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Madison Beer Opens Up About Her Challenging Teenage Years
Madison Beer has made it clear that she does not share the nostalgia that many feel for the year 2016, an era now being celebrated across social media. The 26-year-old singer, reflecting on the trend that’s seen celebrities like Charlie Puth and Hailey Bieber revisit their pasts, emphasized that her teenage years were not as carefree or enjoyable as they seemed to others.
In a recent interview with Interview Magazine, Beer expressed that she feels much better about her current life compared to nearly a decade ago, stating, “I definitely feel way better in my life now than I did then.” While she acknowledged the nostalgia surrounding the music and events from 2016, she noted, “But as someone who did not have the best time in my teenage years, I definitely prefer to stay in the now.”
When asked if there was anything from that time she wished to hold onto, she humorously mentioned her old clothes, considering the resurgence of mid-2010s fashion. She reflected on what she would change if given the chance to go back, citing a desire to have spent more time with her younger brother, who was an annoyance in her teenage years but is now one of her closest friends.
Beer’s rise to fame began at the age of 13 after Justin Bieber promoted her YouTube cover of Etta James’ “At Last.” Looking back, she has been open about the struggles of growing up in the limelight. In an earlier interview with Elle, she discussed the challenges she faced as a minor in the industry, explaining, “It forced me to grow up really fast, and it messed me up in a lot of ways. I’ve hopefully recovered a bit by now.”
Reviving the Classics: Old-School Spirits and Cocktails Set for a 2026 Comeback, as Forecasted by an Expert Mixologist
In the evolving landscape of the cocktail scene, 2026 is set to embrace a wave of nostalgia with a resurgence of vintage drinks and spirits, as predicted by expert mixologist Molly Horn from Total Wine & More. As people seek comfort in simpler times, classic cocktails such as the appletini, French martini, and Amaretto Sour are making a comeback in bars. Meanwhile, at home, cocktail enthusiasts are expected to experiment with slightly more complex drinks that have traditionally been overlooked, like an authentic mai tai or cosmopolitan.
Horn emphasizes the importance of adaptability in cocktail culture. She notes how there is a growing trend of high-quality Ready-To-Drink cocktails that illustrate the potential of classic recipes, encouraging consumers to replicate these at home. This revival is driven by the joy of reimagining old favorites in new, sustainable ways.
Several spirits are poised for a notable comeback in 2026, with vodka leading the charge. Once sidelined in craft cocktails, vodka is reclaiming its place due to its affordability and versatility in mixing. Additionally, classic liqueurs, including amaretto and peach schnapps, are set to reappear as bartenders and home mixologists explore playful flavors that deliver enjoyable cocktails.
For those eager to indulge in the vintage trend, visiting a retro-themed bar could provide the perfect opportunity to order classic drinks, while trying your hand at making a classic French martini at home could be a fun way to embrace this nostalgic wave.
Matthew Lillard Unveils Ghost Face Vodka: The Ultimate Treat for ‘Scream’ Enthusiasts
Matthew Lillard Launches Ghost Face Vodka
Matthew Lillard, known for his iconic role in the Scream franchise, has announced the launch of his own vodka, Ghost Face Vodka, through a collaboration with his brand, Macabre Spirits. Lillard expressed immense pride in bringing this product to life, which he presented on social media.
Ghost Face Vodka is set to debut on February 9, with fans given the opportunity for early access online. It’s distilled in Germany using 100% non-GMO potatoes. The product will come in a collectible limited-time box that includes a hand-signed autograph from Lillard, exclusive pins, custom glassware, and a digital party game designed for vodka enthusiasts.
With a price of $160, the collectible set is expected to be a hit among fans and collectors alike, who have eagerly awaited such a product. Many have expressed excitement and even urgency regarding its release, with some commenting that it’s a "need" rather than just a "want." The overwhelming excitement is not limited to drinkers; some non-drinkers intend to purchase it solely for the bottle.
Despite his character’s demise in the original Scream, Lillard is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Scream 7, further captivating the audience’s attention. This venture into the spirits industry is seen as a fitting tribute to the legacy of his character and the franchise as a whole.
Introducing the Fiery Fusion: Absolut & Tabasco’s Bold New Vodka Release
Absolut Vodka and Tabasco have teamed up to introduce a new chili pepper-flavored vodka called Absolut Tabasco. This unique beverage combines the classic smoothness of Absolut vodka with the fiery essence of Tabasco’s aged, fermented red pepper mash.
Hitting the market in February 2026, the vodka has an alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of 38 percent and contains no added sugar, making it gluten-free and appealing to health-conscious consumers. It delivers a bold taste that balances Tabasco’s familiar heat with Absolut’s smooth profile, making it suitable to sip neat or use as a cocktail base.
The launch comes amid a growing popularity for spicy flavors in beverages, with spicy vodka sales projected to increase significantly by 2029. Absolut describes each sip of their new vodka as highlighting the distinct notes of chili peppers and vinegar, along with an underlying sweetness that prompts drinkers to reach for another sip.
