Issue #837 Thu 1 Jan
Strands hints — January 1, 2026
Whatever you set the night before is what gets you up — for better or worse. A new year brings a fresh grid to parse before the first pot finishes brewing.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The steam rising from a ceramic mug, carrying a scent that pulls you out of a fog and into the day.
Beverages enjoyed in the early morning
CAFFEINATED MORNING STAPLES
Spangram 4 nudges · 6 letters
The connector word
Six-letter single noun
6 letters.
Starts with C, ends with E.
COFFEE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 A (8 letters)
- 2 B (6 letters)
- 3 B (4 letters)
- 4 N (5 letters)
- 5 S (6 letters)
- 6 S (6 letters)
- 7 V (7 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 AR (8 letters)
- 2 BI (6 letters)
- 3 BO (4 letters)
- 4 NU (5 letters)
- 5 SM (6 letters)
- 6 ST (6 letters)
- 7 VE (7 letters)
Theme word 1 of 7 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
A fragrance that fills the kitchen before you even reach for the kettle.
8 letters.
Starts with A.
Starts with AR.
AROMATIC
Theme word 2 of 7 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
The sharp, puckering sensation left on the back of your tongue.
6 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BI.
BITTER
Theme word 3 of 7 5 nudges · 4 letters
A theme word
A profile that makes its presence known immediately upon the first sip.
4 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BO.
BOLD
Theme word 4 of 7 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Notes reminiscent of roasted acorns or toasted almonds.
5 letters.
Starts with N.
Starts with NU.
NUTTY
Theme word 5 of 7 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A liquid texture without any grit or resistance.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SM.
SMOOTH
Theme word 6 of 7 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A concentration that hits the system with significant intensity.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with ST.
STRONG
Theme word 7 of 7 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A drink with a luxurious, dense mouthfeel that coats the palate.
7 letters.
Starts with V.
Starts with VE.
VELVETY