Page 11 – The Fresh Toast

The Broke But Festive Holiday Survival Manual

Sarah Johns

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December 8, 2025

Learn smart budgeting, gift ideas, and low-cost fun with the broke but festive holiday survival manual.

The holiday season is supposed to be joyful, but for many adults, the reality can feel stressful — especially in a tough economy. Rising prices for everything from groceries to rent mean that splurging on gifts, festive dinners, and night-out parties isn’t always an option. Here is the broke but festive holiday survival manual. But being on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on holiday cheer. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and planning, you can stay festive, social, and in good spirits — all without emptying your wallet.

Start by scaling celebrations to match your budget. Hosting a large dinner or lavish party may be tempting, but smaller, intimate gatherings can be just as enjoyable. Consider potluck-style dinners or cookie exchanges with friends — everyone contributes, and costs stay low. Thrifted decorations, DIY ornaments, and homemade gifts are also surprisingly charming, giving your holiday space a personal, cozy feel without the high price tag.

no regrets how to embrace your holiday weight gain — Photo by Teddy Rawpixel via Rawpixel

Digital tools can also help stretch your budget. For gift exchanges, try themed swaps like “under $10 finds” or “favorite snacks” rather than buying expensive presents. Curated playlists, video montages, or a heartfelt handwritten letter can serve as meaningful gifts that don’t cost a dime. You can also stream Magic 101.9 New Orleans holiday music for freeto instantly set a festive mood at home — no subscription required.

Going out and drinking can be one of the biggest holiday expenses. Luckily, there are alternatives that are often cheaper, healthier, and just as social. Vapes, gummies, and other cannabis products have become popular choices among younger adults looking for festive fun without the high cost of alcohol. A single pack of gummies or a vape cartridge can last multiple sessions and provide a controlled, affordable way to relax with friends. Pair these with cozy movie nights, board games, or outdoor walks to create memorable, low-cost holiday experiences.

Remember, staying festive isn’t just about social events. The holidays can be mentally exhausting, and budgeting can add stress. Simple self-care rituals — like hot baths, journaling, or short walks under holiday lights — are free or low-cost ways to maintain your well-being. Even small touches, like lighting a scented candle, streaming holiday music, or making a favorite winter drink, can provide comfort and joy.

Ultimately, the broke-but-festive approach is about prioritizing joy over expense. Get creative with your traditions, focus on quality time rather than costly gifts, and don’t be afraid to try new, budget-friendly ways to celebrate. The holidays can still feel magical — even when money is tight. With careful planning, thoughtful gifts, and affordable ways to relax and socialize, you can survive the season financially and emotionally while keeping the festive spirit alive.

Upgrade Your Gift Game and Avoid the Lame

Anthony Washington

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December 8, 2025

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Upgrade your gift game and avoid the lame by giving meaningful, memorable, and fun presents friends actually love.

Holiday gift exchanges can be joyful, but for many they can also be stressful — especially when budgets are tight and expectations are high. This year, instead of defaulting to scented candles, novelty socks, or yet another coffee mug, there’s a growing movement toward gifts feeling personal, creative, and experience-driven without breaking the bank. The modern holiday shopper is rethinking what it means to give meaningfully — and the results are surprisingly fun. Here are some suggestions to upgrade your gift game and avoid the lame.

One trend gaining popularity among younger adults is the experience or low-cost sentimental gift exchange. Instead of buying something new, friends trade activities: a homemade dinner, a movie night IOU, a “one free dog walk” card, or even a weekend swap of skills like photography, vinyl record cleaning, or help building furniture. It’s more about connection and less about price tags — which fits the moment perfectly.

Digital-first gifting has also become its own art form, harking back to the days of mixed tapes. Curated playlists labeled “songs that sound like winter” or “the year we became closer” are heartfelt, free, and highly personal. Some create short videos or digital scrapbooks from shared photos. Others are using AI tools to write poems, inside jokes, or funny fake award certificates for friends — a playful modern twist on the carefully curated playlists of the past.

For those who still want something physical, DIY and upcycled gifts are trending. Thrift-store finds can become stylish with a bit of paint or fabric. Cookie boxes, infused honey, homemade bath salts, or hand-pressed flower bookmarks can feel luxurious while costing very little. The charm isn’t in perfection — it’s in the thought and creativity.

