Cardiologist and This Is the Vegetable I Eat Almost Every Day for Heart Health’

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

It's more of a meal plan than a traditional diet. "The Mediterranean diet is an eating pattern that focuses on including foods from the Mediterranean area and is considered one of the healthiest ways to eat," says Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, a registered dietitian. 

Quick geography lesson: The name of the diet refers to its origin in the Mediterranean Basin or the land surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, this is an area of the world that has been associated with certain patterns of eating, which includes fish, bread, wine, and oil, and very little meat, according to the Iranian Journal of Public Health. While different eating patterns emerged, this basic diet of bread, wine, and oil spread throughout Europe thanks to its adoption by Christian monks.

"Eating these foods benefits most people, and what I love is that you don’t necessarily have to eat foods specific to the Mediterranean to reap the benefits," Sauceda says. "Whatever seafood, nuts/seeds, etc that is available and you have access to is the best way to approach this way of eating."

Indeed, this diet has evolved to include fruits and vegetables as significant components. Even though it has ancient roots, it became the subject of research in the second half of the 20th century when Ancel Keys conducted a famous study of health habits and cardiovascular health on all seven continents.

Related: The One Habit That Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Overnight, According to a Cardiologist

What Are the Benefits Of a Mediterranean Diet?

For some time, the most well-known health benefit of following a Mediterranean diet is reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, but new research has emerged showing that this plan benefits the whole body. 

In 2015, researchers conducted an extensive study involving 7,447 individuals considered to be at high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases. Those who adopted a Mediterranean diet with either the addition of extra nuts or extra-virgin olive oil experienced fewer cardiovascular events over the course of the study when compared to their cohorts.

Additionally, the participants who adopted this diet were observed to have lower blood pressure, reduced insulin sensitivity, reduced inflammation and reduced oxidative stress.

Other research has since emerged, including a review of 16 studies showing women who closely followed the Mediterranean diet had lower heart disease risks than those who did not.

Besides cardiovascular disease risk reduction, research has shown the Mediterranean diet could help:

• Lower dementia risk
• Better sleep
• Less inflammation, which could protect against heart disease, COVID-19 and other illnesses
• Longer lifespans
• Reduced prostate cancer risk
• Better gut health

Is the Mediterranean Diet Good for Weight Loss?

The primary goal of the Mediterranean diet is to benefit the entire body, not a number on the scale. However, the Mediterranean diet is a fantastic foundational eating plan, so if you use it as a starting point and then keep an eye on your overall calorie intake, it can be an excellent way to lose weight. 

"While the Mediterranean diet is not specifically designed for weight loss, its principles can naturally lead to a lower calorie intake and healthier metabolism, both of which are crucial for weight loss and maintenance," Hilbert says. "High fiber, healthy fats, low levels of processed foods and added sugars and benefits to the microbiome all can lead to slimmer waistlines and improved metabolic health as well as improved portion control."

Perhaps most importantly? 

"The diet’s focus on enjoyable meals and social eating helps make these healthier eating habits a more pleasurable and permanent part of one's lifestyle," Hilbert says.

Is the Mediterranean Diet Safe?

Generally speaking, The Mediterranean diet is safe. While some diets encourage restriction of calories or prohibit certain foods, this isn’t the case with the Mediterranean diet. Instead, it is a fairly well-rounded nutritional plan that is safe because of how it approaches healthy eating. Low calorie intake or extreme restriction can put individuals at risk for disordered eating patterns. The great thing about the Mediterranean diet is that it is generally focused on what you can eat, not what you can't eat. It also doesn’t require you to eat very little or count calories.

"For most people, this way of eating can work well because there aren’t any counting, measuring, or unnecessary restrictions that can make eating this way too difficult to stick with," Sauceda says. "On top of that, there is flexibility with the foods, making it easier to also eat out when following a Mediterranean diet."

Additionally, this diet includes foods known to be associated with heart health. While a diet like keto encourages increased intake of fat, this is a diet that embraces all food groups in moderation but limits saturated fats, meats, and processed grains.

Sauceda does caution that some people may be allergic to certain hallmark foods on the diet, like nuts.

The only risk worth noting is associated with an increased intake of wine. Even though red wine is embraced by proponents of the Mediterranean diet, it generally isn’t recommended that people increase their alcohol intake to improve their health. While many people might be able to safely navigate the addition of a daily glass of wine, others may not be able to practice moderation, as pointed out in a 2022-published Nature study.

What Are the Best Foods for a Mediterranean Diet Plan?Fruits and vegetables

Produce is central to any healthy diet, so it is no surprise that this eating plan encourages plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Whole grains

Carb lovers, we have good news for you. Grains like rice, pasta, oatmeal, and whole-grain bread are part of daily eating.

Healthy fats

Olive oil is an iconic part of this diet because it is an unsaturated fat. It is encouraged in place of butter or other saturated fats. Nuts are another source of healthy fat encouraged on the Mediterranean diet.

Seafood

This diet is limited in meat but encourages seafood twice a week as a source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Red wine

Followers of the Mediterranean diet allow for moderate alcohol consumption but should proceed with caution.

Legumes

As a diet that emphasizes treating plants as a significant source of nutrients and calories, it may not be surprising that legumes are a big part of following the Mediterranean way of eating. Lentils, cannellini beans, and garbanzo beans are all great additions to your shopping cart.

Related: 7 Things That Happen When You Don't Eat Veggies

Your Mediterranean Diet Grocery List

Looking for something more specific? Here's a partial list of staple foods on the Mediterranean diet to get you started.

• Eggs
• Chicken
• Sardines
• Cod
• Shrimp
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes
• Lentils
• White beans
• Whole-grain bread
• Pita bread
• Couscous
• Olives
• Pistachios
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Yogurt
• Hummus
• Cantaloupe
• Lemons
• Figs
• Oranges
• Spinach
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Onions
• Green beans
• Cauliflower
• Honey
• Feta cheese

Hungry for more ideas? Check out our Mediterranean Diet food list featuring 110 foods.

What Are Some Mediterranean Diet Recipes?

When it comes to the recommended foods to eat while on this diet, a good white bean or minestrone soup checks nearly all the boxes. Kale White Bean Soup includes lean protein from legumes and plenty of vegetables. Sub out the coconut oil for olive oil, and you’ve adapted it into a Mediterranean diet-approved meal.

A quick and easy recipe like Crunchy Hummus-Crusted Fish with Roasted Broccoli and Olives is just about as good as it gets when on the hunt for heart-healthy meals that you can make in half an hour. Salads can be jazzed up with fresh vegetables, an olive oil dressing, and beans. Eating fish at least twice a week doesn't have to be boring. Bookmark plenty of inventive recipes, like these Cashew-Crusted Salmon Skewers.

What Are the Best Mediterranean Diet Snacks?

The great thing about snacks on this diet is that they can be fairly simple. Keep roasted nuts on hand, and you’ll always have an option you feel great about. Another simple option is whole grain bread with a little nut butter or mashed avocados.

Snack time is also a good time to increase your veggie intake, keep hummus on hand, and cut up some fresh vegetables on the weekends to snack on all week.

What Are the Best Mediterranean Diet Breakfasts?

Breakfast on the Mediterranean diet is likely going to feel like a step away from traditional, American breakfasts. Eggs are encouraged on this eating plan, but only a few times a week. Other options include oatmeal topped with nuts, nut butters, or fruit. Greek yogurt also makes for a great breakfast that provides lean protein and can be sweetened with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey.

What Are the Best Mediterranean Diet Desserts?

Generally, the Mediterranean diet is a low-sugar diet. Processed carbs and sweets aren’t encouraged as part of everyday eating. That being said, there is definitely room for nutritious desserts. Think goat cheese-stuffed fig and apples sprinkled with cinnamon.

"Fruits such as berries, apples, pears, oranges, figs, dates, peaches, pears, pomegranates, and grapes are high in fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants," Hilbert says. "They are often eaten as desserts or snacks."

What Foods Should You Avoid On a Mediterranean Diet?

Regular consumption of red meat is discouraged on the Mediterranean diet, but not prohibited. Generally, it is recommended that red meat be reserved as the occasional treat. Additionally, processed carbohydrates and saturated fats are not a part of daily eating when following the Mediterranean diet.

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Sources

• Iranian Journal of Public Health: "The Mediterranean Diet: A History of Health"
• Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases: "Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet: Insights From the PREDIMED Study"

• Megan Hilbert, MS, RDN, of Top Nutrition Coaching

• Amanda Sauceda, MS, RD, a registered dietitian

• Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in women with a Mediterranean diet: systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart.

• Mediterranean diet adherence is associated with lower dementia risk, independent of genetic predisposition: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study. BMC Medicine.

• Mediterranean Diet on Sleep: A Health Alliance. Nutrients.

• The anti-inflammatory effects of a Mediterranean diet: a review, Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition.

• Plasma Micronutrient Profile of Prostate Cancer Cases Is Altered Relative to Healthy Controls—Results of a Pilot Study in South Australia. Cancers.

• Healthy Eating Patterns and Risk of Total and Cause-Specific Mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine.

