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Today’s NYT Strands features the elegant and suggestive theme ‘Make it fancy.’
The hidden theme words focus on the finishing touches that elevate a drink from basic to ‘top-shelf.’
The spangram, COCKTAILGARNISH, is a visual masterpiece today, snaking across the board in the distinct shape of a martini glass.
The Sunday, February 8, 2026, Strands puzzle is a treat for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted drink. Puzzle designers really leaned into the ‘beta’ creativity here, using the letter paths to create a literal piece of art on the grid. While the theme words are common food items, their context within the ‘fancy’ beverage world is what ties them all together.
Today’s Theme: Make it fancy
Hint: Channel your inner James Bond. Think about what you might find perched on the rim or submerged at the bottom of a high-end glass at a lounge.
Starting letters of theme words:
SH
CH
OL
CE
SP
TW
Spangram Hint: This 15-letter phrase describes the edible decorations added to a drink to enhance its flavor or presentation.
Here are the theme words that completed today’s grid:
SHRIMP (A classic for a Bloody Mary)
CHERRY (The heart of an Old Fashioned or Manhattan)
OLIVE (A Martini's best friend)
CELERY (The essential crunch for brunch drinks)
SPRIG (Usually mint or rosemary for that aromatic touch)
TWIST (A curled peel of citrus)
Spangram: COCKTAILGARNISH
The real star of today’s Strands puzzle was the COCKTAILGARNISH spangram. Its length is intimidating, and the way it loops to form the silhouette of a martini glass is a clever ‘Easter egg’ that might actually distract you from the letters themselves!
The word SHRIMP was perhaps the most surprising inclusion, as it’s a more specific garnish than the universal OLIVE or CHERRY. However, once you realize the theme is about ‘dressing up’ a drink, the pieces fall into place quite smoothly.
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, and Answers for February 7, 2026
Follow the Shape: If the spangram looks like it's forming a specific object, use that visual cue to guess the theme.
Think in Categories: Today, once ‘Olive’ and ’Cherry’ were found, it became clear that we were looking at bar cart staples.
Use the Edges: Spangrams always touch two opposite sides. If you’re stuck, look for long paths that bridge the left and right (or top and bottom).
NYT Strands for February 8, 2026, provided a perfect Sunday morning blend of challenge and aesthetic delight. The ‘martini glass’ spangram is easily one of the most memorable grid designs in the game's history. It’s a sophisticated puzzle that rewards a bit of cultural knowledge and a keen eye for detail. Cheers to keeping that streak alive!
Also Read: NYT Connections for Beginners: How to Play and Win