If gifting among friend groups is expected, setting themes makes exchanges easier and more fun. A “bring something under $10 you swear by” swap often leads to useful surprises like skincare finds, favorite snacks, or tiny tech gadgets. A “green and cozy” exchange might encourage plants, tea blends, or CBD bath products. Even a humorous theme like “the most chaotic gift wins” keeps the mood light and memorable.

The holiday season doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With creativity and a little intention, gift-giving becomes less of a financial burden and more of a joyful expression — the way it should be. As new generations continue to reshape traditions, one thing is clear: thoughtful beats pricey, and personal beats generic every time.

US Medicare Potentially Adding Coverage For CBD

Amy Hansen

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December 8, 2025

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Discover what US Medicare potentially adding coverage for CBD means for pain relief, wellness, costs, and patient care access.

In good news, US Medicare potentially adding coverage for CBD. The federal agency is quietly moving toward a potential shift which could make cannabidiol (CBD) — the non-intoxicating compound extracted from hemp — more accessible to older Americans. Recent regulatory proposals and reporting indicate the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering ways for some Medicare programs, particularly Medicare Advantage, to reimburse certain hemp-derived products who meet federal and state rules. If finalized, the change would be a major step for seniors who already show high interest in CBD as an alternative for pain, sleep and anxiety.

CBD’s popularity has exploded in the past decade. Shelves in pharmacies and grocery stores are stocked with tinctures, capsules, creams and gummies marketed to relieve everything from chronic pain to insomnia. Advocates argue broader coverage would lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors and integrate CBD into managed care pathways; critics caution federal law and uneven evidence mean wide insurance coverage would be premature. Reporting on this evolving policy debate shows regulators are trying to thread the needle — permitting coverage for a limited set of compliant hemp products while avoiding conflict with federal drug law.

marijuana leaf — Photo by Olena Ruban/Getty Images

What does the medical evidence say? The clearest, FDA-backed use of CBD today is for rare seizure disorders: Epidiolex, a prescription CBD product, is approved to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex. Outside those indications, research is promising but mixed. Systematic reviews and clinical summaries indicate cannabinoids can help with chemotherapy-related nausea, some chronic pain syndromes and spasticity from multiple sclerosis, while CBD specifically has shown benefit as an adjunct for certain refractory epilepsies. However, many other claims — for anxiety, arthritis pain, sleep, and neurodegenerative disease — rely on smaller studies, observational data or preclinical work and need larger randomized trials.

Medical authorities urge cautious optimism. The National Institutes of Health / NLM clinical reviews and summaries map the most robust evidence (epilepsy) and identify risks such as liver enzyme elevations and drug interactions require monitoring. The Mayo Clinic likewise notes while CBD is under investigation for many conditions, most over-the-counter CBD products lack FDA approval and strong evidence, and only one prescription CBD product is currently FDA-approved. Those organizations remain important resources for clinicians and patients weighing potential benefits and harms.

What would Medicare coverage mean in practice? If CMS finalizes a rule allowing certain hemp-derived CBD products into benefits, coverage would likely be narrow: prescription formulations with proven indications or tightly specified, compliant hemp products produced under strict quality standards. Policymakers must address product quality, labeling, dosing, and safety surveillance before broad reimbursement. Until then, seniors interested in CBD should consult their clinicians about potential benefits, interactions with other medications, and whether an FDA-approved prescription product is appropriate.

As regulators consider coverage, the debate will hinge on two forces: growing consumer demand from older Americans and the medical community’s call for better evidence and safeguards. The coming months could bring concrete policy steps from CMS; for now the conversation spotlights a larger question — how to responsibly integrate a widely used but unevenly regulated product into mainstream healthcare.

How Cannabis Can Turn Snow Days Into Cozy Winter Rituals

Sarah Johns

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December 7, 2025

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Discover how cannabis can turn snow days into cozy winter rituals with wellness, creativity, comfort and connection in cold weather.