• The Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on Health and Gut Microbiota. Nutrients.

• The effects of modest drinking on life expectancy and mortality risks: a population-based cohort study. Nature.

Tony McFarr, a professional stuntman who's responsible for some of Chris Pratt's more thrilling moments in films like Jurassic World, Passengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, among other projects, has passed away. He was just 47.

McFarr's mother, Donna, shared the unfortunate news with TMZ on Thursday, May 16, revealing that the daredevil double died at home in the Orlando area on Monday, May 13.

A cause of death has not been determined, but Donna did confirm that his passing was unexpected, reporting her son to have been active and healthy prior to his loss. 

The Orange County Medical Examiner's office is currently investigating, with toxicology reports pending results. 

McFarr had only been working in the industry for over a decade, debuting in an episode of Bones in 2011. His work could also be seen in the television series Homeland and Teen Wolf, as well as other Marvel films and franchises like The Hunger Games and Divergent. 

He also tried his hand at acting a few times, appearing in shows like Macgyver, Burn Notice, and One Tree Hill.

Pratt, who befriended the stuntman as they worked together over the years, hasn't addressed his passing yet, but shouted him out on social media. "Love you buddy!" he wrote as the cast and crew wrapped on Guardians 2. "Happy wrap!

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A post shared by Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt)

According to TMZ, McFarr had transitioned to working in the restaurant industry more recently, opening multiple storefronts in Florida.

He is survived by his daughter, sister, and parents, all of whom plan to gather in the coming weeks to celebrate his life. He's set to be buried in Pennsylvania, near his grandmother. 

Next: Late Toby Keith's Daughter Leaves Fans Emotional With Appearance to Accept Honor on His Behalf

Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni are making fans swoon with a new picture together.

On Wednesday, May 15, the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actress took to Instagram with an endearing snapshot of herself with her costar, and people who've shipped the duo's on-screen chemistry (which has never successfully blossomed into a true romantic relationship despite teasers) couldn't hold it together.

The image found the two standing side-by-side in very close proximity, as they both leaned their heads in toward one another while gazing into each other's eyes, subtly smiling.

"About last night…" the NBC crime saga star captioned the social media upload, fully aware that the picture would immediately ignite long-running fan theories.

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A post shared by Mariska (@therealmariskahargitay)

"Mom and dad we don't wanna know what happens behind closed doors...." one fan joked in the comment section of the post, while another echoed that sentiment with, "Mom and dad are back 🥹🥹🥹🥹."

"OOOOOO WHAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT………" a third hilariously questioned in response to the caption.

"This picture woke me up from the dead," an additional fan remarked, and a fifth account admitted they were "gonna hyperfixate on this for the rest of the week 👍."

"And all is right with the world again, if only for a sweet, blissful moment … ❤️❤️❤️," yet another comment read.

Related: Mariska Hargitay Dishes on Filming Romance Scene With Christopher Meloni

"We miss yall on screen together so much!!!!! 😭😭😭🥺🥺🥺," someone else admitted.

The two starred alongside each other as detective partners Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler on the Dick Wolf-created procedural for 12 seasons, however, Meloni exited the series in 2011, later moving on to helm a new installment, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Luckily for loyal viewers, though, they've been grateful to get a few crossover episodes featuring the two key characters back together again.

Of course, true fans familiar with the actors know that alas, the romantic trolling is only for show on TV, as both parties have been happily married for several years—Hargitay to Peter Hermann, and Meloni to Sherman Williams. 

Next: Mariska Hargitay Teases Fans With Tense Photo of Chris Meloni

Pack your bags, because The Amazing Race is back! Every week, Parade's Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the team most recently eliminated from the race.

Ricky and César Aldrete knew nobody would take them seriously going into The Amazing Race. Coming from New York City with personalities as colorful as their shirts, they were far from your prototypical dominating team. But to say the boyfriends proved everyone wrong would be an understatement. Their combination of navigation skills, adaptability, and experience at seemingly every chance proved to be lethal, as they crushed the competition from start to finish. Things had changed monumentally since the Mexican heat of the starting line to the Philly chill of the finish line. Ricky and César dominated yet again in the final leg, not only winning first place, but cementing their legacy as one of the best teams of all time.

Ricky and César started their race by using their previous experience in Puerto Vallarta to see through the "catch" in the first Detour. That ended up being emblematic of their entire race. Whether it was drag, cooking, baseball, or welding, they seemed to have a history with nearly every task they picked, giving them an anchor to accomplish everything with relative ease. On top of that, in a season where self-driving was more important than ever, they were the only pair to consistently do well, both with navigating the streets and the stress. As a result, they came into the finale with six first-place finishes, never coming in below second. The penultimate leg proved to be their worst, as Ricky finally met his match in windsurfing. But even if he couldn't find his balance in the Roadblock, they showcased their balance as a team in the final leg. Ricky and César took the lead due to (of course) Ricky's time as a mascot and his knowledge of Philadelphia. And so, for the last time, the couple surged ahead of the pack and never looked back, winning their seventh leg and the million-dollar prize.

The day after the finale, Ricky and César talk with Parade.com about how they turned from superfans into racers, their surprise at their dominance, and how their relationship grew as "perfect partners" racing around the world together.

Related: Everything to Know About The Amazing Race 36

Ricky Rotandi and Cesar Aldrete The Amazing Race 36 Winner Interview (15:56)

I know you had a big viewing party last night to watch the finale. It's one thing to, of course, win the million dollars in the moment. It's probably another to watch it all back surrounded by friends and family, a year and a half later. What was that like?
César Aldrete: We were super happy to have a lot of the cast there. We missed Bizzy and Sunny. It was really fun!
Ricky: It was really great to have the cast there. And then we had family and friends there. We kept everyone in the dark. No one knew anything. We didn't realize we were going to be holding it for this long! But it just was so great to experience it and see their reaction.
César: And everything with the editing and what happened on the penultimate leg. And on top of that is, as you mentioned, we've been waiting for a year and a half. We have developed these relationships with all our cast. And then now we get to see them race for the first time. So it was just like getting to know them again, getting to know a little bit of the experience, their strategies, how they race. So that was just really fun as well.
Ricky: So great.

Well let's rewind over a year and a half ago. César, of course, we know that you're a huge fan of The Amazing Race. When did you get into the show, and what made you want to apply? Were you always going to do it with Ricky?
César: So I have been watching for many years, like a lot of seasons, I remember watching Oswald and Danny, and just being like, "Oh my God, great representation." Then I went back to season one. The Amazing Race has always been great at representation of everyone. And seeing gay couples there, it was something that, if I were to talk to my little César self, I would have never believed that this dream was going to happen. So I recorded videos before with one of my best friends. I had told my cousin whenever she turned 18, we would apply together. But there was always in the back of my mind, "Oh, I'm not in my best shape. I'm not super fit."
Ricky: Like waiting for the right moment.
César: Exactly. So now COVID happened and we started watching more. Now I get Ricky super invested.
Ricky: I knew the show. But I got super hooked.
César: And then we're talking about a traveling show and all these restrictions. Thankfully the show keeps happening. But I was like, "What if something happens?" Like we try to lead with no regrets. So I was like, "Ricky, we need to apply. It doesn't matter if we might not be in our best shape. We're going to start training at the moment." So we submitted our video, and the following day, we started training. And it just happened to happen that we got our call the following day. And it was just like that. It was so fast. We were just physically training, mentally training.
Ricky: It was non-stop. We'd come home and we'd have puzzles set up for each other. We were running with backpacks. We look like lunatics running outside.
César: I was doing lots of steps. But we needed to put the work in because we knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Ricky: And we didn't want to miss the chance of self-doubting ourselves.
César: Let me backtrack over there. It might not be once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We're hoping for all-stars, all-winners, something!

Yeah! I know Greg and John said the exact same thing when I talked with them after their finale. I think you two racing in an all-winners season would be really interesting, considering how it wouldn't be a "COVID era" season. Could you make it a two-peat?
Ricky: Maybe, who knows. It'd be a very interesting thing. So when we were training and getting ready, we were not expecting going onto the chartered type of format. We were ready for the regular format of going through the airport and sleeping on the ground and all of that. So we were prepared. So when we got there, we were like, "Oh, okay, this is going to be a different beast." So I'd be excited to see what it would be like.
César: With no U-Turns, our strategy was definitely more "let's just go." And we saw it maybe on the second episode with Derek and Shelisa, we were like, "Oh, we were so close to first! Maybe next time." But we develop these relationships. And then you see us working with Yvonne and Melissa and talking a little bit more with Danny and Angie and little things like that...
Ricky: Maybe a season [with U-Turns], it would play out a little differently.

