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Beyoncé‑Inspired Cocktails: Prickly Pear Lemonade & Queen B(ee)

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a look in on a light green tile surface and white background of a dark pink cocktail in a tall glass with mint, blueberry and watermelon garnish, and a honey yellow cocktail tin a stemmed glass garnished with honeycomb and a drip of honey from a honey stir stick held by a woman. Beyoncé cocktail

Our Prickly Pear Lemonade and Queen B(ee) pay homage to the R&B pop icon, Beyoncé. From her older album Lemonade to her recent country release Cowboy Carter, our queen never misses. These two cocktails use direct inspiration from this famous singer/songwriter as well as some of her most famous hits. They’re both have a sweet element but come with a bite whether it’s from the prickly pear or the cognac. Needless to say, in the words of Beyoncé herself, “We gettin’ f…. up tonight!”

Who is Beyoncé?

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, known as Beyoncé, has done it all from singing and songwriting to dancing and acting. Beyoncé first rose to fame as a singer in Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She then took off with her own massively successful solo career, even going on to marry Jay-Z and have three children as well. Besides the entertainment industry, she is also a beauty professional with her own line of hair products, Cécred.

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a look in on a light green tile surface and white background of a dark pink cocktail in a tall glass with mint, blueberry and watermelon garnish, and a honey yellow cocktail tin a stemmed glass garnished with honeycomb and a drip of honey from a honey stir stick held by a woman. Beyoncé cocktail

Prickly Pear Lemonade


  • Author: Sarah Cascone

Description

A tangy lemonade base with a healthy dose of vodka.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz fresh prickly pear lemonade
  • 1 ½ oz Tito’s Vodka
  • Lemon soda water
  • Melon balls, blueberries, and mint for garnish    

For the prickly pear lemonade:

  • 3-4 medium to large lemons – 2/3 cup fresh squeezed juice
  • 2-3 limes – 1/3 cup fresh squeezed juice
  • 6 tbsp prickly pear simple syrup
  • ¼ cup agave nectar
  • 2 ¼ cups water

For the prickly pear simple syrup:

  • 1 cup prickly pear fruit pulp
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice


Instructions

  1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker, and pour in prickly pear lemonade and Tito’s.
  2. Shake until chilled.
  3. Strain and pour over ice into a highball glass.
  4. Top with lemon soda water.
  5. Garnish with melon balls and blueberries on a pick, and add a fresh sprig of mint.

For the prickly pear lemonade:

  1. Squeeze and strain fresh lemons to yield 2/3 cup juice.
  2. Squeeze and strain fresh limes to yield 1/3 cup juice.
  3. Stir the lemon and lime juices, prickly pear simple syrup, agave nectar, and water together into a container.
  4. Store in the refrigerator.

For the prickly pear simple syrup:

  1. Hold the thornless prickly pears with tongs and cut them in half.
  2. Using a spoon, scoop out the fruit pulp.
  3. Add the fruit pulp to a medium saucepan with the water and sugar.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a medium-low and simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it come to room temperature.
  6. Add the syrup mixture into a blender and blend until smooth.
  7. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a container and stir in the lime juice to combine.
  8. Store in the refrigerator.
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a look in on a light green tile surface and white background of a dark pink cocktail in a tall glass with mint, blueberry and watermelon garnish, and a honey yellow cocktail tin a stemmed glass garnished with honeycomb and a drip of honey from a honey stir stick held by a woman. Beyoncé cocktail

Queen B(ee)


  • Author: Sarah Cascone

Description

Sweetness with a kick of cognac, much like our Queen B.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. Add a cup of crushed ice to a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add the cognac, rum, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
  3. Shake vigorously until the outside of the cocktail shaker creates ice crystals.
  4. Pour through a strainer into a coupe glass.
  5. Add the fresh-cut honeycomb to the edge of the glass for garnish.

Try these other cocktails inspired by musical artists:

Typical Average Cocktail, inspired by Ed Sheeran

Crush Cocktail, inspired by Dave Matthews Band

Summer’s In Your Blood Cocktail, inspired by Boygenius

Lover Cocktail, inspired by Taylor Swift

Recipe by Sarah Cascone
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce 

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11 Rainy Day Activities for Kids in Pittsburgh

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A mother and child sit at a table and color. Rainy day activities for kids
Photo courtesy of Childrens Museum

Don’t let bad weather stop your family from adventuring. TABLE staff suggests a few indoor activities that will lighten the gloom any time of the year. 

MuseumLab

6 Allegheny Square E., Suite 101
Located in the former Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, MuseumLab is where kids over 10 can increase independence and art, tech, and crafting skills through play and interactive activities. 