Winter brings its own kind of magic — snow-globe streets, crisp night air, holiday lights glowing against early sunsets. It also brings the realities many people know too well: long dark commutes, cabin fever, seasonal sluggishness and the urge to bundle up inside with something warm. For younger adults, especially millennials and Gen Z, here is how cannabis can turn snow days into cozy winter rituals with a marijuana and CBD wellness toolkit — not for escape, but for relaxation, connection and creativity.

Across legal states, winter cannabis culture is trending from simple joints shared among friends to infused cozy rituals. Think hot chocolate with a low-dose edible, a candle-lit chill evening with a favorite playlist, or journaling with a CBD tincture-spiked tea. Snow days are no longer just for kids — they’re turning into a grown-up chance to unplug, unwind and embrace the season’s slower pace with intention.

One reason cannabis fits naturally into winter is sensory enhancement. A light dose can make that crunch of snow under boots sound richer, the cold air feel sharper and nature seem more peaceful. For outdoor fans, mellow strains may pair well with activities like snowshoeing, slow winter hikes, building snow forts or even an impromptu snowball fight. The key is moderation: low doses, warm clothing, safe environments and avoiding risk-heavy activities like driving or skiing while high.

Indoors, winter is prime time for creativity. Many young adults are leaning into cannabis-powered kitchen projects — baking brownies, experimenting with herbal infusions or hosting “Cannabis & Cookies” nights with friends. Others are treating snow as a signal for self-care: long CBD bath soaks, weighted blankets, guided meditation sessions or repainting a room with lo-fi beats in the background. Winter can feel heavy, but cannabis can help shift the tone from “stuck inside” to “soft retreat.”

Community connection may be the biggest appeal. A cozy living-room movie night, a board-game marathon or a craft party with warm drinks and microdoses can transform gray weekends into memories. With stress and seasonal mood dips common this time of year, light cannabis use — especially products balanced with CBD — may help people relax and be more present with each other.

Winter isn’t just something to survive — it can be something to savor. With thoughtful, responsible use, cannabis can turn cold days into warm moments, making the season not darker, but cozier, calmer and more creative.

How Cannabis Can Help With Jet Lag

Amy Hansen

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December 5, 2025

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Learn how cannabis can help with jet lag using CBD, THC and microdosing tips for smoother travel transitions.

Whether or seasoned or newbie globetrotters, jet lag can be the unwelcome souvenir which lingers long after the flight. Whether you’re crossing the Atlantic for business in London, shopping in Chennai, hopping to Hawaii for sun, or just going cross country to see the parents, disrupted sleep patterns and fatigue are almost expected. Travelers have long relied on melatonin, caffeine, hydration, and sheer willpower to overcome the haze—but among a growing number of flyers, another potential remedy is entering the conversation. Here is how cannabis can help with jet lag.

Jet lag is, at its core, a circadian rhythm disruption. Your body believes it’s still 3 a.m. in New York, even when the morning sun is shining in Paris. Symptoms can include fatigue, insomnia, irritability, digestive changes, and difficulty concentrating—none ideal when the goal is to explore museums, attend meetings, or hit the beach. While cannabis is not a cure for jet lag, some travelers report thoughtful, moderate use can help ease the transition. As legalization spreads in the U.S. and around the world, many travelers are wondering if the green plant can help soften the blow of long-haul travel and support a smoother transition into a new time zone.

One reason cannabis is being discussed in travel circles is its well-known connection to relaxation and sleep. Flyers who struggle to unwind on the first night in a new city say an indica-leaning strain or a low-dose edible helps quiet the mind and encourage rest, especially when combined with a dark room, hydration, and limited screen time. Others turn to CBD—non-intoxicating and widely legal—for its reported calming qualities, making it a popular option for travelers who want relief without feeling high.

Beyond sleep support, some travelers use microdoses of THC or CBD to ease tension during travel days. Airports, tight seats, long lines, and overnight flights can amplify stress; a small dose taken responsibly at home before or after travel—not at the airport, onboard, or in public where it may be illegal—may help the body relax and settle. A topical or CBD tincture can also be useful for aches and stiffness after hours in the air.

Still, cannabis and international travel come with clear rules. It is illegal to carry cannabis across international borders, even between two legal regions. The safest approach is to purchase cannabis legally only after arrival, where permitted, and to confirm all local regulations before lighting up. Hotel policies also vary, so discretion and knowledge matter.