So let's talk about how you got into the winner's circle, let alone on a future all-winners season. I think from a lot of our perspectives, the final leg was never in doubt for you, especially considering Ricky's experience in Philadelphia and being a mascot. But, no matter how well you were doing, you both seemed to always be level-headed about your chances of winning. Plus, you had just had your worst performance to date. So what was it like balancing the excitement of possibly winning with your usual caution?
Ricky: So they showed a really cool clip of us walking to the plane. And Phil's like, "We're going to the City of Brotherly Love!" We didn't know until that moment. So when he announced [that], that reaction was so genuine for me. I grew up in Philadelphia, I lived there before moving to New York City. When I said I lived 10 blocks from the art museum, I lived 10 blocks from the art museum. I know that area. So when we found that out, I was like, "Okay, this is great." However, people who've run in their home city are notorious for not doing well.
César: The only place that we didn't ask for directions was for the stadium. Everything else we stopped.
Ricky: We made it a point. I said, "Even if I know where it is, we're stopping to verify for directions." So that was the only place we didn't was for the stadium. Because I knew exactly where the entrance for the highway was. 
César: I knew from chatting with Rod and Letitia, they were like, "We are not gonna like lose you out of sight." So they followed us all the way. I mean, it worked for them, which was smart. And just going back to our mentality, it sounds ridiculous. At the beginning, we started with the mentality, "We just want to have the experience. We want to have fun." We were in orientation, we were seeing everyone and we're trying to measure up whether everyone is extremely smart, extremely fit, or both together. So we went in with the mentality, trying not to be last. And I think more than like, "Oh, we're winning all these legs," we were just like, "We're not being last! We're getting more of this, and we're just having fun."
Ricky: I think stepping into that final leg, we had a little bit of confidence at that point. We knew had been doing so well. This was it. This was the moment. As long as we didn't have a trip up, I felt confident.
César: And we had proved to ourselves that, if we haven't done it before, we're going to learn it.
Ricky: We're going to figure it out. If I can windsurf for 35 minutes and figure it out, then we could figure anything out in Philadelphia. 

You talk about this mentality of, "If we haven't done it before, we'll learn it." Admittedly, that didn't come up a lot. Because it really did seem like nearly every task spoke to something the two of you had done previously. How surprised were you by that?
Ricky: I think it was a little surprising. As we went through, we're like, "Oh, we did kind of like have experience in this a little bit." I do think that there is a sense of confidence and flexibility for some things. I'd say there was probably 70% of things that we had background in, which really helped.
César: But for the other part, I think our jobs came in handy. Ricky's a preschool teacher. He had worked with babies from three months to five years old. He's on a constant high stress level. It's different, but he has to be caring for so many kids. Kids are trouble sometimes! And for me, I work in a catering company. I work in different places that aren't sometimes not even kitchens. Sometimes it's an office that we have to set up as a kitchen. So it's go with the flow.
Ricky: You have to learn to be flexible. And I think that's where the things that we didn't have experience in kind of helped. But we did have a lot of like, "Oh yeah, we've done this before," like the welding or the dancing and the singing and the makeup. There were a lot of things where it was like, "Oh, this really aligned with our strengths." And it helped.
César: And an extra bit that I think is key for us is patience. Working with kids, Ricky is extremely patient.
Ricky: With kids! [Laughs.] Not so much adults all the time. But with kids, I am.

You two are the second team in Amazing Race U.S. to never finish below third place, after Kristi and Jen in Season 30. And, more impressively, you officially have the highest average placement for any team in the show's history. What's your reaction to that?
César: It's unbelievable. And even this morning, we're going through pictures that we have with Phil, selfies we were posting on our Instagram. And even seeing it, it still doesn't feel real.
Ricky: It feels very dreamlike. And we didn't go in thinking that we were going to dominate like this. And then just to go and just perform well and have a good time and just be good competitors, it wasn't on our radar. So it was shocking to us. And it feels really good. All of our hard work and the stress that we went through, it paid off. 
César: I mean, for me, as a superfan, I'm like, "Wow, really?! We did it?!"
Ricky: I would never, will never, and could never run the race without him. There's no way. Because he knows the race and he knows me.
César: With Ricky, everything he has, I might not. He just was so well-balanced. He's so confident driving. Maybe one of our biggest mistakes in picking a Roadblock was "Who has a better sense of direction?" I'm the navigator, and he ended up doing it because I was panicking about driving because he's better. 
Ricky: I thought I was driving that racecar.
César: But just in average, seeing through the race and being like, "Oh, we're close to Eric and Jeremy. We're almost there!" It's just unbelievable. As a superfan, I think we ticked so many boxes that we would not believe. We're still in disbelief up to this morning. We're just processing everything. We're trying to watch the episode again and really get to enjoy it, soak it all in.
Ricky: It's been incredible. I'm gonna say, he is mostly the reason why we did so well. I'm telling you, the navigator--
César: You're not giving yourself enough credit! We were a great team. And just seeing all there, we're like, "What's happening? Really, that's us?" And I thought that was awesome.

On that note, what's the biggest thing you learned about the other person racing around the world together?
Ricky: Oh, God, you're gonna make me cry. [Laughs.]I said it in one of the episodes, I always trusted him. But I knew that without a doubt now, I can trust him with anything. In a stressful situation, or a joyous situation, he's always going to be there for me no matter what. And the race really just solidified. I was worried that, with so much stress, that the cracks were going to happen and that the stress of everything was gonna pull the negative. We had never been in these situations before, and I was nervous. And it didn't happen. And what an awesome thing that happened. It just solidified a lot of things. And just knowing that the trust was there, and it was unwavering, it was amazing.
César: I mean, in preseason interviews, they were like, "What are the three things that you bring to the race to win?" I'm like, "I have the perfect partner." And Ricky kept saying, "Yeah, but I'm not perfect." I'm like, "I'm not saying that you're a perfect person, You're the perfect partner." So I think I got that out of this season, out of seeing us there, out of seeing us working together. I do think, and now I can say truly, I have the perfect partner, just a partner in life. So that is the outcome that I'm taking out of this whole thing.

Next, read our interview with Yvonne Chavez and Melissa Main, who were eliminated in The Amazing Race 35 Episode 9.

As far as flavors go, there aren’t too many more polarizing than the salty, sour taste of pickles. Briny, tangy, pungent, vinegary—you either love them enough to mix them into your Dr. Pepper or unequivocally hate them. And if you’re in the former camp like yours truly, you can eat your way through an entire jar of Famous Dave’s Spicy Dill Pickle Chips in one sitting. Whether you prefer the classic taste of a Vlasic or enjoy a more artisan take on the cuke’s vinegar-soaked version of metamorphosis, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the dill-icious flavor of (almost) everyone’s favorite sandwich accouterment.

Thankfully, if you happen to be pickle-obsessed, the mouth-puckering flavor is all the rage as of late, and everything from spritzers to ketchup is getting the dill-ightful punchy flavor infusion. Best of all, fan-favorite grocer Trader Joe’s is jumping back on the pickle-flavored everything bandwagon and just restocked a highly anticipated condiment fans have been snatching up by the dozens since 2021. You might even be inclined to say, “It’s kind of a big dill.”

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Perfectly timed to coincide with barbecue season, the fun and quirky retail chain just brought back their famous Dill Pickle Mustard, and fans on the TJ’s focused subreddit are saying, “I’ll take 10.” Crafted with pickle fanatics in mind, the ingenious sandwich topper combines arguably the best parts of eating a burger into one easy grab-and-go sauce. Herbaceous diced pickles, natural pickle flavoring and dill weed lend their signature bright flavor to the backyard barbecue staple. Add in the classic tangy flavor of zippy yellow mustard, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a flavor bomb of epic proportions.

Dill Pickle Mustard

Trader Joe's

Even better than the sauce’s explosion of flavor, though, is the incredibly low price of just $1.99! With a price like that and the excitement of fans lining up to get their pickle fix, we’re sure this is one product that won’t hang around for long. If you are fortunate enough to get your hands on a bottle (or three), the resident netizens of Reddit offered a variety of ways to enjoy the sauce and we’re taking notes. 

“Def good on turkey and pepper jack sandwiches,” recommended one fan, while another hilariously proclaimed, “Looks like egg salad is back on the menu, boys.” You could even add a squeeze to a hot dog or into your famous deviled eggs. The possibilities are endless!

Of course, if you’re not a pickle fan, but happen to be really into pickleball, you might want to be on the lookout for the Vlasic x Think Royln collab dropping at the Association of Pickleball Players New York City Open on May 21. 

Up next: Dollar General Fans are Flocking to Its Popshelf Store to Grab These Stunning Glasses That are Identical to a Pottery Barn Style 12x the Price

Jelly Roll fans, rejoice! The country crooner is debuting a brand new track at this year's ACM Awards, streaming on Prime Video on the evening of May 16, and we've got a sneak peek at the song he says is like "a train off the tracks."

The "Son of a Sinner" singer spoke with ABC Audio ahead of the program, where he said that "all bets are off, dude," per Chicago radio station The Mix. "Man, it is different for even me. It is a different look. It's a different thing."

As the musician continues to boast his physical transformation throughout his weight-loss journey, it seems as though he may be working on a transition when it comes to his discography, too. 

“I can tell you that the new chapter of music in the Jelly Roll book starts Thursday night on Amazon Prime," he added. "Check it out, baby, for sure.”

The singer can't say for certain if the new track, called "Liar," will become his next single, jokingly comparing himself to "a comedian testing jokes in front of people" as he told the crowd at a preview attended by Parade to let him know if the song is "playable."

