Summer TV has its merits — when else would we feel OK about watching Bachelor In Paradise ? — but for me, it's just a palate-cleanser for my regular fall lineup. This year, I'm seeing such a varied bag of programming that it's hard to know where to start. There are a bunch of new fall shows that are catching my eye, some returning shows from last season that I'm eagerly awaiting, and a couple of former favorites that I definitely want to revisit. I can't say I've completely worked out my fall TV syllabus (or worked out the DVR schedule with my roommate) but I can say that I've figured out one thing: what to drink while watching all of the shows I love. Happily, the fearless Jenna Wexler has come up with a few specialty cocktails inspired by Scandal, Empire, and the brand-new Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
If it sounds like a lot of work for watching TV, trust me: it isn't. We partnered with SKYY Barcraft™ to come up with cocktails that won't take much more than three steps (plus a garnish, if you're feeling super fancy). After all, nothing's better than getting home, fixing yourself a drink, and enjoying it from the edge of your seat.
1. Scandal
When It's On: Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
What To Pair: Olivia Pope's White Knight "Red Wine"
I've lapsed in watching this show, but I'm ready to dive back into Season 5. Although Olivia Pope is well-known for her traditional dinner of popcorn and a fine glass of Bordeaux, we bent the rules a little bit here. Because sometimes the occasion calls for a cocktail! And if you've had a busy day of handling things like Olivia Pope does, this is the easiest recipe ever.
We mixed one part SKYY Barcraft™ White Sangria with two parts tart pomegranate juice over ice (in a wine glass, natch) and stirred three times. We then went crazy adding all of the fruit in our fridge, because that's what you do. Enjoy it with a homemade Gettysburger, or the aforementioned popcorn.
2. Empire
When It's On: Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
What To Pair: The Lyons Roar
Three brothers vying to be their heir to their dad's hip-hop empire? Sounds like a recipe for three cocktails. (Invite your friends!) We made three margarita-style drinks based on the three Lyons brothers: the headstrong Andre, sensitive Jamal, and ne'er-do-well Hakeem. (Lucious gets nothing. You deserve nothing, Lucious!)
"The Hakeem" is a margarita that bites back. First, we rimmed our glass with a mix of cayenne pepper and salt. Then, after muddling a few slices of jalapeno in the glass, we mixed one part SKYY Barcraft™ Margarita Lime with two parts limeade over ice, stirred three times, and braced for impact.
"The Jamal," true to my favorite Lyons brother, has a little more depth than meets the eye. Again, we've made it easy: one part SKYY Barcraft™ Margarita Lime, two parts pineapple juice, a squeeze of lime, three stirs, and a fresh sprig of mint.
"The Andre" is classic, just like its namesake. We rimmed a glass with salt, then mixed one part SKYY Barcraft™ Margarita Lime with two parts club soda and stirred three times. The lime wheel is completely optional, but highly encouraged.
3. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
When It's On: Monday, Oct. 12, 2015 at
What To Pair: The "Go West, Crazy Ex"
This show might be crazy enough to work: part musical, part romantic comedy, and fully absurd. The lead character abandons her fancy law-firm job in New York City to follow the ostensible love of her life to a small town in West Covina, California, which is allegedly "two hours from the beach, and four hours in traffic."
We made a cocktail that tastes exactly like a fresh start. First, we muddled some cucumbers in a rocks glass. Then, we mixed one part SKYY Barcraft™ Watermelon Fresca with two parts club soda, stirred three times, and garnished with another cucumber and a melon ball.
This post is sponsored by SKYY Barcraft™. Get cash back on your purchase with this Groupon deal!