Craig van Niekerk, global vice president of marketing for Absolut Vodka, noted the consumer desire for heat in their drinks, celebrating the collaboration between these two iconic brands. The Absolut Tabasco vodka will be available in over 50 global markets, including the US and the UK.
Skrewball Whiskey Experience Surge in Cruise Ship Sales: A New Trend Emerges!
Skrewball Whiskey is experiencing a significant increase in its cruise business, according to Global Business Acceleration Director Juan Manuel Gomez. Known for its unique peanut butter flavor, Skrewball Whiskey serves as an exciting option for creating cocktails and various recipes. Gomez emphasizes the balanced mix of peanut butter, nutty vanilla notes, and the whiskey’s smoothness, making it an enjoyable drink.
The company aims to create a memorable experience for cruise guests, offering its whiskey at ship bars and onboard retailers. This dual selling method allows guests not only to enjoy the product during their cruise but also to take it home as a reminder of their vacation memories. Currently, most sales occur at onboard bars.
Skrewball partners with several cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Margaritaville at Sea, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Gomez explains that cruise companies are focused on delivering exceptional experiences and understanding guests’ evolving preferences.
He highlights the need to resonate with future consumers, especially Gen Z, noting that Skrewball meets their desires from both functional and emotional perspectives. Despite facing the challenge of convincing cruise lines and guests to try flavored whiskey, Gomez believes in the product’s versatility and refreshing nature once tasted.
Founded in 2018 in San Diego, Skrewball Whiskey has achieved remarkable success, selling over three million 900 cases in the U.S. and international markets. The brand’s origins trace back to founder Steve Yeng’s childhood experiences, including a memorable encounter with peanut butter, which resonated deeply with him as a symbol of freedom after facing hardships.
Madison Beer’s ‘Locket’: A Disappointing Departure from Pre-Release Hype
Madison Beer, initially recognized as Justin Bieber’s protégé in 2012, continues to be perceived through the lens of her early fame and social media presence. Despite her efforts to reclaim her narrative, her third studio album, locket, released on January 16, 2026, doesn’t seem to fulfill the ambitious promises set by her pre-release singles.
Promoting locket since early 2024, Beer released several singles prior to the album, including "Make You Mine," "Yes Baby," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Enough." These songs hinted at a sonic direction filled with darker pop elements, driving excitement among her fans. Just days before the album’s launch, she announced The Locket Tour, covering 32 shows across Europe and North America, further suggesting an era of significance.
However, upon listening to locket, the expectation of a groundbreaking shift in Beer’s career gives way to a more transitional album. The polished production may shine in private settings but doesn’t translate well to live performances.
One notable challenge throughout Beer’s music is her unclear musical identity. Much of locket draws parallels to artists like Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, especially with tracks like "Angel Wings," which emulates Grande’s soft vocals. Despite this, "Angel Wings" stands out by showcasing Beer’s willingness to take risks, culminating in an unexpected, immersive conclusion that deviates from her usual style.
Yet, the expectation set by her pre-release singles isn’t fully realized in the album. While "Make You Mine" and "Yes Baby" display her confidence, the overall direction of the album veers away from this momentum. The absence of the strong track "15 Minutes" further hinders the album’s flow.
Outside of a couple of standout tracks like "Complexity" and "Angel Wings," which embrace creativity through structural and lyrical risks, the rest of the album remains subdued and ballad-driven.
Despite these critiques, locket reveals its depth over time, hinting at themes of emotional introspection. The true impact of Beer’s new music, and whether it evolves into something more substantial, may reveal itself during her upcoming performances on tour. For now, the intentions behind locket are enigmatically tucked away, waiting to unfold.
From Bear Poop to Beer: A Unique Portland Collaboration to Make Super Bowl History
Would you consider drinking beer made with bear poop? This peculiar question is at the forefront of a marketing campaign by Breakside Brewery and Columbia Sportswear.
The new beer, aptly named “Nature Calls,” is a collaboration between these two brands, known for pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Breakside Brewery is not new to unusual brewing practices, previously creating beers with creative names, but this venture takes it to another level. The "clean-tasting lager" features an unexpected ingredient: "a hint of bear poop collected trailside in Montana from the American black bear."
Despite the bizarre inclusion, the breweries assure consumers that the beer is safe to drink, stating, “We’ve brewed a lot of beers, but never one that celebrates nature this literally.” Scott Lawrence, founder of Breakside, initially thought Columbia was joking when they proposed the idea, but it has now turned into what they claim could be the wildest beer in America.
“Nature Calls” will be available at Columbia’s booth during The Players Tailgate on February 8 and in limited quantities at Breakside locations, although it won’t be advertised during the actual Super Bowl.
As the event approaches, beer enthusiasts across the country are left wondering if they’ll dare to try this unique brew.