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"If not," he further joked, "we'll give you another option; we've got choices!" Fans are certainly waiting with bated breath to see what the beloved performer, who is nominated for four awards this year, comes out with next.

As a first-time nominee, Jelly Roll stands to take home Single of the Year for “Need A Favor,” Music Event of the Year for “Save Me” feat Lainey Wilson, Male Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

It's the first time someone's gone from no nominations to an Entertainer of the Year nod since Billy Ray Cyrus in 1993—a stat he calls "crazy talk" that he "just couldn’t wrap [his] head around" in a new interview with Audacy. But, if he takes home at least two wins, the singer plans to add a brand new tattoo to the mix to celebrate. 

While accepting an award at the CMT Awards earlier this year, fans felt a tugging on their heartstrings as he opened up about the way his life has changed over the last year, tearing up at the microphone. The singer has been transparent about his battle with addiction over the years, while his wife, Bunnie XO, gave a vulnerable account of her husband getting bullied off of social media by haters, but he's maintained a "priceless" attitude throughout. 

Next: What Jelly Roll Really Thinks About Joining 'American Idol' as Katy Perry's Replacement

Queen Camilla surprised people attending the Charleston Festival in Sussex as she arrived with a smile on her face despite the rain, wearing a green patterned dress and matching scarf. 

The Queen, who is a patron of the Charleston Trust, also gave a speech at the Power of Reading event, revealing to excited schoolchildren that the literary world she would love to travel to is Hogwarts from the Harry Potter book series in a touching moment. 

"One place I think I'd love to go is Hogwarts," Camilla told a little 9-year-old girl named Bess who asked the question, as reported by The Argus. "I’d like to jump on the express and sit in that wonderful hall and pick a house. I’d like to look at Dumbledore and Hagrid and Snape, and see all the pics going mad and the food flying about, I think it would be a magical experience."

During her speech, Camilla appeared happy to introduce the event, saying, "As a proud patron of Charleston I am delighted to welcome you all here to this year’s literary festival."

“I lived in Sussex for many years and it was always sunny so I don’t know what’s happened today," she went on, joking about the dreary weather. According to the publication, Camilla was last spotted in Sussex in 2021. 

Queen Camilla, Patron of The Charleston Trust, is attending the opening event of the Charleston Festival in Sussex, entitled the ‘Power of Reading’. She says the one place in the world she would love to visit is Hogwarts (ditto!) pic.twitter.com/ZvtWz1y1Xe

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) May 16, 2024

Throughout the rest of the event, Camilla shook hands and spoke with many different people, including more schoolchildren, with one little girl giving the royal flowers. Later on, the girl, whose name was Tallulah, said, "It was really exciting but I was also quite nervous."

Camilla was on her own at the Sussex event, without her husband, King Charles, by her side. Recently, the couple hosted the Sovereign's Creative Industries Garden Party on May 15 at Buckingham Palace, while Camilla has supported Charles at other recent outings as he returns to royal duties amid his cancer treatment.

Next: King Charles Confirms Big Change to Nearly 50-Year-Old Tradition Days After Returning to Royal Duties

Happy Gilmore is swinging his way back onto our screens! 

Netflix announced a Happy Gilmore sequel at its second Upfront presentation. Adam Sandler, who played the titular golf legend in the 1996 film and co-wrote the sports comedy, is set to reprise his iconic role for the new movie.

Christopher McDonald, who played Shooter McGavin in the original film, revealed on The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima in March of 2024 that a sequel was in the works, and that Sandler had already shown him a first draft.

Not long after, Sandler appeared on The Dan Patrick Show during which he recalled telling McDonald: "I said, 'Dude, we’ve been talking about a Happy 2 and we’re working on some stuff.' That's all I told Shooter. I said, 'But don’t tell anybody. Don't tell anybody.'"

Sandler shared at the time that they had "some good ideas" for the movie. He said, "Me and [Tim] Herlihy are diligently trying to make a good reason for everyone to...watch and have a good time. Netflix is excited about it. So we're working on it."

While we await the return of the 1996 Tour Championship winner, here is everything we know about Happy Gilmore 2.

IMAGO / Album

How to watch Happy Gilmore 2?

The Happy Gilmore sequel will stream on Netflix.

Related: The 16 Best Adam Sandler Movies, Ranked

What is the Happy Gilmore 2 release date?

No word yet on when we can expect Happy's return to the green. Check back for updates!

Who is in the Happy Gilmore 2 cast?

So far, Netflix has only confirmed that Sandler will reprise his role as Happy Gilmore. 

Related: Meet Adam Sandler's Daughters

What will happen in Happy Gilmore 2? 

Netflix has yet to reveal details about the sequel. Sandler told Dan Patrick in April of 2024 that they had "a million ideas already," adding, "We just got to make it a movie and make sure we're excited about people, you know, enjoying it. It's important. It's important. We love Happy Gilmore. We don't want to let anybody down. "

Next, Adam Sandler's Net Worth 

Hosted by Reba McEntire, “Country Music’s Party of the Year” takes place tonight when the 59th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards airs live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

But first, the procession of country music stars coming down the red carpet will include a who's who glammed up for the big night—and Parade takes you there.

Check  out the red carpet gallery of stars to see who wins top fashion honors at the party of the year.

Reba McEntire

Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images

View the 19 images of this gallery on the original article

Related: See All the Fab Fashions From the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards Red Carpet

The musical highlights during the annual awards ceremony will include performances by Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Post Malone, Parker McCollum, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, and Lainey Wilson, as well as brand new music from this year’s host, Reba McEntire. Additionally, there will be must-see duets from Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan; Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani; and Nate Smith featuring Avril Lavigne.

Related: ACM Awards Announces Nominees, Including Elite Honor for Jelly Roll

And then there are the presenters: Alabama, BRELAND, Dan + Shay, Tyler Cameron, Jordan Davis, Sara Evans, Carin León, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Dion and Rozene Pride, Noah Reid, Richard Sherman, Charissa Thompson, Randy Travis, and Clay Walker.

It's a night celebrating country music that you won't want to miss! The 2024 ACM Awards will stream live across 240+ countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Note: A Prime membership will not be required to watch live at amazon.com/ACMawards (Click ‘WATCH’)

ACM Awards 2024 Red Carpet Fashion

Next, Reba McEntire Reveals What She ‘Mainly’ Needs to Have Backstage When She Hosts the ACM Awards

McDonald's is debuting yet another sweet treat, just in time for summer.

The fast food chain has announced it is dropping an unexpected limited-edition flavor starting on May 21 that fans are excited about: the Grandma McFlurry.

Offered as a limited-time item, the sweet treat is said to take inspiration from elderly mother figures, as it combines a “delicious syrup” and crunchy candy pieces—“like grandma's favorite treat that she hid in her purse!”—with vanilla soft serve, according to a press release.

Related: McDonald’s Finally Confirms Return of Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry

The ice cream dessert aims to be “sweet—just like grandma.”

“The Grandma McFlurry tastes like a trip down memory lane, and we’re excited to give our fans that experience while honoring the grandma-figure in all our lives," the brand's Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Tariq Hassan promised in the release.

He noted that the flavor innovation comes as the grandma aesthetic is currently "having a major moment influencing culture" across social media and beyond.

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On Instagram, fans seemed to be receptive to the new offering, commenting under a post shared by food blogger Markie Devo with excitement.

"It’s like a Golden Girl McFlurry and ofc I’m SO here for it 🙌," one said, while another theorized, "Sounds fire, I bet it’s a butterscotch flavor because old folks always have those candy’s [sic]."

"On my must try list!!! 😆," a third exclaimed, as another chimed in with "😍 Very yummy and delicious. It sound go McDonald’s. I’m gonna try me one.."

Meanwhile, the famed burger joint recently unveiled several new McFlurry flavors that are being offered in other countries, leaving U.S.-based fans jealous.

Next, Fans Emotional After McDonald’s Brings Back Beloved McFlurry Flavor—but Only in Canada: ‘It Ain’t Right’

Whether we can afford to or not, there’s something special about curating your home with items that bring a touch of class and elegance to a room. The easiest place to start any home upgrade is the kitchen. A new set of cookware or a beautiful assortment of dinnerware can easily turn an old and outdated kitchen into a fresh and modern space that would get anyone excited to cook.

Thankfully, these days, it seems as though the more affordable “nice options” are available in abundance as compared to the high-priced brands we are so used to seeing online and on social media. With retailers like Dollar General’s Popshelf, shoppers can easily fill their home with beautiful items that will not only make them feel good about their space, but they’ll also save a ton of money in the process.

Related: Walmart Is Selling a Beautiful 4-Piece Set of Stoneware Plates for $10, and It's Similar to a Pottery Barn Style That's Almost 6x the Price

Clear Plaid Cooler Drinking Glass

Popshelf

This week, we came across an incredible Popshelf find that straight up looks identical to a pretty pricey Pottery Barn offering. The Clear Plaid Cooler Drinking Glass by Home Essentials & Beyond is a plaid textured sparkling drinking glass that is both stylish and capable of handling all sorts of beverage needs. Sporting a 13-ounce capacity, each glass retails for only $1, making a set of four cost $44 less than its Pottery Barn counterpart.

