Pages

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Booze Review: Vision Vodka

 

A Clear Vision

Vision Vodka BottleAll vodkas are not created equal. Depending on the brand and quality, they can be distilled varied numbers of times and made from different ferments. All of these factors affect the taste, strength and likelihood of a rough hangover the following day. Often, the more times a vodka is distilled, the less likely you are to feel like you’ve been hit by a truck.

 

Recently, I asked a Enovia of Accessory Remix and Claudia, an entertainment publicist, to help me review Vision Vodka, an American made, wheat based premium spirit that’s distilled 5 times in Oregon. First, we took an introductory sip…

Next, we took a shot…

Then, we mixed it… (can’t beat a simple Screwdriver)

Finally, it was time for the verdict…

Vision Vodka gets our nod. It’s definitely a great party vodka. To quote Claudia, “it’s a very strong vodka.” However, it’s also pretty smooth and blends well in cocktails. In addition, after consuming QUITE a bit, none of us had hangovers the next day.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Booze Clues: What to drink on Saint Patrick’s Day

 

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Green beer will flow freely today and so will the whisky, but if neither is your drink of choice, Here are a few other options to wet your whistle whether you’re a lightweight or a boozehound.

Exclusiv St. Pat’s-tini

Exclusiv Saint Patstini ShoesNBooze2 oz Exclusiv Vodka                       1/2 oz Creme de Cocoa
1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream                  1/2 oz green Creme de Menthe

Shake first three ingredients pour into a chilled martini glass and then sink Green Creme de Menthe.

Garnish with a mint leaf and chocolate shavings.

Created by Exclusiv’s in-house mixologist, Daniel Seelbinder.

 

Herradura Paddy’s Cocktail

Herradura Paddys Cocktail

2 oz Herradura Silver                        1/2 oz Lemon juice                           1/2 oz Simple syrup                           2 inches of cucumber diced finely                                                A large pinch of cilantro

 

Make sure you have chilled Coupe or Martini glasses ready. Dice the cucumber and add to a boston shaker, then crush with a muddler. Add a large pinch of cilantro. Add the Herradura Silver, lemon juice and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake hard. Strain into the chilled coupe/ martini glass. Garnish with a disc of cucumber and a cilantro leaf.

Xante Different Shade of Green

Xante_A Different Shade of Green ShoesNBooze

1 ½ oz of Xante                                   1 oz gin                                              ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice                                                     ½ oz simple syrup                      Approx. 2 chunks of cucumber            Fill with ginger ale

Muddle cucumber, add all ingredients and shake with ice.  Strain into a highball glass and top with ginger ale. Garnish: long strips of cucumber.

 

Spicy Irishman

Spicy Irishman ShoesNBooze

1 oz Russian Standard Vodka                                1.5 oz Lucid Absinthe                                             ¼ oz Siracha Hot Sauce                                  Topped with Killian’s Irish Red Beer

 

 

 

 

 

AGWA Bolivian Kiss

Agwa Bolivian Kiss

1 Shot of Agwa de Bolivia Coca Leaf Liqueur                                                1 lime wedge

Bite the lime, then drink the shot. You’ll feel a quick buzz.

 

 

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!

Shoes Clues: St. Patrick’s Day Shoe Suggestions

 

Lucky Shoe

Whether you’re watching a parade, hunting for leprechauns, searching for a four leaf clover or enjoying a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl, you’ll be involved in some type of shenanigans today.  While others may don green sweaters, little shamrock pins or silly green hats to avoid getting pinched, you’d rather green shoes than green sleeves. Here are a few suggestions for whatever activity you’ve chosen tonight.

Q by Pasquale Sandal

Q by Pasquale sandalPerhaps you’re attending a swank soiree tonight. In that case, this Q by Pasquale sandal, with its delicate murano glass accents, alluring ankle strap and perforated ruffle detail, will be all the green you need to keep Irish (and all other) eyes smiling your way. (More info available at the newly relaunched qbypasquale.com)

 

Steve Madden Karmena Pumps

Steve Madden Karmena Pumps ShoesNBooze

If you’re partying tonight, a pair of kelly green patent platform pumps will be your best bet. The Karmena by Steve Madden’s 5.5 inch heel puts the foot at quite an incline, but the 1 inch platform adds the comfort you’ll need to dance the night away. (Available at SteveMadden.com for $99)

 

 

ASOS Pave the Way Pumps

ASOS Pave the Way Pumps ShoesNBooze

If you and your crew have decided to keep it simple and guzzle Guiness at your favorite bar all night, you’ll want the extra support of a wedge heel to keep you stable. These green suede Pave the Way pumps by ASOS are casual but chic choice. (Doesn’t the raffia wedge screams Spring?) They have a heel height of almost 5 inches, so make sure you snag a bar stool. Oh, and make sure it’s a classy bar so no one spills their beer or steps on your green suede shoes. (Available at ASOS.com for $98.62)