The Popularity of Adding Water to Whiskey: Exploring the Reasons Behind the Tradition
New videos have emerged showing Alex Pretti’s confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis, occurring just days before his tragic death. His family’s attorney asserts that nothing in the earlier altercation, captured on video, could rationalize the sequence of events leading to Alex’s killing.
The footage has spurred discussions and concerns over the dangers posed by federal agents in such interactions. Pretti was shot and killed under circumstances that are now being scrutinized, raising questions about the use of force and the justification for such lethal measures. The case brings to light ongoing debates about law enforcement practices and accountability.
These recent developments have ignited broader conversations about the safety and treatment of individuals during encounters with federal law enforcement. As the investigation proceeds, many community members and advocates are calling for transparency and justice regarding Pretti’s death.
For more details, you can follow updates on the developments surrounding this case at Yahoo News.
Absolut Unveils Spicy Tabasco Vodka: Elevate Your Cocktails with a Bold Twist!
Absolut has launched a new product that promises to add some heat to your cocktails: Absolut Tabasco Vodka. This collaboration combines the iconic smooth vodka with the rich flavors of Tabasco sauce, marking a bold entry into the flavored vodka market.
The vodka is infused with a natural essence derived from the fermented red pepper mash used to create the beloved hot sauce. The packaging reflects the partnership, featuring Tabasco’s signature colors and diamond label while retaining Absolut’s distinctive bottle shape.
Caroline Begley, Vice President of Marketing at Absolut, emphasized the brand’s commitment to bold flavors and partnerships, stating, “This year we’re bringing the heat with the launch of Absolut Tabasco. We’re proud to partner with another icon… to add a spicy kick to both classic and trending cocktails.”
The new Absolut Tabasco Vodka has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 38%, is gluten-free, and offers a balanced flavor profile that mimics the vinegary notes of traditional Tabasco without overwhelming the palate. The spiciness builds gradually, making it a versatile option for a variety of beverages, including Bloody Marys and martinis, or even enjoyed straight as a shot.
Kate Neuhaus from the McIlhenny Company, which produces Tabasco, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, citing the shared heritage of both brands and the quality they represent, calling it “the perfect match.”
Absolut Tabasco is now available at retailers nationwide and can also be purchased online, priced around $35 for a 750 mL bottle.
Top Vodka Picks for 2026: Discover the Best Bottles of the Year
Vodka is renowned for its clarity and simplicity, yet behind this straightforward image lies an intricate realm of production choices that mold its texture, character, and finish. The diversity in vodka comes from various factors including grain and water sources, distillation methods, and filtration techniques. Each of these influences the vodka’s performance—be it neat, chilled, or mixed in cocktails. The nominees for the best vodka include both traditional and innovative brands, showcasing an array of approaches that emphasize balance, purity, and versatility, while highlighting the spirit’s evolution.
Voting for the best vodka is open until February 25, 2026, with winners announced on March 4, 2026. Voters can participate daily.
The Nominees:
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Absolut: Crafted in Sweden from winter wheat and natural spring water, known for its clean profile and wide range of flavors makes it a popular base for cocktails.
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Belvedere: A Polish vodka made from 100% rye, recognized for its smooth texture and balanced flavor.
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Chopin: Offers single-ingredient vodkas made from potato, rye, and wheat, showcasing different textures and influences based on base ingredients.
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Grey Goose: Produced in France, celebrated for its smoothness and subtle sweetness, a preferred choice for high-end cocktails.
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Heritage Distilling Vodka: Emphasizes quality ingredients and careful distillation, aiming for versatility in cocktails.
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Prairie Organic Vodka: Made from non-GMO corn, focusing on transparency and sustainability, this vodka is clean and versatile.
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Prichard’s Tennessee Springs Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka: A flavored vodka combining citrus brightness with a smooth base.
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Sipsmith Sipping Vodka: Distilled in London, known for balance and mouthfeel, suitable for sipping and mixing.
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Smirnoff: Globally recognized for its versatility and classic profile, available in various flavors.
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Tito’s Handmade Vodka: A Texas-based vodka known for its gluten-free corn base and accessible style, widely used in mixed drinks.
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Valentine Vodka: Michigan-crafted with a focus on balance and texture, great for sipping or cocktails.
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Watershed Distillery Vodka: An Ohio-produced vodka that balances a soft mouthfeel with cleanliness, ideal for various drinks.
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Western Son Vodka: Texas-distilled, known for its fruit-driven flavors and versatility in cocktails.
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Wheatley Vodka: Produced at Buffalo Trace, known for its balance and clarity, designed for use in cocktails.
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Wild Roots Vodka: Crafted in Oregon, famous for its naturally infused fruit flavors, utilizing real ingredients for an authentic taste.
The award is decided by reader votes, reflecting preferences across various styles and brands within the vodka landscape. For any inquiries regarding the voting process, readers can consult the official Newsweek Readers’ Choice rules.