Buhl Planetarium & Observatory

1 Allegheny Avenue
From planetarium shows that allow you to travel the skies above without leaving Pittsburgh to laser shows and beyond, the Buhl Planetarium & Observatory inside the Carnegie Science Center offers a stellar schedule of out-of-this-world shows. 

Urban Air

Multiple Locations
An acrobatic space, tumble track, ropes course, climbing walls, and beyond; when the weather is dreary, kiddos can still run and romp around this indoor adventure and trampoline park. 

The Discovery Center at Snapology

1350 Old Pond Road, Bridgeville
For the STEM-loving kids (or those who could use a little extra science in their lives), Snapology’s Discovery Center helps build engineering and technology skills through play. Those over five years of age can be dropped off at the center for up to three hours, so if you have some errands to run or just need some alone time, you can be confident your little ones are having fun in a safe, clean environment. 

Lilliput Towne Center

4125 Washington Road, McMurray
Leave the iPads and tablets at home: Lilliput Towne Center is a space filled with elaborate play buildings from local company Lilliput Play Homes. Facilities like a restaurant, salon, and doctor’s office comprise a little indoor town, complete with sidewalks, benches, and streets. 

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

4400 Forbes Avenue
For the nature lovers among us, this Oakland-based museum is home to over 22 million specimens and was founded in 1896 by Andrew Carnegie. 

The Pottery Place

7224 Baptist Road, Bethel Park
Get your hands dirty… with art! The family-owned The Pottery Place offers pottery painting, clay classes, glass fusing, and mosaics. 

Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center Indoor Water Facility

1551 Mayview Road, Upper St. Clair
For those who want to get wet on their own terms, and not Mother Nature’s, the Upper St. Clair Community & Recreation Center Indoor Water Facility — which includes slides, a leisure pool, spray features, and more — is open all year, and can be used whether you live in Upper St. Clair or not. 

Zone 28

2525 Freeport Road, Harmarville
Kiddos can go bowling, play laser tag, battle it out on arcade games, and more while you enjoy the Zone 28 beer park. 

Neville Roller Drome

5109 Neville Road, Neville Island
Rolling skating is alive at Neville Roller Drome since 1948, the largest skating facility in the area. 

The Wheel Mill

6815 Hamilton Avenue
Inside this 80,000-square-foot indoor mountain bike and BMX park are eight rooms featuring a myriad of terrains and trails for children and adults alike of every skill level. 

Story by Jordan Snowden

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Cool Down with These 6 Classic Cocktail Recipes

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six classic cocktails of various colors sit in glasses of different shapes and sizes. classic cocktail recipes

We’re in peak hot and sunny season. Now seems like an ideal time to refresh your beverage repertoire with classic cocktail recipes that will work for any occasion (and never disappoint). Below, you’ll find our top picks for classic cocktails that are perfect for sipping on a summer day.

French 75

Two classic French 75 sit in champagne flutes against a black background with lemon peels inside the glass. A bottle of champagne pour into the glass to the right of the frame.

Elevate upcoming celebrations by adding gin, lemon, and a bit of sugar to your favorite champagne to create a classic French 75.

Mint Julep

A white hand pours a mint julep into a silver julep cup.

It doesn’t have to be Kentucky Derby season to mix up a Mint Julep cocktail. The classic bourbon-based beverage is the perfect combination of sweet and minty, with just the right amount of kick.

Dirty Martini

Two dirty martini cocktails sit in martini glasses

What separates a dirty martini from a regular one? Olive brine. The more you add, the dirtier it gets.

Frozen Cosmo

Two Frozen Cosmos, light pink in color, sit in glasses garnished by limes.

A surefire way to beat the summer heat? A frozen beverage — made even better when alcohol is involved. Enter our Frozen Cosmo cocktail recipe, a classic Cosmopolitan turned slushy.

Greyhound

Two light orange greyhound cocktails sit in clear glasses garnished with grapefruit wedges. greyhound cocktail recipe

This go-to summer cocktail is also a classic. The Greyhound, rumored to be a popular drink choice in Greyhound terminals, is made refreshing thanks to its main ingredient: grapefruit juice. The fresher the juice, the better.

Negroni

Two Negronis sit in rocks glasses garnished with orange peel. Classic Negroni Recipe

The classic Negroni is a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, and for good reason. With its perfect blend of bitter and sweet flavors, the Negroni is a timeless drink to enjoy any time of year — whether you’re looking for a sophisticated cocktail to serve at a dinner party or just want to unwind after a long day at work.

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4 Fun Activities to do with Kids in Pittsburgh

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Kids lie on the floor pointing to the ceiling that is covered in pink string of dangling paper. They are at the Childrens Museum, Activities to do with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Childrens Museum

As a professional educator, founder and CEO of Catalyst Academy, and a proud Pittsburgh parent of two, Brian Smith shares with TABLE a list of wonderful activities to do with kids in the ‘Burgh. He believes that all children, especially historically disadvantaged children, should have access to a great education. 