For travelers looking for natural support during time zone transitions, cannabis is becoming part of the wellness toolkit. With responsible use, legal awareness, and smart dosage, it may offer a gentle edge against groggy mornings and sleepless nights—allowing adventurers to spend less time fighting fatigue and more time discovering a new world.

The Best Cocktails For Holiday Day Drinking

Anthony Washington

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December 5, 2025

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Explore the best cocktails for holiday day drinking with sparkling, cozy, and easy seasonal drink recipes everyone loves.

Holiday season doesn’t always mean late-night parties and champagne at midnight—some of the best celebrations happen long before sunset. Whether it’s a cheerful luncheon with friends, a family gathering that starts early, or simply a quiet afternoon wrapped in a blanket, day drinking calls for cocktails that are lighter, festive, and easy to enjoy over conversation. With bright flavors, warm spices, and a touch of holiday sparkle, these drinks add effortless joy to daytime merrymaking.

Here are the best cocktails for holiday day drinking. Each recipe balances flavor with seasonal flair, offering options from bubbly and refreshing to rich, warm, and indulgent.

Cranberry Mimosa

The mimosa, born in 1920s Paris, became a brunch icon for its simplicity: citrus + bubbles. For the holidays, cranberry adds a tart pop and antioxidants, making it a festive and slightly healthier sip.

Ingredients

3 oz chilled Prosecco or Champagne
2 oz cranberry juice (100% juice preferred)
Fresh cranberries & rosemary sprig

Create

Fill a flute halfway with cranberry juice.
Top with sparkling wine
Garnish with cranberries that float like ornaments and a rosemary sprig for aroma and elegance

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Few drinks are as comforting as hot chocolate, and adding Baileys transforms it into a grown-up treat ideal for fireplace lounging. Baileys Irish Cream, originally introduced in the 1970s, blends Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa, giving this cocktail its smooth dessert-like character.

Ingredients

1 cup milk (whole or oat for creaminess)
2 tbsp high-quality cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix
1–2 oz Baileys Irish Cream
Whipped cream & chocolate shavings (optional)

Create

Warm milk in a saucepan (do not boil).
Whisk in cocoa until velvety.
Remove from heat, stir in Baileys,
pour into a mug. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate for extra indulgence

Optional Variant – Baileys Double Chocolate
Swap cocoa for a dark chocolate melt and add a splash of Baileys Chocolate Liqueur for deeper flavor. Rich, silky, and perfect for snowy afternoons.

Gingerbread Old Fashioned

A merry twist on a 19th-century classic, this version adds warm gingerbread syrup for nostalgic cookie-like spice.

Ingredients

2 oz bourbon
½ oz gingerbread syrup
Dash aromatic bitters
Orange peel & cinnamon stick

Create

Stir bourbon, syrup, and bitters over ice
Strain into a rocks glass and garnish
Savor the slow, smooth, festive perfection

Peppermint White Russian

A creamy winter riff on the 1940s vodka-Kahlúa original. Light peppermint makes it refreshing enough for daytime.

Ingredients

1 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz peppermint schnapps
1 oz cream or milk

Create

Pour ingredients over ice and gently stir
Add crushed candy cane rim for holiday sparkle

Spiced Apple Spritz

Like a holiday orchard in a glass. Effervescent, fruity, and perfect with lunch.

Ingredients

2 oz apple cider
3 oz Prosecco
½ oz spiced rum
Apple slice + cinnamon pinch

Create

Combine cider and rum over ice
Top with Prosecco,
Garnish with a thin apple fan

With a balance of merry flavors and easy preparation, these cocktails turn daytime gatherings into something special. Whether you lean creamy, sparkling, or spiced, mix one up, pour into a festive glass, and toast to the season—sometimes the best holiday memories are made before sunset. Cheers!

Can Cannabis Help Your Holidays Anxiety

Amy Hansen

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December 4, 2025

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Can cannabis help your holidays anxiety by adding calm cheer to chaotic shopping, family time, end-of-year stress, and winter gatherings?

The holiday season is often painted in warm lights and festive cheer — yet for many people, it’s also a time of mounting pressure: looming end-of-year work deadlines, scrambling for gifts, hosting or visiting family, juggling social obligations — and, not least, wrestling with unmet expectations or emotional baggage. All of it can build into a quiet, nagging anxiety. In such a fraught moment, the idea of using cannabis to take the edge off — to calm nerves before a big gathering or unwind after a hectic day — can feel tempting. But what does the science say? Can cannabis help your holidays anxiety and is it safe?

Cannabis is far from monolithic. Its two most studied compounds — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces the “high,” and Cannabidiol (CBD), which does not — affect mood and anxiety in different (and often opposite) ways. A growing body of research has focused on how each may influence stress, anxiety, and mood.

A 2024 trial involving 300 people found legal, commercially available cannabis products dominated by CBD were linked with immediate reductions in tension and anxiety — and, importantly, did so without the psychoactive impairment or paranoia THC-heavy options sometimes bring. Complementing the information, a 2025 systematic review of 57 studies on “medicinal cannabis” for anxiety-related disorders reported many (though not all) of the higher-quality studies found improvement in symptoms such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or post-trauma anxiety after use of cannabis-based preparations.

Still, scientists remain cautious. A more recent review concluded data remains inconsistent, especially when considering long-term use, different diagnoses, varied dosing, and mixed types of cannabis products. For some people — especially those using high-THC strains — cannabis may worsen anxiety or trigger negative reactions.

Because the effects of THC are strongly dose-dependent, many users and researchers are now curious about what’s often called “microdosing”: consuming very small amounts of THC (sometimes combined with CBD) with the goal of achieving gentle relaxation and stress relief — without the full-blown intoxication, lethargy, or paranoia high doses can bring. In theory, microdosing may offer a “sweet spot”: enough effect to calm nerves but not enough to impair or overshoot into anxiety.

There is also emerging lab-based evidence certain compounds found naturally in cannabis — beyond THC and CBD — may influence how the brain reacts. For example, a 2024 study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found a terpene (a plant-derived chemical also present in cannabis) called d-limonene significantly reduced self-reported anxiety and paranoia when inhaled alongside THC, compared with THC alone.

Still — and this is key — microdosing remains a largely anecdotal strategy. There aren’t yet enough large, rigorous, long-term clinical trials to confirm microdosing is safe or reliably effective for anxiety relief.

If you choose to use it to help this holiday season, you should consider –

Understand what you’re using: Prefer CBD-dominant or low-dose THC products; avoid high-THC “potency bombs,” especially in social or unpredictable settings.
Go slow and minimal: If trying THC, start with a very low dose; if using CBD, know that clinical studies typically involve defined doses and controlled conditions — OTC products can vary widely.
Keep expectations realistic: For many, cannabis may offer short-term, situational relief — not a cure for chronic anxiety.
Use as a tool — not a crutch: Combine with proven stress-management strategies (sleep hygiene, therapy, exercise, mindfulness) rather than relying solely on cannabinoids.
Talk to a clinician if you have a history of mental health issues, are taking other medications, or are pregnant / breastfeeding.

There’s reason to believe that cannabis — especially CBD, or very low doses of THC (microdosing) — can help some people manage situational anxiety during the stress of the holidays. But the science remains tentative, evidence is mixed, and risks remain real. For now, experts do not recommend cannabis as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. If you’re curious about trying it, treat it as a provisional, carefully monitored option — not a guaranteed relief.

Cannabis Industry Startled By Adminstration’s Pardon

Terry Hacienda

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December 2, 2025

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Cannabis Industry Startled By Adminstration’s Pardon

Cannabis industry startled by administration’s pardon as major drug kingpins are freed while small businesses struggle for legitimacy.

The contradictions are stark: on one hand, millions of Americans — roughly 88% — now believe cannabis should be legal for medical or recreational use. On the other, the federal government under Donald J. Trump is granting pardons to major drug-kingpins, effectively undercutting the very legitimacy of drug enforcement — and prolonging the regulatory limbo for the legitimate cannabis industry. The cannabis industry startled by administration’s pardon, and has serious concerns.

