It's finally October and it's International Coffee Day. What better way to celebrate than with an espresso cocktail? Plus:

• Traveling with kids? Visit the Cyclades.
• In case you missed it: The 100 best hotels in the world — picked by us.

The Four Keys to Making Great Espresso-Based Cocktails

Our goal, especially as the weather cools, is to find a way to make great espresso…and then use that knowledge to make some buzzy yet elevated cocktails at home. So we contacted a few baristas, bartenders and other bar pros who had knowledge of both coffee and alcohol to find the right caffeinated mix. Here's what we learned:

It all starts with the beans

“Select beans that are freshly roasted,” says Martin Hudak, Global Coffee Ambassador for Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. “Avoid big supermarket chains, as they carry coffees without deeper descriptions of origin, processing or date of roasting.”

Additionally, you’ll want to buy whole beans in lieu of grounds, which go stale faster. Keep them in airtight containers and, as Hudak says, “Always buy less versus more so you can use them fresh.”

Yesterday, we asked you about your all-time favorite hotels. You all shared a huge selection of places you love stay. A few of the U.S.-based favorites you shared include: The Ritz-Carlton in Los Angeles; The Drake in Chicago; Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon; and NOPSI in New Orleans. 

As for international favorites, you said the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec; Elounda Mare in Crete, Greece; Conrad in Bora Bora; and Raffles in Singapore.

How to Plan the Perfect Cyclades Island-Hopping Holiday With Young Kids

Certain trips like Disney and Cape May are no-brainers for families, whereas other destinations don’t exactly scream “bring little kids.” Although, I’d argue from experience that even less obvious spots like Madeira and Tokyo make for a memorable escape with tots in tow. The same could be said about the Cyclades. Many people pinpoint the Greek islands for a honeymoon, but it’s actually a fabulous place to visit with young children.

Given that you’re traveling with LOs, I’d recommend doing three islands with a stop in Athens before or after (the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is the ultimate family resort if you don’t want the beach days and swimming to end). This itinerary will allow for maximum enjoyment of each stop without spending too much time in transit from one place to the next. Here’s how to plan the perfect Cyclades island-hopping trip with young kids. Parakaló!

IN THE NEWS

NotebookLM is turning your research into an engaging podcast.

A new James Dean biopic will explore his gay romances.

Could the key to understanding long COVID be found in the gut?

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT