Candlelight and the clink of glasses will start any cocktail hour off in fine form, add Gris Gris and the evening will be twice as nice. According to Creole Voodoo, Gris Gris (pronounced “gree gree”) is a magic spell that can be used for good or evil. In this case, a splash of Gris Gris Cocktail Magic puts a happy hex on the whole affair.

These Cocktail Magic concoctions make any drink sing with syrup flavors such as Jalapeño Hex, Basil Habanero and the newly debuted Rosemary Thyme Black Peppercorn. Add a splash of Gris Gris to vodka, tequila, rum or gin, top with soda, finish with a fresh squeeze of citrus and voilà—the perfect cocktail awaits. Made with fresh produce and herbs, each batch is cooked slowly to extract both the heat and the complexity of the peppers in the spicy varieties.

Cocktail Magic is my go-to hostess gift (if I want to be invited back!) and my drink of choice at home. The Jalapeño Hex and Basil Habanero syrups are divine with tequila for a very fresh tasting margarita that gives a hint of heat. And spicy lovers rejoice—Jalapeño Chow Chow, a pantry staple, has just been added to the Gris Gris repertoire.

From now on, you’ll find their Chow Chow gracing my cheese plates. For this holiday-inspired spread I started with a triple cream brie, blue cheese and aged Mahon. Marcona rosemary almonds, Sicilian olives, Jalapeño Chow Chow, and blistered shishito peppers intensify the savory profile while grape jam grapes lend sweetness. Throw in some cured meats, crackers and sliced radishes and you have yourself a crowd pleaser!

The signature cocktail of the evening was a Scarborough Fair made with 2 oz. of gin, .75 oz. of Rosemary Thyme Black Peppercorn syrup, and lemon juice. This drink hits the mark if you enjoy a sensational cocktail that isn’t saccharine, I can’t think of a better seasonal spirit! Gris Gris has the best recipes for any thirsty guest from a Berry Smash to a Ya Ya.

Trust me when I say that Gris Gris is a hit hostess present and with offerings such as boxed sets, petite sachet favors, and silver cocktail spoons, gifting is a cinch. Gris Gris is graciously offering Stuffy Muffy readers 20% off all orders with code STUFFYMUFFY at checkout plus free shipping on orders over $50. What an excellent excuse to stock your bar and gift with abandon this holiday season and beyond. Cheers dears!