NYT Strands today — hints, answers and spangram for Sunday, September 15 (game #196)

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #196) - hint #1 - today's theme

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… On the rocks

NYT Strands today (game #196) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• WHISK
• STET
• WHEAT
• CHEAT
• SLED
• FARE

NYT Strands today (game #196) - hint #3 - spangram

• Mad Men tipple

NYT Strands today (game #196) - hint #4 - spangram position

First: left, 4th row ...