The plaid grooves on each glass not only adds a touch of style to the act of drinking your favorite beverage, they also add grip to the glass to keep you safe from any unwanted slips and spills. Perfect for a glass of water, iced tea and cocktail hour alike, this elegant choice of drinkware is your ticket to the elevated kitchen of your dreams. Grab as many as you like because these suckers are absolutely not going to break the bank. 

Up next: Aldi Is Selling a Stylish $25 Cast Iron Braiser Nearly Identical to a Le Creuset Style That's Almost 12x the Price

Harrison Butker's wishes for his Chiefs teammate, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift amid their romance are taking on a whole new meaning after his commencement speech at Benedictine College went viral—and was quickly condemned. 

The Kansas City kicker was interviewed shortly after the team won their second-consecutive Super Bowl earlier this year—a chat that, of course, eventually turned to focus on the "Karma" songstress and her beau. 

At first, Butker hedged that he wasn't a Swiftie, before considering how "nervous" he was to meet her for the first time and suggesting, "So maybe I am a Swiftie."

“She was just so humble and so gracious,” he said as he recounted their conversation, which allegedly involved the singer complimenting his skills when it comes to "kick[ing] the ball so far through the uprights.”

"...it was a great experience, and I can’t say enough great things about her.”

Within the same breath, he hoped the two would "get married and start a family.” At the surface level, it seemed like a heartfelt wish for a long-lasting and happy relationship, but that's since changed after he spent twenty minutes telling the female graduates that they've been the victim of "diabolical lies" regarding their futures and that their "most important title" would be "homemaker."

In that speech, he also implied that the only reason he has a successful career is because his wife, Isabelle, chose not to pursue a career, tearing up as he admitted, "My success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would...embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker."

He then quoted Swift's "Bejeweled," refusing to name her when he said, "As my teammate's girlfriend says, 'familiarity breeds contempt,'" seemingly in an attempt to solidify his stance with the phrase that can actually be traced back centuries—and which left Swifties calling him out for using a woman who is arguably the biggest in business to denounce women being involved in business. 

Under this new light, his focus on their potential marriage and children seems less like thoughtful well-wishes and more like crossing his fingers for another woman to sacrifice her own aspirations in favor of settling down—a "horrible" implication that one woman in attendance at the time has already spoken out against. 

Next: NFL Issues Direct Response to Controversial Graduation Speech From Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker

Survivor 46 is here! Every week, Parade.com's Mike Bloom will bring you interviews with the castaway most recently voted off of the island.

"Burdette Fumbles." That was the headline plastered across Q Burdette's town paper during a memorable mistake in his football career. Years later, Q threw himself into a very different competition, catching the million-dollar ball back in his own territory. For the first half of his run down the field, he sprinted with ease, in clear control and setting up his own path. But a last-minute juke on his own end reset his path, instantly losing that power. Now Q was on the run, swarmed by his opponents as he tried to continue his dash to the goal line. Luckily, due to some particular blockers, he had somehow made it into the red zone. With the end in sight, Q found a sudden burst of speed, and it seemed like a guarantee he would make it one step further. But history repeated itself. Q fumbled, tackled shy of the goal with an idol in pocket (or Q-Skirt).

Due to his physical stature and dominant nature, Q nearly immediately was in control of Yanu. Though the misadventures of the purple tribe had him red in the face, he was never in danger, and in fact had brokered relationships with the outsiders to make sure he was never in danger. Though he finally avoided Tribal Council towards the end of the premerge, Q was still gaming. He set up a cross-tribal alliance of six, hoping his dominance could extend through the merge. And, for a while, that was happening exactly. Q seemed to be the one to determine the next couple of boots, confidently calling out "big mistakes" for his opposition doing everything from naming their favorite player to being too good (or bad) at hide and seek. 

But it all came crashing down on Day 16. Unhappy Tiffany Nicole Ervin was targeting someone in the six, Q attempted to turn the game on his number one ally. When the camp launched into chaos, Q shouldered the blame, and shocked everyone at Tribal Council when he asked they vote him out. Q's reputation tanked, and his perception turned on a dime, as everyone saw him as too chaotic and controlling. Suddenly, the real estate agent found himself without a strategic shelter, and public enemy number one. Luckily, he had someone looking out for him in Maria Shrime Gonzalez, picking him up as a number. As Q continued to take heat, most notably from Liz Wilcox after he did not take her to Applebee's, Maria continued to protect him, bringing him in on some devastating blindsides. Q was nearly back to the height of his power, burgeoned by finding an idol and having convinced Maria to turn on her number one ally Charlie Davis. He felt so confident that he didn't play his idol, only to get blindsided by everyone except Maria. It was, to put it simply, a big mistake.

Now out of the game, Q talks with Parade.com about what led him to not play his idol, how he recovered from his game collapsing, and his reaction to being called a "villain" and "bully" by his cast members.

Related: Read our Survivor 46 pre-game interview with Quintavius "Q" Burdette

Q Burdette Survivor 46 Interview (15:37)

I can't believe I'm starting my interview for the fourth week in a row with this. But we have to talk about you not using your idol. I know you were already looking ahead to play it at five so you could get to four when, as you told me preseason, "I'm making that [expletive] fire." But was there anything specific that led to you deciding to keep that idol in your Q-Skirt?
So first of all, I went into that Tribal saying I wasn't gonna play it. I thought I'd done the math. I was like, "Okay, either I go home"--which I'd been fine with going home. Going home don't scare me. So I either go home, or I guarantee myself Final Three. Because if I make it through that vote, and I play my idol, there's no one there that can beat me in fire. They didn't stand a chance. So that was the risk that I kind of ran.

But I saw the game, I guess, a little differently. And as at that moment, Charlie had won two immunities. He hadn't pissed anybody off. And it was just one of those things like, "Okay, I would say take a shot," versus the complete opposite. [Laughs.] I hadn't won any immunities. I pissed everybody off. And I'm thinking, "Their head is in the game." But they were all so fascinated with me. I even lost touch of how fascinated that these people were of me and how they wasn't playing a game to play. I heard people out there talking about they want to vote people off because they would get more TV time than them. These are the type of people I'm playing with. Why would I think that they're going to make the right move that I would make? But at the same time, they didn't make the right move. Because let me just say, if I make it through, dude, I can talk. I can explain stories. And it's gonna be trouble for whoever is in that Final Three with me.

I want to talk about that. Because, to your point, you had angered a lot of the jury with your behavior and being a smokescreen for their blindsides. So how do you think you would have done in the Final Three?
So I felt like from the very start of the game, and I said it a whole lot out there, I can beat anybody. I don't care who I go to the end with, which two, I can beat them. Why? Because my ability to not crumble under the pressure when it comes to talking and explaining and being able to be honest in showing them why I did certain things would would prevail versus some other folks who are not used to it. And I knew that, so I thought I would win.

You gotta remember, for 17 days in a row, that was my beach. I was the king. I was calling the shots. I was running the show. One day, on Day 18, was a slip up. But then by Day 21, I had started to regain footing. I started to influence decisions and votes and put things out there and make plans and talk to people and rekindle relationships and apologize. I was four days down. So you got to think of a story of a survivor who's been on top, then he crumbles down to the ground. But then he makes his way back and survives all the way. That's a story I can explain. And all the stuff about, "Q, what can you tell us about Tribal when you volunteered to go home? You tried to quit." Let me let me explain something to everybody.

Please!
I was never ever trying to quit. I'm man enough to where, if I want to leave, if I want to say, "You know what? I'm done with this. It's too much for me." I'll get up and I will leave. I won't ask for permission. I will walk out the door. What happened is, in my life if I do something wrong if I do something that I think causes chaos and problems that is beyond the game, I'm the person that says, "You know what? I did that. I should take responsibility for it. And if you guys were to do that, I would be okay with it. It wouldn't sit well with me if I didn't."

Let me give you more context. So, on that night that I did it, what happened was I told Hunter about Liz's plan. Hunter went to Liz. And in that moment, I wasn't there for the conversation. But all I see is Liz crying. This is before the Applebee's, now. So we're not enemies yet. But Liz comes up, and she's crying. This is the same Liz that has all day been so excited that she's about to blindside Tevin. She's about do all this stuff. Now she's suddenly crying and saying, "Okay, I will vote Tiff." And I'm like, "Whoa." I'm one of 17 kids. I only have four sisters. That brought me back to, "This little girl"-- who is the same size as my sisters, actually--"she's crying. She was excited earlier, because I told Hunter." He would have never known; he would have never done [anything]. I screwed her plans up.

But then also, on top of that, I was like, "Dang, man, I didn't do right about Tevin. He's part of my six. I created this. I should have been trying to fight for him harder, or I should have at least told him." So I started to feel like I let him down, too, and I can take the bullet for him. Why? Because 17 of those people, Mike, were there for the million dollars. I was there for the title. That's all I want. The million dollars is great. It wouldn't change my life. So now I'm weighing, "Okay, Tevin, actually wants the money. It will change his life. He's about to go home. I didn't do write about him. Liz is crying. I didn't do right about her at this time. I'm gonna raise my hand and admit that I screwed up. And I'm willing to take the heat now." They didn't take me up on that offer. So now the offer's off the table. I did my part.

