Brandy

Halle Berry brought Olivier Martinez as her date to the star-studded Carousel of Hope Ball in LA on Saturday night. The actress looked stunning in red YSL as she walked the pink carpet hand in hand with her new man and Dark Tide costar. The two haven't been shy about showing PDA during date nights and motorcycle rides, but this weekend marked their public debut as a pair. They weren't the only Hollywood power couple on hand for the fundraiser — Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson lent their support to the event, which raises money to fight juvenile diabetes, while Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony took the stage together to sing a Spanish duet.

To see more photos from the ball, just read more

Whether it's straight up and chilled, or on ice with orange, any excuse to drink Dubonnet is a good one. I feel like it could be 1925 and I'm drinking at a bar in Lyon with Ernest Hemingway. With its notes of clove and sweet spice, Dubonnet Rouge is an ideal match for Summer's ripe red fruit. My new favorite way to enjoy it is in a cocktail with muddled Bing cherries, brandy, and bitters; the cocktail reminds me of a cherry bounce old fashioned, only brighter, and with a bigger kick. Make the most of your cherry stash when you read on.

Justin Timberlake, Paris Hilton, and Ciara headed out to Drai's Hollywood in LA last night to celebrate Timbaland's birthday. Paris got the party started by showing off her moves on a stripper's pole, as she continues making the club rounds following her breakup from Doug Reinhardt. She was wearing a skimpy dress, though was still a lot more covered up than at her weekend bikini party. Justin Timberlake, meanwhile, raised his glass to his frequent collaborator Timbaland after their last single "Carry Out" hit airwaves in February.

To see more photos from Timbaland's wild party, just read more

On a recent Monday night I found myself at Harry Denton's Starlight Room at the top of San Francisco's Sir Francis Drake Hotel. I was at a party that celebrated one of my favorite mixologists Tony Abou-Ganim's new cocktail recipe book, The Modern Mixologist.

The book is beautiful. It's packed with helpful information on glassware and bar basics, and it also provides a guide to mixing drinks with seasonal produce as well as a brief history of cocktails. The first recipe I decided to try was Abou-Ganim's first original libation, and it's named after the bar where he created it in 1996.

It's a complex combination of Campari, Cointreau, and orange juice; a brandy float provides a potent finish. I thoroughly enjoyed this beverage; to do the same, get Ganim's recipe now.

A glowing Brandy was spotted in Los Angeles after filming for a reality TV show. The singer looked happy and fresh in a sexy ensemble which included of-the-moment patterned tights, a very short t-shirt dress, and an elegant black coat. Black leather boots, a matching tote, and silver drop earrings completed the look. Shop like items now!

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When I imagine a Winter weekend getaway, it always involves a warm cocktail like a hot-buttered rum or Irish coffee. There's something so magical about sitting by a fire watching the snow fall, while sipping on a soothing potent drink.

This Saturday, I plan on stirring up a coffee and chocolate concoction. It's spiked with brandy and sweetened with cream, sugar, and vanilla. It's important to serve in heatproof glasses or mugs.

To check out the recipe and make this for your loved ones read more

I've wanted to make my own cherry cordial for the longest time, so when it was time to get started on our 12 Days of Edible Gifts, I knew exactly what I'd be making. For those of you who aren't familiar with cherry bounce, it's nothing new. It's rather old, in fact — colonialists and pilgrims were known to drink it, and Martha Washington famously recorded her recipe for cherry bounce, which she served during the holidays and other special occasions. This after-dinner libation, which is made by steeping cherries and sugar in brandy, rum, and sometimes whiskey, originated in the Northeast but has since spread across the country. Today, it can be found everywhere from the woodlands of rural Louisiana to Michigan cherry-growing country. With its spiced, black fruit notes, cherry bounce is a sweet after-dinner digestif — and an even lovelier handmade gift. Make it this holiday when you read more.