Issue #319 Thu 16 Jan
NYT Strands Hints & Answer — January 16, 2025
A quiet Thursday grid that asks for a bit of patience. The paths are clear once you stop looking for the obvious.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Small umbrellas, frosted glass, and the sharp ring of a silver shaker against a tile floor.
Classic mixed adult beverages
MIXED DRINKS
Spangram 4 hints · 9 letters
The connector word
A single nine-letter noun.
9 letters.
Starts with C, ends with S.
COCKTAILS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (12 letters)
- 2 M (7 letters)
- 3 S (7 letters)
- 4 S (7 letters)
- 5 Z (6 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CO (12 letters)
- 2 MA (7 letters)
- 3 SI (7 letters)
- 4 ST (7 letters)
- 5 ZO (6 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 hints · 12 letters
A theme word
A ruby-colored drink served in a wide-rimmed glass, often associated with city life.
12 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COSMOPOLITAN
Theme word 2 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
An olive or a twist of lemon sits at the bottom of this iconic chilled glass.
7 letters.
Starts with M.
Starts with MA.
MARTINI
Theme word 3 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A vintage choice often featuring brandy, orange liqueur, and a citrus edge.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SI.
SIDECAR
Theme word 4 of 5 5 hints · 7 letters
A theme word
A sharp, minty digestif that leaves a cooling sensation after a meal.
7 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STINGER
Theme word 5 of 5 5 hints · 6 letters
A theme word
A potent, rum-based tropical drink known for its fruity complexity.
6 letters.
Starts with Z.
Starts with ZO.
ZOMBIE
Spoiler zone
Complete Strands answer
Open only the solution you want to see. Each answer stays hidden until you choose to reveal it.
Reveal the spangram
Reveal all theme words
- COSMOPOLITAN
- MARTINI
- SIDECAR
- STINGER
- ZOMBIE
Verified solution for .
Frequently asked questions
Spoiler-free help for Strands on January 16, 2025. Every answer below helps you along without giving the game away — ready to see the full solution? See the complete Strands answer for January 16, 2025, or browse every Strands puzzle in the archive.
How hard is NYT Strands on January 16, 2025?
NYT Strands on January 16, 2025 rates 3 out of 4 — a tougher-than-average puzzle. There are 5 theme words to find, plus the spangram that ties them together.
Where does the January 16, 2025 Strands spangram start?
The spangram is 9 letters long and stretches right across the board. It begins with the letter "C" — the hints above ease you toward the rest one step at a time, without spelling it out.
What is the theme of NYT Strands on January 16, 2025?
We keep the theme under wraps here so nothing is spoiled — but the ladder above walks you into it, starting with the puzzle's overall vibe. Want it stated outright, with the spangram and all 5 words? Open the answer section on this page.
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 9-letter spangram
Today on Cluestand
Today
- Difficulty
- Stiff
- At a glance
- 5 theme words · 9-letter spangram