Recent polling from Pew Research Center (January 2024) shows 88% of U.S. adults believe marijuana should be legal for “medical or recreational use.” 57% support full legalization (medical + recreational).

32% favor medical use only.

These numbers reflect broad, cross-demographic support: across age groups, political affiliations, and social backgrounds. Yet despite this widespread public backing, federal law continues to treat cannabis as a Schedule I prohibited substance. Meanwhile, many small businesses — the backbone of the legal cannabis economy — remain stuck navigating a patchwork of state laws, banking restrictions, and regulatory uncertainty.

The legal cannabis industry in the United States is far from the caricature of drug-lords and illicit syndicates. In many states, it is built on “mom-and-pop,” small-business owners — growers, retailers, and delivery services — operating under state licensing regimes, paying taxes, and striving to meet compliance, safety, and community standards.

These businesses often invest heavily in compliance: tracking seed-to-sale, adhering to local zoning laws, paying licensing fees, and ensuring product safety. They strive to be transparent and legitimate. Yet they continue to suffer — unable to access traditional banking, facing high regulatory costs, and vulnerable to federal enforcement risk.

For these entrepreneurs, the inaction at the federal level — combined with aggressive pardons for large-scale traffickers — feels like a double injustice. While “real cannabis” operators play by the rules, the government’s clemency choices tacitly reward those who broke them.

In 2025, the Trump administration commuted or pardoned several high-profile drug offenders — individuals whose enterprises profited from illicit narcotics trafficking.

Notably:

Juan Orlando Hernández — convicted in 2024 on federal drug-trafficking and weapons charges for enabling the shipment of hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States — received a full and unconditional presidential pardon on December 2, 2025. He had been sentenced to 45 years in prison before his release.
Ross Ulbricht — founder of the darknet marketplace Silk Road — received a full and unconditional pardon.
Larry Hoover and other convicted dealers were also granted clemency even as the administration publicly reiterated its commitment to a “drug war.”

This paradox — pardoning convicted traffickers while claiming to crack down on drugs — has drawn sharp criticism. Observers argue it undermines not only the moral basis of drug enforcement, but also public trust in which operations deserve clemency and which don’t.

The legal cannabis industry is caught in a confusing and often frustrating limbo. Federal policy sends mixed signals: the administration has pardoned high-profile drug kingpins — including international traffickers — while marijuana remains federally illegal. The message is stark: massive illegal dealers are forgiven, while small, law-abiding cannabis businesses continue to face obstacles.

Regulatory burdens remain heavy. Even as states embrace legalization, small cannabis operators contend with a maze of state laws, limited access to banking, and steep compliance costs. Without federal support, these businesses must navigate an uncertain legal landscape which limits growth and threatens survival.

The pardons of major traffickers amplify the sense of hypocrisy. When convicted drug lords are freed while compliant cannabis businesses remain constrained, the government’s commitment to fairness and justice comes into question. The contrast highlights the uneven enforcement continuing to frustrate entrepreneurs who have worked hard to stay on the right side of the law.

Looking Ahead: Steps to Align Policy and Reality

For the industry to thrive, federal policy must finally catch up with public opinion:

Reclassify or reschedule cannabis so legal operators can run businesses with clarity and confidence under a consistent national framework.
Banking reform to provide access to financial services, loans, and basic banking infrastructure for compliant cannabis businesses.
Rational clemency and sentencing policies that distinguish between violent traffickers and nonviolent cannabis entrepreneurs, recognizing the huge difference in scale and harm.
Congressional action reflecting decades of rising public support and sets a clear path toward legalization.

Until federal law aligns with the will of the people, the legal cannabis industry — largely composed of small “mom-and-pop” operations — will continue to face unnecessary barriers, even as the administration grants leniency to major traffickers. The result is a system that rewards the wrong actors while holding law-abiding entrepreneurs back.

Can You Believe Pepsi Used To Own A Navy

Anthony Washington

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December 1, 2025

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Wild business fact: can you believe Pepsi used to own a navy and once held military power in the Cold War?