So, following that, you do become a pariah on the tribe. And, while you're trying to work your way back in, you are still causing mayhem, between getting into arguments with people and, of course, the entire Applebee's controversy with Liz. What was it like to try to rebuild from square one?
It was a task. I knew I had to disappear for a couple of days. And as far as the Applebee's stuff and still arguing with folks, listen, Q is going to be Q. It doesn't matter the circumstance, I'm not going to tuck my tail and stop being me just because, "Oh, they may vote for me." No, I'm gonna continue to be me. So again, if I make it to the end, I can tell my story. I can tell I played my way. I didn't allow anybody to dictate the way I played, the things I did, the things I said. It wasn't like I was being malicious. I wasn't out there just pushing people down and cursing them around. No, it was within the game. It was chaos. It was chaotic.

And just think, of everybody that you interviewed so far, they said that I'm the reason their game crumbled. If you really think about the game of Survivor, that's how it should be. I should be out there not allowing them to play the game that they want to play. I should be out there creating the chaos that makes them have to shift and now rethink or pivot or hesitate. There's nothing wrong with that. That's Survivor, but it's old school Survivor. But they weren't used to somebody just openly playing a game of Survivor the way I did. And that's the uniqueness.

Everything I've ever done was never told to anybody, not even production. So production was caught off guard most days. The Applebee's stuff, that wasn't planned. The hide and seek, the Q-Skirt. It wasn't planned. Just something I thought of on the spot. So all this stuff was just like, "Boom." It happens, and everybody's like, "What the world is going on?" That's the difference in what I brought in everyone else. And that was going to be the difference that I could explain to them at the end to make them even see. But I also understood that I had to go to the end with the right people. Because it doesn't matter what I did. If I go to the end with certain people, then here we go.

Who does that include?
Personally, if I had my choice, meaning if I'm in the game, and I run it the way I run it, it would have been Ben and Liz, simple. I would have never, ever, ever, ever targeted them. Because it was just one of those things. If I got through that boat, that means Charlie goes home. And right now, people say, "Well, Q, you and Maria, you're so tight." If I would have won at five, I probably would have pushed voted on Maria. If Maria would have won, at some point, she wasn't going to win, and we're going to be making fighting against each other. I was gonna beat the fire. I mean, it's just that simple. So I was gonna have my way he eventually with the three that I needed to be in the end with. So it didn't work out. But it's one of those things. I swung the bat every single time at the plate, every single day, trying to hit the ball. I didn't want to get walked. I wanted to hit the ball.

So, to that point, as you're swinging, let's talk about the perception from your teammates. We heard people in the game call you a villain and a bully. In particular, it was brought up briefly last episode that you and Ben didn't talk. What was your reaction to that perception?
So it was one of those things. Me and Ben I had a conversation after the Tim vote that did not go so pleasant. Because Ben did not like talking strategy that much. And it kind of ticked me off when I would ask him something and he would just kind of give me  a BS answer. So I'm the type of person that I'll call you out on that. Like, "Come on, do you want to work with me? Cool. Go your other way then." But at that point in time in the game also, again, I was running things. They were seeing it, but there was nothing they could do about it. There was nothing they could do about it at that time. So when they call me a bully, and all this stuff. I'm not a bully, like, "Oh, give me your lunch!" I'm a bully as in, "Get out of the way. I'm here and I'm playing. And I don't have to say it." And that's the kind of bully I guess they perceived me to be. But at the end of the day, again, it was never malicious. It was never a point to where I thought these people actually hated me to a point where they wouldn't vote for me at the end. That's why I thought I still had a shot. And even when I got to Pondy, they all told me I still had a shot.

Talk to me about that. What was it like to reunite with those people who, again, you had ended things with on a bit of a mixed note?
So it was it was wonderful. It was awesome. It's all about how you bring yourself to the party. If I would have went over there mopey and, "Man, y'all get out of my face," it probably would have went well. But because I'm like, "Hey, what's up, y'all? I love y'all, man! Appreciate y'all," and they're seeing it, they're embracing me with open arms. It was magical. I got so much food when I got to Pondy. Yeah I ate so much pizza it was crazy. It was 23 slices, then I lost count. I had the Applebee's reward. [But then] I got to Pondy. Oh my man! I was eating like a king, brother.

But just to hit on some things we hadn't talked about, there was no point in the game to where I was ever going to quit or felt like I wanted to quit because I couldn't do it. It came up twice. The first time ,it was literally maybe a minute and a half, after losing the challenge. Just being like, "Dang, bro! I could have sunk the bag and I didn't, bro. I should be the one on the chopping block." And that's how it was. It wasn't a, "Please vote me." No. The second one, again, was just one of those things. I felt I'd done something wrong. And I raised my hand,

Next, check out our interview with Venus Vafa, who was voted out in Survivor 46 Episode 11.

Hearties, we're past the halfway mark of Season 11 and heading toward the season finale! Not to fear, we already know there will be a Season 12 with filming slated to begin this summer. 

In the latest episode, Jack's (Daniel Lissing) ne'er-do-well younger brother, Tom (Max Lloyd-Jones) returns to Hope Valley. Has he matured and changed his ways or is he up to his old tricks again?

Let's find out more about the episode including some Parade exclusive images and sneak peek.

Related: Raise a Glass, Hearties! When Calls the Heart Will Officially Return for Season 12!

What happened in last week's episode of When Calls the Heart?

In "Believe," last week's episode of When Calls the Heart, Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) confronted Thomas Higgins (James Kot), an imposing figure from her past. Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) helped Lee (Kavan Smith) navigate his new role as co-mayor while Lucas (Chris McNally) struggled to find bidders for his resort project. Goldy celebrated turning a year old and Joseph (Viv Leacock) attempted to pen a response to his estranged brother.

What is this week's episode of When Calls the Heart about?

Elizabeth hopes for the best when her brother-in-law Tom Thornton visits with an exciting opportunity for the town’s choir. Rosemary and Bill (Jack Wagner) interview a source in their investigation of Lucas' shooting while Governor Bouchard considers his options over the resort development.

Fun fact: Did you know? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) was established in 1920 after the Royal North-West Mounted Police and the Dominion Police merged.

When does this episode of When Calls the Heart premiere?

"Facing the Music" will premiere on Sunday, May 19 at 9 p.m. ET on Hallmark Channel and will be available to stream the next day on Hallmark Movies Now.

Related: The Burning Questions You Need to Know About 'When Calls the Heart' Season 11!

Does Parade have a sneak peek from the 'Facing the Music' episode of When Calls the Heart?

Do-Re-We do! Check out this Parade exclusive sneak peek from this week's episode of When Calls the Heart!

Hallmark Channel's 'When Calls the Heart' - Episode 11007 "Facing the Music" - Sneak Peek (Exclusive) (1:08) Take a look at images from the next episode of When Calls the Heart

Check out some select images including a couple of Parade exclusive images from the next episode of When Calls the Heart in the gallery below.

View the 19 images of this gallery on the original article

Next, Hearties Rejoice! When Calls the Heart Alums Reunite for a New Hallmark Christmas Movie

Fans were enraptured by Keith Urban's surprise cover of Ariana Grande's song "we can't be friends (wait for your love)," with many demanding he record an official version.

The country singer shared a new video with fans on Instagram, showing off a recent live performance of the beautiful cover. In the clip, Urban crooned out Grande's poignant lyrics, "We can't be friends/ But I'd like to just pretend/ You cling to your papers and pens/ Wait until you like me again."

In the caption, Urban shared short yet succinct praise for Grande's tune, writing, "this song is audible heroin." Grande quickly replied, saying, "this is so beautiful 🥹 & thank youuuuu !"

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Fans loved the emotional cover from Urban, singing high praise in the comments. "SONG OF THE YEAR!!! 🔥," wrote one person, as more compliments read, "Keith’s cover is gold," "Beautiful song, beautiful rendition! 🙌🏼," and "No way I thought I'd ever see Keith perform an ariana song. He killed it."

Even CMT was in awe, with the official account declaring, "my jaw is on the floor!!!" and "need this cover recorded ASAP 🥹🩵."

There was also talk from fans who now want to see a collaboration between Urban and Grande, while some people just loved hearing Urban sing anything, such as one fan who said, "Keith, you could make singing the phone book sound good! ❤️."

Grande's song "we can't be friends (wait for your love)" was included on her newest album, Eternal Sunshine, released on March 8, 2024. The song is rumored to be about Grande's relationship with the press, reflecting on how the media reported on her divorce and new relationship in 2023.

Recently, Urban stunned fans with another impressive performance—this time at the CMT Awards in April. He performed "Straight Line," the first track from his upcoming album, which is expected later this year.