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

10 Children’s Way
There’s a reason the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is always ranked among the best in the country! Whether it’s your first time, or you’re a frequent visitor, there are so many engaging exhibits — your kids are guaranteed to have a great time. 

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

7370 Baker Street
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is truly a remarkable Pittsburgh asset that kids always enjoy. Parent tip: Beyond seeing many great animal exhibits, make sure to build in time for your kids to play at the Kids Kingdom playground. Always a hit. 

CitiPark: Movies in the Park

Multiple Locations
There is something truly special about gathering your family on a blanket to watch a movie in one of Pittsburgh’s many city parks on a summer night. 

Bike Pittsburgh: Open Streets

Multiple Locations
Open Streets Pittsburgh is such a fun way for families to explore many of our city’s great neighborhoods. On select weekends in the spring and summer, a network of streets is blocked from car traffic to enable people to walk and bike freely. Kids love this chance to “break the rules.” 

Story by Brian Smith

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Piña NO-lada

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A piña colada mocktail, white in color, sits in a stemless wine glass next to a glass pitcher of the mixed drink.

Ah, the sweet smell of coconut and pineapple. We might be landbound, but we can still channel the tropical aesthetic with a piña colada mocktail. Tyler Lewis shares a taste of summer with his Piña NO-Lada recipe, a creamy, refreshing drink that balances the rich sweetness of coconut with the bright, tangy notes of pineapple. Perfect for sipping poolside or just escaping the everyday grind, this alcohol-free version captures all the indulgence of the classic cocktail without any of the booze, making this piña colada mocktail a sunny, guilt-free treat any time of year.

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A piña colada mocktail, white in color, sits in a stemless wine glass next to a glass pitcher of the mixed drink.

Piña NO-lada


  • Author: Tyler Lewis

Description

A tropical escape for all.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 oz piña colada mix* (see recipe below)
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
  • 1/2 oz muscovado syrup* (see recipe below)
  • Bada Bing cherries for garnish
  • Pineapple leaves, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Add piña colada mix and lime juice to a shaker with ice, shake until cold.
  2. Roll into a stemless wine glass or piña colada glass.
  3. Slowly add muscovado syrup to glass so it settles on the bottom of the glass, garnish, and serve. Enjoy your piña colada mocktail!

For the piña colada mix:

  1. Add 2 oz cream de coconut, 3 oz coconut milk, one whole fresh-cut pineapple, and 2 tbsp sugar to blender and blend into fine liquid.
  2. Set aside and store in refrigerator.

For the muscovado syrup:

  1. Add 1 cup of muscovado sugar to 1 cup of water and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally until sugar has dissolved.
  2. At boil, remove from heat and add 4 cinnamon sticks, 10 black peppercorns, 10 cloves, and pineapple skin to the mixture and let it steep for 2 hours till cool.
  3. Strain into a storage container and store for later use.

Recipe by Tyler Lewis
Styling by Star Laliberte
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Classic Mint Julep

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A white hand pours a mint julep into a silver julep cup.

It doesn’t have to be Kentucky Derby season to mix up a Mint Julep cocktail. The classic bourbon-based beverage is the perfect combination of sweet and minty, with just the right amount of kick. There’s nothing quite like a refreshing mint julep to cool you down and quench your thirst when the temperatures are rising (and show no signs of coming down anytime soon).

What is a Julep Cup?

A julep cup is the traditional drinking cup for the Classic Mint Julep cocktail, also known as the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. It’s usually of silver, pewter, or stainless steel, and tapers into a wide shape at the lip. The metal material helps to keep the drink icy cold, a crucial element for an authentic Mint Julep experience. Especially since the frost that forms on the outside of the cup is part of its appeal.

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A white hand pours a mint julep into a silver julep cup.

Classic Mint Julep


  • Author: Anna Franklin

Description

A classic derby cocktail for relaxing refreshment.


Ingredients

Scale


Instructions

  1. In a julep cup, muddle mint leaves with the simple syrup. Add bourbon and fill glass with crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

If you enjoyed learning how to craft a Classic Mint Julep, check out our other classic cocktail recipes.

Recipe by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Dragonfruit Marti-NO

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A martini mocktail light orange-y/pink in color sits in a martini glass next to sliced dragonfruit.

It’s no secret that mocktails are seriously trending. For those who would rather forgo the alcohol yet still want the fun of a mixed-up beverage, Tyler Lewis shares with TABLE readers a variety of delectable mocktails, including the following Dragonfruit Marti-NO. After all, why enjoy a martini when you can have a mocktail version that keeps the hangover away. This martini mocktail utilizes dragonfruit — which is high in fiber, a good source of magnesium, and pack full of nutrients — resulting in a drink that not only tastes good but is also good for you.

