Today's NYT Mini Crossword is live, and Sunday's grid brings a clever cocktail-themed wordplay puzzle with pop culture flair. Whether you're racing the clock or just enjoying a quick brain break, we've got hints and answers to keep you moving.
How The Mini Works
The Mini is a compact version of the classic NYT Crossword, typically featuring a 5x5 grid with five Across and five Down clues. Saturdays expand to a larger grid with more clues. Solve the intersecting words, and when the grid is complete, you'll hear a satisfying chime. No streak tracking here, but the built-in timer lets you compete against yourself or challenge friends.
New puzzles drop at 10 p.m. EST on weekdays and Saturdays. Sunday's Mini arrives earlier at 6 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Quick Scan
In a rush? Here's the at-a-glance breakdown for today's puzzle:
Grid Size: 5x5
Total Clues: 10 (5 Across, 5 Down)
Trickiest Clue: 6A. With 2-Down, made "nose ring" from NEGRONIS or "mistrain" from MARTINIS?
Gimme Clue: 7D. Letter after cee
Theme Spotted: Cocktail wordplay (6A + 2D creates "MIXED DRINK")
Clue Decoder (Hints Only)
Need a nudge without the full answer? Here's a hint for each clue.
Across Hints
1A. Uses the "+" key
Hint: Think calculator or spreadsheet function
5A. Psychedelic experience
Hint: Not a vacation, but similar letters
6A. With 2-Down, made "nose ring" from NEGRONIS or "mistrain" from MARTINIS?
Hint: Anagram clue for cocktail preparation
8A. "That's awesome!"
Hint: Common four-letter compliment
9A. Actress Palmer of "Hustlers"
Hint: Four-letter first name, starts with K
Down Hints
1D. $$$ dispenser
Hint: Three-letter banking machine
2D. See 6-Across
Hint: Completes the cocktail phrase
3D. Brand of paper cups
Hint: Five letters, Southern reference
4D. Little bit of dust
Hint: Tiny particle, five letters
7D. Letter after cee
Hint: Alphabet sequence, three letters
Full Answers
Spoilers below. Scroll only when you're ready for the solutions.
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Across Answers
1A. Uses the "+" key
Answer: ADDS
5A. Psychedelic experience
Answer: TRIP
6A. With 2-Down, made "nose ring" from NEGRONIS or "mistrain" from MARTINIS?
Answer: MIXED
8A. "That's awesome!"
Answer: NICE
9A. Actress Palmer of "Hustlers"
Answer: KEKE
Down Answers
1D. $$$ dispenser
Answer: ATM
2D. See 6-Across
Answer: DRINK
3D. Brand of paper cups
Answer: DIXIE
4D. Little bit of dust
Answer: SPECK
7D. Letter after cee
Answer: DEE
![]026-02-14 at 6.05.03 PM.png](https://cdn.technobezz.com/c/026_02_14_at_6_05_03_PM_d04f19c340.png)
Grid Breakdown
Here's what made today's puzzle tick:
Standout Clue: 6A for MIXED. The anagram wordplay with cocktail names ("nose ring" from NEGRONIS, "mistrain" from MARTINIS) was clever construction that required lateral thinking.
Wordplay Winner: 6A/2D combo for MIXED DRINK. The two-part clue creating a common phrase through anagram examples showed sophisticated puzzle craftsmanship.
Quick Fill: 7D for DEE. Straightforward alphabet sequence clue that most solvers can answer instantly, providing crucial crossing letters.
Speed Solver Tips
Looking to shave seconds off your time? Here's what today's puzzle teaches:
Watch for two-part clues (like 6A/2D) - they often create common phrases or expressions when combined. Solve one part and the other usually falls into place.
Alphabet sequence clues (7D) are almost always gimmes. Use them to establish crossing letters that help solve trickier intersecting clues.
Tomorrow's Puzzle
The next Mini drops tomorrow at 10 p.m. EST. How did today's grid treat you? The cocktail wordplay in 6A/2D and pop culture reference in 9A made for a balanced Sunday challenge. Every puzzle sharpens your instincts for the next one.
See you at the next grid.