Next: Keith Urban Gives Honest Opinion of Taylor Swift—And He Has Nothing More to Say

Now that the Top 5 finalists on The Voice Season 25 have been revealed, it still is unclear whether Asher HaVon, Bryan Olesen, Josh Sanders, Karen Waldrup or Nathan Chester will walk away the winner. Not because it isn’t obvious who has the best voice but because there are always mitigating factors in the way that America votes.

The one thing that was surprising was who made the Top 5. This year America seemed to lean in more to talent than backstories, which was unanticipated but a welcome result.

It was amazing that neither Serenity Arce, Maddie Jane or Madison Curbelo made the Top 5. They tend to be the types of artists that America normally votes for, but none of them made it through this season.

That said, it still doesn’t mean that the artist who should win will win because The Voice viewers tend to vote heavily for country artists and this year two of the three remaining country artists in the Top 9—Josh and Karen—made it into the finale.

Who will win The Voice in 2024? Asher HaVon

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

But the reality is that 31-year-old soul singer Asher HaVon from Selma, Ala., should be named the next Voice. Even though Asher isn’t on his team, John Legend did admit that no one on the show can sing like Asher.

Related: The Voice's Top 9 Perform for a Chance to Make the Top 5 and the Finale

“My dad texted me this week and said, 'Asher is the Voice,'” John told Asher during Monday night’s Top 9 performance show after his performance of Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable.” “Now, I'm a little biased toward my team, but I will say this: No matter what other factors people are voting on, I think you're the best vocalist in this competition. And you show that with every song, no matter what you sing.”

Back when Blake Shelton was coaching, it seemed to help to be on his team as he won nine times and not all of those times were with a country artist, but this season, the only coach with a win to his credit is John. Both Chance the Rapper and Reba McEntire are in their second seasons on The Voice and neither has won. And it’s a first time for Dan + Shay, but with Karen Waldrup their last remaining artist in the finale, it could be their year.

Karen Waldrup

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

Despite Asher having the best voice, there’s a good chance that the win will go to Karen or Josh Sanders being, as mentioned earlier, they are country artists. Of the two, it would be great if it were Karen. She’s worked so many years to get to this point in her career, she proved her versatility with her performances, she would definitely be deserving of a boost.

Josh Sanders

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

Related: The Voice's Oldest Contestant, Bryan Olesen, Believes Age Is Just a Number

Bryan Olesen

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

As for Team Legend’s Bryan Olesen and Nathan Chester, it doesn’t bode well for Bryan as he made it into the Top 5 and the finale via the Instant Save, rather than the initial vote. Not that I have done the math, but from observation, it seems that America knows what it wants and keeps to its original decision the majority of the time.

Nathan Chester

Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC

And that leaves Nathan Chester. It would be terrific if Nathan won. He is unique in the type of music he wants to make, taking us back in time to much-loved songs from the past, but also putting his own spin on them. And his personality shines every time on stage, giving him a special stage presence.

Related: The Voice Reveals New Coaches for Season 26

The Voice Winner Prediction

Asher HaVon should win, but Karen Waldrup or Josh Sanders are more likely to due to America’s preference for country artists. 

The Voice airs Monday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT for performances, Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT for results on NBC. Streams next day on Peacock.

Next, See All the Exciting Four-Chair Turns for The Voice Season 25

Nothing beats finding an affordable alternative to a high-priced product that you’ve had your eyes on for forever. It can happen at any time while out thrifting, exploring garage sales or even in the comfort of your local discount retailer. And when that fateful day finally does arrive, it feels as if the clouds have parted way and Jesus himself has decided to personally hand out the deal of a lifetime.

For some people, a good can’t-miss deal comes around once in a blue moon. The real dedicated shoppers, however, know that a good deal is always right around the corner when shopping at Aldi. That's right, everyone’s favorite discount retailer has made it their mission to stock their shelves with incredible deals aimed at keeping our hard earned dollars in our pockets. And if you were hoping to find affordably priced duplicates of your bucket list home goods, then Aldi is without a doubt the place to shop.

Related: Aldi's Cute New $10 Summer-Friendly Foldable Basket Coolers Have Shoppers Ready to Buy Every Style Now

Crofton Cast Iron Braiser

Aldi

Spotted in this week's Aldi Finds list, fans of Le Crueset better grab their pocketbooks because this dupe brings the style and class of your favorite cookware brand, all while being available at a fraction of the price. The Crofton Cast Iron Braiser is your go-to choice for cooking incredible meals at home and looking stylish while doing it. It’s perfect for turning your favorite cuts of meat and vegetables into tender, flavorful dishes and its wide, shallow base and domed lid allow it to act as a cross between a Dutch oven and a skillet.

Sporting either a blue or white colorway, this Le Crueset dupe features an 11.85-inch diameter cooking surface area with a 3.7-quart capacity. The pan is designed with a long lasting porcelain enamel interior and exterior, which boasts superior heat retention and distribution, making this a piece strong, durable and easy to cook with.

Those interested in snagging one of these handy braisers for themselves should note that along with the $24.99 price tag, customers can expect a piece that is oven safe up to 482°F. Additionally, the braiser is compatible with glass ceramic, gas, electric and induction cooking surfaces and even comes with a 2-year warranty to boot. This is your cue to go ahead and snag one now before it’s too late, as this is the perfect way to see if you’re ready to spend the big bucks on the much higher priced version of this incredibly priced pan. 

Up next: Target's New Super-Cute Pink Coolers Have Shoppers Racing to Clear the Shelves

After Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave a controversial graduation commencement speech at Benedictine College that led to heavy criticism, the National Football League finally shared its official response.

On May 15, Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, told People, “Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Many others have also shared statements condemning Butker's speech, such as Justice Horn, former Kansas City commissioner, who wrote, "Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members. 🌈."

Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/4vZ14SXgb6

— Justice Horn (@JusticeHorn_) May 14, 2024

The speech got heavy backlash for Butker's problematic comments regarding gender roles, abortion, IVF and more, such as when he told the women in the audience that "one of the most important titles of all" for them was "homemaker."

Criticism was amplified due to the fact that he also quoted singer Taylor Swift in his speech, although he didn't name her, instead saying, "As my teammate's girlfriend says, 'familiarity breeds contempt.'" 

Swifties quickly called him out for his statements, especially given the fact that he appeared to put down the idea of women focusing on their careers yet referenced Swift, one of the most successful businesswomen in the world right now. 

In the days since the speech, people in attendance have also started sharing their reactions to the moment, with one new graduate calling the speech "horrible" and noting that she, her roommate, and some others did "boo" Butker as he spoke. 

As of writing, Butker has not shared any response to the backlash to his speech. 

Next: Fans "Love the Shade" Hoda Kotb Just Sent to Chiefs Player Harrison Butker After His Commencement Speech Went Viral

From the looks of it, Dean McDermott is moving on!

The Saving God actor recently took to Instagram to hard launch his new relationship with girlfriend Lily Calo, after Tori Spelling revealed she officially filed for divorce in March following the former couple's split after 17 years of marriage.

On Wednesday night, May 16, McDermott uploaded a duo of photos, where the two posed together in front of a step and repeat backdrop at an event.

In the first capture, the NCIS actor and Calo posed side-by-side in matching pinstripe ensembles as McDermott wrapped his arm around her lower back while the senior account executive shot a big smile toward the camera.

The second found the pair smitten, as Calo planted a big smooch on the Slasher actor's cheek.

"Sometimes ya just gotta put on your best duds and take your girl to The Magic Castle. Cuz she’s Magic!! 🎩#mylovey," the upload was captioned.

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A post shared by Dean McDermott (@imdeanmcdermott)

And apparently, everything is smoothed over between the estranged spouses, as even Spelling showed her support for the new couple by liking and commenting on the post.

"Love you both," she gushed, alongside a red heart emoji.

Related: Tori Spelling Spotted Reuniting With Estranged Husband Dean McDermott Following Split

Social media users poured into the comments with reactions to the official debut.

Some seemed confused at how quickly the dad of six—five of which he shares with Spelling—introduced a new flame, with two in particular writing, "Tori liked the post … she seems ok with how fast you moved on" and "Amazing how you celebrities can never be alone - just saying."

On the other hand, some fans jumped to his defense, with one noticing, "Funny how everyone is so critical of someone they do not know in real life," and further pointing out, "We only know what the stories tell us, Tori has a side and Dean has a side then the truth is somewhere in the middle. Love and let it go and for heaven’s sake be kind."

Related: Dean McDermott Shares Bombshell Confession About Tori Spelling Split

Meanwhile, several more simply showed love for the duo, dropping notes like "I’m so happy for you Dean! Lookin’ good, my friend!" and "Tori and dean proudly supporting each other. That’s the only that that matters. No need to talk s--t on their situation. Cheers 🥂 🔥🔥🔥."

McDermott and Calo were first linked in Oct. 2023, so it seems the social media debut has been seven months in the making.

As for Spelling, the Beverly Hills 90210 alum was spotted packing on the PDA with advertising agency CEO Ryan Cramer back in November, though it is unclear if the two are still seeing each other.