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A martini mocktail light orange-y/pink in color sits in a martini glass next to sliced dragonfruit.

Dragonfruit Marti-NO


  • Author: Tyler Lewis

Description

Better than a martini, anyways.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ oz Seedlip Grove 42 non-alcoholic spirit
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz dragon fruit simple syrup (see recipe below)
  • ¼ oz passion fruit simple syrup (see recipe below)
  • 1 egg white
  • Sliced dragon fruit, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Add Seedlip Grove 42, lime juice, dragon fruit simple syrup, passion fruit simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker and shake without ice.
  2. Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake again for 30 seconds until cool.
  3. Double-strain into a coupe glass, garnish with the sliced dragon fruit, and serve.

For the dragon fruit simple syrup:

  1. Add half a white dragon fruit cut into small pieces, including skin, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ cup of water to a small pot and slowly bring to a simmer until the sugar has dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and leave to sit 4-6 hours.
  3. Fine strain into a clean container for storage and discard of solids.

For the passion fruit simple syrup:

  1. Add ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
  2. Slice four passionfruit in half and scoop the seeds into the sugar water mixture.
  3. Stir and let the passion fruit steep for about 2 hours.
  4. Strain into a clean storage container for later use and discard of solids.

Recipe by Tyler Lewis
Styling by Star Laliberte
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Greyhound Cocktail

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Two light orange greyhound cocktails sit in clear glasses garnished with grapefruit wedges. greyhound cocktail recipe

This go-to summer cocktail is also a classic. First given its name in 1946 by Harper’s Magazine, the Greyhound cocktail, rumored to be a popular drink choice in Greyhound terminals, is made refreshing thanks to its main ingredient: grapefruit juice. The fresher the juice, the better.

Greyhound Cocktail Recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka
4 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Grapefruit or lime wedge, for garnish
Sea salt*

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Fill a rock glass with ice and add vodka and grapefruit juice. Stir until mixed.
  2. Garnish with grapefruit wedge. *Use sea salt to salt the rim if desired.

If you enjoyed learning how to craft a Greyhound, check out our other classic cocktail recipes.

Recipe by Anna Calabrese / Photography by Dave Bryce

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Dirty Martini

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Two dirty martini cocktails sit in martini glasses

What separates a dirty martini from a regular one? Olive brine. The more you add, the dirtier it gets. Our recipe uses 1/5 oz of olive brine, but feel free to get as filthy as you want. There are some really filthy martinis out there.

Why is the Dirty Martini Everywhere Lately? 

There’s a real interest in savory cocktails at the moment. Truly, there’s something timeless about a dirty martini, but there are many savory briny, spicy cocktails. The savory cocktails create a salty, earthy taste that can pair wit a meal rather than overpowering it, unlike their sweeter counterparts. They’re also often lower-calorie. For a sweeter take on the martini, try our Chocolate Espresso Martini.

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Two dirty martini cocktails sit in martini glasses

Dirty Martini


  • Author: Anna Franklin

Description

A classically filthy cocktail.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 oz potato vodka
  • 1/5 oz dry vermouth
  • 1/5 oz olive brine
  • Two olives, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Add vodka, vermouth and olive brine to a mixing glass filled with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  2. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with olives.

 

Recipe by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce

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Wildberry Sparkler Mocktail

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Wildberry Sparkler: A Refreshing Mocktail red in color, sits in a glass filled with berries and garnished with lemon.

Mocktails don’t necessarily mean the inclusion of a non-alcoholic alternative like fake tequila or rum. Tyler Lewis demonstrates this with his Wildberry Sparkler, a vibrant drink that celebrates the pure, bright flavors of fresh fruit and a squeeze of zesty lemon. Bursting with natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, this refreshing mocktail is light, effervescent, and perfect for sipping anytime you want an alcohol-free option. It’s a simple reminder that some of the most exciting drinks come straight from nature’s pantry, offering both refreshment and a playful pop of color in every glass.

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Wildberry Sparkler: A Refreshing Mocktail red in color, sits in a glass filled with berries and garnished with lemon.

Wildberry Sparkler Mocktail


  • Author: Tyler Lewis

Description

Sometimes simpler tastes better.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ oz lemon juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 3 fresh blackberries
  • 3 fresh raspberries
  • 5 fresh blueberries
  • Soda water
  • Lemon disc, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Add lemon juice, simple syrup, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries to shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
  2. Roll freshly shaken drink into a tumbler or small Ball Jar and top with soda water.
  3. Add garnish and serve. Enjoy your refreshing summer mocktail!

Recipe by Tyler Lewis
Styling by Star Laliberte
Photography by Dave Bryce

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