Headed to the horse races this weekend — or just looking to cool off? Then settle in with a frosty mint julep. It's a drink that's perfectly balanced: it's sweet, clean, and potent all at the same time. Although it involves crushed ice, it's an easy cocktail to make at home. Watch the video now to see how it's done.

The smooth, fruity, South American spirit pisco is having a moment in the States. If you're new to trying this grape-based liquor, your best introductory bet is the pisco sour, a sipping cocktail that's so crisp and refreshing, it's no wonder both Peru and Chile fight over claims to produce the spirit. In our latest episode of Happiest Hour, hosts Matt Rodrigues and Brandi Milloy walk you through how to make your own. Watch the video, then make the cocktail for yourself.

Chances are, now that it's picnic season, that you're in need of a back-pocket appetizer that doesn't take too much effort but actually looks like you tried. That's where this speedy antipasto comes in. It stars just three ingredients: piquant-sweet peppadew peppers, salami, and provolone cheese. Find out how to pull together this recipe-free dish — no cooking required.

Happy National Pretzel Day! It'd be hard to imagine a pretzel lover who hasn't had a moment of weakness with one of Auntie Anne's soft baked pretzels. To learn how the eatery makes its signature item, we headed to the YumSugar test kitchen at Surfas. Start with homemade pretzel dough or the Auntie Anne's at-home baking kit, then watch the video to learn how to best construct a pretzel, either with the more advanced "lasso" technique or a simpler kid-friendly method. To top it all off, dip your baked goods into Auntie Anne's hot salsa cheese dip or sweet glaze.

We'd argue blood oranges taste even better than limes in a margarita; too bad they're out of season right now. Thankfully, we've arrived armed with a pint of blood orange sorbet and our favorite tequila to create a thirst-quencher fitting for Spring and Summer: the blood orange sorbet margarita. With its slushy, creamy consistency and its citrusy punch, we promise it'll be your next go-to drink on a hot day. Watch the video to learn more.

Before you start chopping up a storm in the kitchen, make sure you've got basic knife skills in place. Not sure how to make those fancy French cuts — rondelle, julienne, brunoise, we're looking at you — a reality? Watch our primer on basic knife techniques, and you'll be a master before you know it.

Want to wow friends and family with your breakfast skills? Surprise diners with a trio of pancakes served three ways. Start with a classic buttermilk pancake batter, then turn to our three different filling suggestions for a stack of flapjacks sure to suit any whimsy. Banana walnut re-creates the comfort of nostalgic baked goods; mini chocolate chip pancakes are a universal childhood favorite; blueberry ricotta offers a grown-up, gourmet twist on the standard. Watch the recipe to see how they're made.

If you love poached eggs, but you've written them off as something to be ordered in restaurants, it's time to reconsider the possibility of making them on your own at home — and given that today's National Eggs Benedict Day, there's no moment like the present. To master this basic kitchen technique, all you need are three pantry staples. Watch the two-minute tutorial to learn the key to perfectly poached eggs, every time.

Happy Earth Day! There's no easier way to be one with Mother Earth than with an outdoor meal — and thanks to these four eco-friendly items, your feast will be as green as the grass beneath your picnic blanket. Watch the video to see our picks for an earth-friendly picnic, plus tips on how to pack everything from bottles of wine to smelly foods.

Welcome to our new POPSUGAR Girls' Guide series, Just Add Sugar, where you'll learn how to make sweets and treats that are spades better than store-bought. Today, host Brandi Milloy brings the beloved Hostess cupcake back to life with a homemade recipe that's — dare we say it — even better tasting than the iconic original. Watch as we walk you through everything from piping house-made marshmallow filling to glazing your cupcakes with a luscious ganache, then print out our recipe to get baking.