Jeannie Mai Shares Her Spiced Manhattan Cocktail Recipe for the Holidays: It Has ‘The Best Kick’

03.12.2022 - 17:17 / usmagazine.com

Feeling festive! Jeannie Mai Jenkins’ Spiced Manhattan brings just the kick to any holiday gathering — without an unpleasant hangover the following morning.

“My drink of choice used to be an old-fashioned until I realized I had to get up the next day and actually function,” the former Real cohost, 43, reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly. “So I’m thankful for this spritzed version!”

Mai Jenkins — who married rapper Jeezy in March 2021 — proclaims that the cocktail has “the best kick” thanks to Owl’s Brew Spiced Chai & Cranberry Boozy Tea. The sparkling beverage is made with freshly brewed spices, including ginger, cinnamon and cloves. “What’s not to love?” the How Do I Look? alum quipped. (The Dancing With the Stars alum’s recipe makes one serving.)

In addition to mixing festive cocktails for the holiday season, Mai Jenkins is preparing for her first Christmas with daughter Monaco, whom she shares with the 45-year-old musician. The Test Kitchen host started decorating her home last month putting up stockings for her brood — including a white, furry version with Monaco’s moniker embroidered across the top.

Mai Jenkins and Jeezy — who has three older children from previous relationships — welcomed their first child in January after the fashion stylist previously suffered a miscarriage.

“It’s so weird,” the California native opened up about new motherhood via Instagram Story in March. “I don’t feel like talking, trusting anyone. I’ve become so overprotective that anything could hurt Monaco or my family. Papa Mai and my brother Dennis came to spend time with me, and there’s nothing like family. Monaco [took her] first walk with Papa Mai, the OG who taught me to love the outdoors.”

She added at the time: “When my thoughts roam,