Friday the 13th might raise a few superstitions, but for many puzzle enthusiasts, June 13, 2025, was all about cracking the New York Times Mini Crossword. This daily brain teaser, beloved for its bite-sized challenge, offers a quick yet satisfying mental workout every day at 10 p.m., and Friday’s puzzle was no exception.
The Mini Crossword, a streamlined sibling of the iconic larger NYT Crossword, has carved out its niche by being accessible and free to play without a subscription—though digging into the archives does require one. Unlike the main crossword that demands a hefty time investment, the Mini keeps things snappy, making it a ritual for many to unwind or kickstart their day.
On this particular Friday, the puzzle featured a clever 'dad joke' element that brought a smile to solvers’ faces. The Across clues included “dessert wine” and “desert whine,” cleverly playing on homophones that teased players with a punny twist. The answers to these were “PORT” and “IMHOT,” respectively, with the latter referencing the ancient Egyptian architect Imhotep, a subtle nod that added a layer of trivia to the fun.
Here’s a breakdown of the clues and answers from the June 13, 2025, Mini Crossword:
Across:
1 Across: “House and Doogie Howser, for short” (Answer: MDS) – This clue nods to medical doctors, famously portrayed by the young prodigy Doogie Howser.
4 Across: “Dessert wine” (Answer: PORT) – A classic sweet wine often enjoyed after meals.
5 Across: “Mugful after a sledding excursion” (Answer: COCOA) – The perfect warm beverage to soothe cold sledders.
6 Across: “Desert whine?” (Answer: IMHOT) – A playful pun referencing Imhotep, blending history with wordplay.
7 Across: “Like, yesterday!” (Answer: ASAP) – A common phrase urging urgency.
Down:
1 Down: “Chocolate-and-coffee drink” (Answer: MOCHA) – A delicious blend of chocolate and coffee flavors.
2 Down: “Sag” (Answer: DROOP) – To hang down loosely.
3 Down: “Three-point percentage, e.g.” (Answer: STAT) – A statistical term often used in sports analytics.
4 Down: “Poofy toy dogs, familiarly” (Answer: POMS) – Referring to Pomeranians, those fluffy little companions.
5 Down: “Org. that employs Jack Ryan in Tom Clancy novels” (Answer: CIA) – The Central Intelligence Agency, a staple in spy fiction.
Many players found the puzzle refreshingly straightforward, with one solver noting it took just 1 minute and 30 seconds to complete. The mixture of cozy winter imagery—cocoa after sledding—and clever wordplay made for an engaging challenge on a summer day.
Beyond the puzzle itself, the Mini Crossword is part of a larger suite of games offered by The New York Times, including Wordle, Connections, and Strands. While the Mini is free to play on the day it’s released, accessing past puzzles requires a subscription, a model that supports the Times’ growing digital games section.
For those who found themselves stuck, several outlets provided helpful hints and solutions, walking solvers through each clue with gentle nudges rather than outright answers. This approach encourages learning and enjoyment, turning what might be a frustrating moment into an “aha!” experience.
Friday the 13th may carry a reputation for bad luck, but for the legions of Mini Crossword fans, it was a day of fun, wit, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you breezed through the puzzle or needed a few hints to get there, the June 13, 2025, Mini Crossword reminded us how a few well-chosen words can brighten even the most ominous of days.
So, next time you see a puzzle waiting at 10 p.m., whether it’s the Mini Crossword or one of the Times’ other games, dive in. You never know what clever twists or cozy moments await in those little grids.