Most people know Pepsi and Coca-Cola as the titans of the soft-drink world, locked in an advertising and market rivalry for over a century. But can you believe Pepsi used to own a navy from one of the world’s largest military powers. Yes, for a short moment in history, Pepsi actually owned a one. Not a promotional rental, not a sponsorship deal—an actual naval fleet of warships and submarines.

The story begins with Pepsi’s rise in the 20th century. Founded in 1893 and renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898, the brand spent decades competing fiercely against Coca-Cola. Coke entered the international market first and dominated early advertising, food-service, and restaurant sales. Pepsi had to innovate just to survive, pioneering new bottle sizes, aggressive price competition, and lifestyle-driven marketing. By the 1960s and 70s, the “Cola Wars” were underway—celebrity endorsements, Super Bowl ads, and global brand campaigns turned soda into a cultural commodity.

And this is where one of the strangest corporate-military stories ever recorded begins.

In the 1950s and 60s, Pepsi was trying to break into new international markets. The United States and the Soviet Union were locked in global economic, political, and cultural competition. Coca-Cola, heavily associated with America, was unwelcome in the USSR—but Pepsi found a clever way around it: barter.

The Soviet Union didn’t want to pay for cola in dollars, so they traded vodka instead. Tons of it.

But the deal grew even stranger in 1989. When the USSR needed to renew Pepsi’s distribution agreement and vodka wasn’t enough as payment, another asset was offered—military ships scheduled for decommission. In exchange for Pepsi syrup, Pepsi temporarily took possession of:

Several warships
A small fleet of submarines
A cruiser

For a brief moment, Pepsi owned what became the sixth-largest navy in the world. Pepsi quickly sold the vessels for scrap, but not before the company’s CEO reportedly joked to U.S. officials: “We’re disarming the Soviet Union faster than you are.”

The naval fleet is long gone, but Pepsi’s global presence remains one of the most powerful in modern corporate history. Today Pepsi products are sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Billions of people worldwide consume their beverages and foods each year, from Pepsi and Mountain Dew to Doritos, Gatorade, and Lay’s.

For a company who once bartered soda for warships, the growth of its global business shows just how far a brand can stretch. The Cola Wars may have calmed, but the legacy remains: clever marketing, ambitious expansion, and one of the wildest business deals ever made.

Next time you crack open a can of cola, remember—there was a time when Pepsi wasn’t just battling Coke in grocery stores. It was once a player in Cold War naval strategy.

Starbucks Brings Back Holiday Customer Favorite

Anthony Washington

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December 1, 2025

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Starbucks brings back holiday customer favorite with the long-awaited Eggnog Latte return—millions of fans celebrate the classic winter flavor.

Coffee lovers, it’s time to rejoice: after years away, Starbucks brings back holiday customer favorite – the beloved Eggnog Latte. Fans across the country couldn’t be more thrilled. Starting 2 December, the seasonal classic returns nationwide as part of Starbucks’ holiday menu, finally answering the pleas of thousands of disappointed drinkers and this media company.

The Eggnog Latte first debuted in 1986, when (then a smaller Seattle-based coffee chain) incorporated the recipe from espresso bar Il Giornale. Over decades it became one of the most cherished seasonal drinks — a treat, which for many, defined the holiday season. Then, after the 2020 holiday run, Starbucks quietly dropped it from the U.S. menu. By 2021, the company officially confirmed the discontinuation.

That decision shattered many fans — especially those who looked forward to the warm, spiced flavor each December. Critics accused Starbucks of being tone-deaf to holiday traditions and loyal customers alike. But this year, Starbucks is returning to form. In addition to the classic hot latte, fans will also be able to enjoy an iced version — and for the first time, a brand-new Eggnog Cold Foam topping has been introduced as part of the 2025 holiday menu.

Starbucks’ customer base is broad, but demographic data suggests its core audience tends to be adults between the ages of roughly 22 and 60, with the “average” customer around 42 years old. These patrons include students, professionals, parents, and a wide swath of middle- and upper-income consumers, many of whom rely on Starbucks not just for their daily caffeine fix but for seasonal treats and indulgences.

In recent years, cold drinks have surged in popularity at Starbucks. In fact, Millennials and Gen Z are credited with driving the growth of cold coffee beverages, which reportedly account for a large majority of Starbucks’ beverage sales.