Next: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott Announce Separation After 17 Years of Marriage

We can almost hear the fireworks, 4th of July is so close. And what would a holiday weekend be without festive summer cocktail recipes to celebrate? Tropical libations garnished with fresh fruit and herbs are always perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings and we've rounded up 20 fun twists on classic drinks every partygoer will enjoy.

Related: 30 Best Summer Salad Recipes

Best Summer Cocktail Recipes

Not sure how to make a shrub when you're playing bartender for your backyard bash? Find out with one of the easy recipes in this lineup. Need a large-format cocktail for a huge soirée? We've got you covered. From red, white and berry drinks and Pimm's Cups, to vodka poptails, Bellini spritzes and tequila cucumber tipples, check out these boozy thirst-quenchers for inspiration for your Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day parties and don't forget to save them for later!

Aperol Spritz

Kelli Acciardo

There’s nothing to send you straight on a voyage to the Amalfi Coast, faster that one sip of an Aperol Spritz.

Get the full Aperol Spritz recipe here.

• 2 oz Aperol
• 3 oz Cinzano Prosecco
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Slice of orange, for garnish

Woodford Porch Swing

Woodford Reserve

To make this delicious, bourbon-based porch sipper, simply fill a tall glass with ice, pour in your bourbon, then add your peach iced tea, lemon and honey and stir. Garnish with a peach slice and/or lemon wedge. 

• 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
• 6 oz peach iced tea
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz honey

Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Sandra Lee

This summery and refreshing cocktail is the perfect way to cool off. The watermelon Margarita features Smirnoff Watermelon Vodka and apricot nectar, adding a fruity flair. 

Get the recipe: Watermelon Margarita Recipe

Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Pineapple and mint make this summer cocktail a drink to remember when paired with Belvedere Vodka. 

Get the full recipe here.

• 2 oz Belvedere Vodka
• 1 oz Monin Chipotle Pineapple Syrup
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• 6 to 8 Mint Leaves

Classic Italian Select Spritz Cocktail

Select Aperitivo

Stay cool and imagine you're sunning on a beach in Italy with this classic Italian Spritz cocktail.

Get the full Select Spritz Cocktail recipe here.

• 3 oz La Marca Prosecco
• 2 oz Select Aperitivo
• 1 oz soda water
• Ice
• Orange slice

The Vice Strawberry Letter Cocktail

The Vice

Rosé o'clock begins with an Aperol rosé spritz with a homemade summer strawberry shrub. PS—shrub is a term for a concentrated syrup of fruit, sugar and tart vinegar. 

Recipe Courtesy of The Vice:

• .5 oz strawberry shrub (plus fresh strawberries for garnish) 

• 1 oz Aperol 

• 3 oz The Vice Pinot Noir Rosé 

• 1 oz seltzer

Rizzo

The Rickey

Rizzo is the perfect cocktail for a gin lover.

Recipe Courtesy of The Rickey at Dream Midtown:

• 1.5 oz Principe De Los Apostoles Gin 

• 1.25 oz passion fruit 

• .75 oz lemongrass syrup 

• .5 oz grapefruit 

• .5 oz coconut water 

• 4 dashes aromatic bitters

• Egg white

Red, White and Boom

SVEDKA

Big pitchers of cocktails you can make ahead of time are a hostess's best friend. Just combine all these ingredients in one with plenty of ice and garnish with strawberries and blueberries. As the party grows, keep adding ice and fruit. 

Recipe Courtesy of SVEDKA:

• 1 ¾ oz SVEDKA Vodka 

• ½ oz triple sec 

• ¾ oz lemonade 

• 1 oz cranberry juice 

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

Related: 14 Creative Mimosa Recipes

Spritz Violette

Dream Midtown

This might just be the prettiest aperitivo we've ever seen. This cocktail gets its stunning violet color from Crème de Violette and a nice fizz from Prosecco and club soda.

Recipe Courtesy of Dream Midtown in Manhattan, NY:

• 1 oz gin 

• 1 oz Crème de Violette 

• .5 oz lemon 

• Top with splash of Prosecco, splash of club soda and flowers

Green Mountain

WM Mulherin's Sons Philadelphia, PA

Cognac, yellow chartreuse, fresh lemon and a base of a simple syrup make a refreshing summer drink. Garnish with a few sprigs of mint leaves for a summer cocktail.

Recipe Courtesy of Wm. Mulherin’s Sons in Philadelphia, PA:

• 2 oz Cognac 

• 3/4 oz yellow Chartreuse 

• 3/4 oz lemon 

• 1/2 oz simple syrup 

• 3 sprigs of mint

Vodka PopTails

Ketel One Vodka

A delicious blend of summer fruits and vodka in the ultimate whimsical mold: popsicles. 

Recipe Courtesy of Ketel One: 

• 10 oz Ketel One Vodka 

• 24 oz lime club soda 

• Fresh lemon juice 

• 10 popsicle molds 

• 1/2 cup strawberries  

• 1/2 cup pineapple 

• 1/2 cup blueberry 

• 1/2 cup cucumber 

• 1/2 cup blackberries

Candice Kumai's Morning Twist

Belvedere Vodka

Not only is celeb chef Candice Kumai's party-appropriate cocktail pretty to look at, it's beyond delish to drink. The matcha tea ginger beer and vodka combo gives it a bold kick that's perfect to kick off the 4th. 

Recipe Courtesy of Belvedere:

• 1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka 

• .75 oz lemon juice 

• .75 oz honey syrup 

• 1 oz matcha tea ginger beer 

• dried roses for garnish

Hey Bae

Lobby Bar at Line LA

Rum infused with Schisandra berry and St George Spiced Pear Liqueur are mixed with honey syrup and lemon juice to create this cocktail to make this summer for your BAE (before anyone else).

Recipe Courtesty of Lobby Bar at Line LA in Los Angeles, CA:

• 2 oz rum infused with Schisandra berry 

• 5 oz St George Spiced Pear Liqueur 

• 1 oz honey syrup 

• .75 oz lemon juice

Red, White and Berry Crush

Smirnoff

Red, white and berry drinks should always be on the menu on the 4th of July. This mix of cherry, citrus and blue raspberry flavors blend perfectly into any cocktail.

Recipe Courtesy of Smirnoff:

• 1.5 ounces Smirnoff Red, White and Berry 

• 4 oz raspberry lemonade 

• 2 oz lemon-lime soda 

• lemon wedges and fresh raspberries for garnish

Related:  27 Canned Cocktails to Try

American Pie

Grey Goose

What's red, white and blue and tastes like 4th of July spirit? This American flag in a glass, that's what.

Recipe Courtesy of Grey Goose:

• 1.5 oz Grey Goose Le Citron 

• .5 oz Bacardi Pineapple 

• Soda water 

• Raspberries and blueberries for garnish 

D'Usse Fleur de Vie

D'Usse Cognac

Large-format cocktails are the easiest way to entertain when you have a big group coming over and this festive floral punch bowl is pretty epic if you ask us.

Recipe Courtesy of D'Usse Cognac:

• 1 750ml bottle D’USSE Cognac 

• 20 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur 

• 20 oz lemon juice 

• 12 oz simple syrup 

• 1 bottle Martini & Rossi Prosecco 

• Lemon wheels and edible flowers for garnish 

Raspberry Rosé Spritz

Effen Vodka

Rosé vodka has arrived and when mixed with sparkling wine, muddled raspberries and a little lemon juice and simple syrup, you have yourself a winning 4th formula.

Recipe Courtesy of EFFEN Vodka: 

• 1 oz Effen Rosé Vodka 

• 3 oz Sparkling Wine 

• .5 oz lemon juice 

• .5 oz simple syrup 

• 6 raspberries (muddled) or .5 oz raspberry liquor

Lil' Shrub

Hotel San Jose Austin, TX

Before you head out to the patio, mix some Topo Chico or sparkling water, with Jardesca Apertiva and shrub to taste. 

Recipe Courtesy of Hotel San José in Austin, TX:

• 4 oz Topo Chico or sparkling water 

• 2 oz red Jardesca Apertiva 

• 1-2 oz shrub (to taste)

Pimm's Cup

Hotel Saint Cecilia Austin TX

If you are planning to watch a cricket match this summer with some British sport fans, you need to have a solid recipe for a proper Pimm's Cup. Pimm's, Jardesca Blanc and a lemony soda makes this a summer favorite for everyone on either side of the pond.

Recipe Courtesy of Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, TX: 

• 1.5 oz Pimm's 

• 1 oz Jardesca Blanc 

• A few splashes of Sprite 

• Cucumber slice for garnish 

• Lemon wedges for garnish 

• 3 mint sprigs

Related: 85 Poolside-Worthy Summer Cocktails

Bianco Spritz

DiAnoia's Eatery Pittsburgh, PA

What do you get when you cross summer's popular white wine spritz with a bellini? This creative cocktail. It combines a dry white wine, vanilla syrup and passionfruit juice for what will become a new warm-weather favorite.

Recipe Courtest of DiAnoia's Eatery in Pittsburgh, PA:

• 1 oz vodka 

• 1 oz cranberry syrup 

• 1 whole grapefruit juiced 

• Grapefruit twist and half a salt rim for garnish

Up next: 62 Best Summer Dessert Ideas