June 13, 2025: Whether you’re dodging black cats and ladders or just soaking in a warm summer day, one thing’s for sure: the New York Times Mini Crossword is here to give your brain a fun, bite-sized challenge.
Unlike the full NYT Crossword, the Mini is free to play and refreshingly quick, perfect for your coffee break or morning routine. And today’s puzzle comes with a playful twist—one that feels like a clever dad joke!
Clue 4-Across? “Dessert wine.” Answer: PORT.
Clue 6-Across? “Desert whine?” Answer: IMHOT.
Yes, the pun is real, and yes, we’re still groaning (and grinning) from it.
Here are today’s clues and answers if you need a little nudge:
Across:
- 1A: House and Doogie Howser, for short – MDS
- 4A: Dessert wine – PORT
- 5A: Mugful after a sledding excursion – COCOA
- 6A: Desert whine? – IMHOT
- 7A: “Like, yesterday!” – ASAP
Down:
- 1D: Chocolate-and-coffee drink – MOCHA
- 2D: Sag – DROOP
- 3D: Three-point percentage, e.g. – STAT
- 4D: Poofy toy dogs, familiarly – POMS
- 5D: Org. that employs Jack Ryan – CIA
Want to dive into more puzzles? The NYT Mini is free every day online and via the app, though you’ll need a subscription to explore its archives. You’ll also find other great games like Wordle, Connections, and Strands in the NYT Games lineup.