At the same time, Starbucks’ loyalty program (Starbucks Rewards) remains a backbone of its business: as of 2024, there were roughly 34.3 million active U.S. members — and loyalty-program users visit more often, spend more, and tend to order the same items repeatedly.

All of this suggests the Eggnog Latte’s return isn’t just a nostalgic sideshow. For many regulars — especially seasonal drink fans — this is a major win for Starbucks’ holiday strategy, likely to draw in both longtime holiday-drink loyalists and newer cool-drink seekers.

To appreciate why this latte means so much this time of year, it helps to know where eggnog itself comes from. The drink — typically made with milk or cream, sugar, eggs, and spices like nutmeg — traces its roots back to medieval Britain’s “posset,” a warm, curdled milk drink often enriched with wine or ale. Eggs were added over time, as were spices and sugar.

The term “eggnog” is thought by some historians to be a fusion of “egg” and “noggin” (a small wooden mug), or possibly “grog” — an old word for a strong alcoholic drink — served in a “noggin.” By the time it crossed the Atlantic to colonial America in the 18th century, eggnog had become a holiday staple — often made with rum or bourbon when available, and consumed during winter celebrations.

Over the centuries, eggnog evolved from an aristocratic luxury to a ubiquitous holiday tradition. Today, most versions served are non-alcoholic but still rich, creamy, and sweet — the kind of cozy, indulgent treat many Americans (especially around the holidays) crave.

The return of the Eggnog Latte to Starbucks is more than just a menu update — it’s a nod to nostalgia, holiday tradition, and consumer demand. The Fresh Toast has been on the forefront of charge for the return. For many, the first sip evokes memories of chilly December mornings, holiday shopping, and the scent of nutmeg and cream in the air. With Starbucks’ wide and loyal customer base, the return could rekindle old traditions and create new ones. And the new Eggnog Cold Foam gives fans a chance to enjoy the flavor even with iced drinks or cold brews.

RELATED: Easy Holiday Whiskey Cocktails

For purists of warmth and comfort, the classic hot latte remains a perfect choice. But for those curious or looking for something lighter, a steamed eggnog — hot eggnog with a shot of espresso and nutmeg on top — is also a great option. After all, a steamed eggnog is how many classic holiday memories were born.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

The Broke But Festive Holiday Survival Manual

Learn smart budgeting, gift ideas, and low-cost fun with the broke but festive holiday survival manual.

Upgrade Your Gift Game and Avoid the Lame

Upgrade your gift game and avoid the lame by giving meaningful, memorable, and fun presents friends actually love.

US Medicare Potentially Adding Coverage For CBD

Discover what US Medicare potentially adding coverage for CBD means for pain relief, wellness, costs, and patient care access.

How Cannabis Can Turn Snow Days Into Cozy Winter Rituals

Discover how cannabis can turn snow days into cozy winter rituals with wellness, creativity, comfort and connection in cold weather.

How Cannabis Can Help With Jet Lag

Learn how cannabis can help with jet lag using CBD, THC and microdosing tips for smoother travel transitions.

The Best Cocktails For Holiday Day Drinking

Explore the best cocktails for holiday day drinking with sparkling, cozy, and easy seasonal drink recipes everyone loves.

Cranberry Mimosa

Boozy Hot Chocolate

Gingerbread Old Fashioned

Peppermint White Russian

Spiced Apple Spritz

Can Cannabis Help Your Holidays Anxiety

Can cannabis help your holidays anxiety by adding calm cheer to chaotic shopping, family time, end-of-year stress, and winter gatherings?

Cannabis Industry Startled By Adminstration’s Pardon

Cannabis industry startled by administration’s pardon as major drug kingpins are freed while small businesses struggle for legitimacy.

Looking Ahead: Steps to Align Policy and Reality

Can You Believe Pepsi Used To Own A Navy

Wild business fact: can you believe Pepsi used to own a navy and once held military power in the Cold War?

Starbucks Brings Back Holiday Customer Favorite

Starbucks brings back holiday customer favorite with the long-awaited Eggnog Latte return—millions of fans celebrate the classic winter flavor.

Don't Miss Your Weekly Dose of The Fresh Toast.