Hello, 2022!

Hello, 2022! Happy new year to you, and a very happy EIGHTH birthday to Feast + West!

Happy new year! I hope you are enjoying a lovely start to this next trip around the sun.

The weather in Charlotte has been bizarre, from 74°F temps on Friday to below-freezing temperatures this morning. Some parts even had snow flurries yesterday, but I didn’t see a single flake, sadly. They all went north of here.

In fact, as D.C. endures another snowstorm this week, I can’t help but reminisce about the time I started this blog.

She’s EIGHT YEARS OLD as of New Year’s Day, you guys. And doesn’t she look beautiful? (That’s thanks to the redesign I did last summer.)

How I started Feast + West

So here’s the story: I was pet-sitting for my brother in D.C. and they had record snowfall. I had already decided to start a blog that year, and being snowed-in in a new place made it a cozy place to do it.

I made Bourbon Ginger Ale Cocktails, Pomegranate Bourbon Fizzes and Spiked Iced Coffee as my first-ever blog cocktails as I fiddled with learning how to blog.

And wow, how far things have come since then. I think past-me would be so proud that I’m still here eight years later, and that, in fact, I quit my job last year to blog and freelance full-time. (More on that in my 2021 recap.)

Looking ahead

Last year, I said my word of the year was abundance, especially in energy and balance. I think I achieved that — 2021 was stressful and hard in a lot of ways, but at the end of it I feel rested and ready for more. This year my word is “rhythm,” and I’m looking to keep that balance going while adding in new things.

Here are a few of my wishes for the year ahead, though they’re more reminders to keep doing things that make my life whole. They’re not resolutions, but routines I want to uphold.

• Wake up early and move.
• Mix up new-to-me recipes.
• Stay in touch.
• Read and learn.
• Create, create, create.

What to expect in 2022

In 2022, here’s what you can expect on Feast + West:

More cocktails.

From the creative to the classic, I love mixing up drinks for you to try! I am always open to your ideas, so please send them my way. Say hey on Instagram or send me an email.

More mocktails.

If you’re not drinking right now, for whatever reason, I want you to find drinks you can love, too! I will make suggestions for making drinks non-alcoholic or substituting with zero-proof alcohol, whenever possible. And if you’re not sure, please ask!

More tips & tricks.

I want you to have all the tools in your bar, both literally and figuratively, so stay tuned for more tips on making better drinks. Whether it’s a deep dive on a spirit or liqueur (like bourbon) or an ingredient (like bitters or simple syrup), a taste test (like the best ginger beers) or an exploration of ideas (like the best holiday garnishes or Valentine’s Day Cocktails), I want to make it for you.

I’m so excited for the year ahead, and I hope you’ll join me. Subscribe for weekly tips in your inbox and join my Facebook group to stay in touch.

Cheers to the new year! // susannah