 

Poetic License Summer Bloom Pumps

Poetic License Summer Bloom pump ShoesNBooze

Pub crawls call for lower heels than other activities. That doesn’t mean you can’t still be cute. Go for a peep toe like the Summer Bloom by Poetic License. The 3.5 inch heel and .75 inch platform will make staggering from stop to stop more manageable. (Plus, it IS Almost There Thursday, anyway.) The pink flower accent will keep things pretty, too. (Available at zappos.com for $134)

 

Keds Champion Ox Sneakers

Keds Champion Ox ShoesNBooze

I don’t usually recommend sneakers here, but there really is no other appropriate footwear for a shamrock search. Besides, everyone needs a classic pair of Keds, and these green Champion Ox skippies are only $19.99 at dELias.com.

 

 

 

Bordello Teeze Glitter Pumps

Bordello Teeze Green ShoesNBooze

Those of you hunting for leprechauns might want to consider something sparkly. That way you if you find one can hypnotize him into taking you to his pot o’ gold. And if you don’t find one, I’m sure you’ll find a guy willing to at least buy you a drink. These Teeze pumps by Bordello are sure to get you lucky no matter what you’re looking for tonight with their 5.75 inch heel and 1.75 inch platform. (Available at CSNstores.com for $73)

Friday, March 11, 2011

Fun Friday: Haus of Price Pumps & Chambord Cocktails

 

Personal Treasures

Haus of Price Multi Gem Pump ShoesNBoozeYou’re no stranger to adornments. You’re actually the queen Baubles, brooches and everything jeweled. You don’t have to keep your sparkles above the ankle, though. Flaunt your flair for decoration on your feet with a pair of jeweled shoes, like this pair of multi gem pumps from Haus of Price (available via Solestruck.com for $239.95). With their 1 inch platform and 4.5 inch heel you’ll definitely be standing tall. It’s the multicolored jewels and gold triangle studs, though, that really make them fun.

Chambord Kings Treasure ShoesNBoozeAt happy hour tonight, sip a cocktail just as precious as your shoes. Ask your bartender for a King’s Treasure. Made of Chambord Vodka, cognac and pineapple juice, it’s sweet, bright and strong enough to pack a punch (like you). Remember, though, not to have too many. A drunken stroll is one of the easiest ways to ruin a pair of fancy shoes.

 

Giveaway: $25 for Drinks from LocalPages.com

 

Who Needs a Pot of Gold

St pats day drink shoesnboozeWith Saint Patrick’s Day on its way (March 17th), many of us are trying to decide where we’ll toast the patron saint of Ireland (while searching for shamrocks and leprechauns). Do you have suggestions? Are you still deciding? Go to www.localpages.com and find a spot in your area, and then share the link to the listing in the comments section (along with your email address or some way to notify you if you’re the winner). One commenter will be randomly chosen to receive a $25 gift card for drinks at your favorite watering hole. The contest ends Tuesday, March 14 at 4 PM (so we can get the gift card out in time to buy green cocktails).

Here’s an example using one of my favorite places:

http://www.localpages.com/nj/jersey-city/litm (See how simple it is? Locations without the localpages.com link won’t be counted as entries. Also entrants must be in the United States and at least 21 years old.)

Luck of the Irish to ya!

*** Update: Extended until 11 PM***

*** Update: The giveaway is now closed, and the winner was Claudia. Congrats and Cheers! Everyone else, please stay tuned. There will be another giveaway next week.***

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Sketchual Heeling: Ra Synclaire for Shoes N Booze

 

Shoes Inspired by Booze

By day, Ra Synclaire designs comfort shoes, but once she’s out of the office, she let’s her inner Shoe-per hero shine via sketches of lust-worthy shoes. After seeing her sketches on her blog, 6 Pairs, 12 Steps (look for my “In Her Shoes” feature there soon), I asked her to send me a few to post here. She then came up with the idea of designing some inspired by her favorite cocktails. My favorites ore the Classic Cosmopolitan and the St. Germaine Cocktail. What are yours?

Ra Synclaire Cosmopolitan ShoesNBooze

Ra Synclaire Sex on the Beach ShoesNBooze

Ra Synclaire St Germaine Cocktail ShoesNBooze

Ra Synclaire Margarita Madness ShoesNBooze

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Booze Clues: National Absinthe Day

 

Toasting the Green Fairy

Absinthe Drip ShoesNBoozeThey say she was Vincent Van Gogh’s mistress, and her intoxicating kiss may have tricked him into cutting off his ear. Whether that’s true or not, Absinthe, A.K.A. the green fairy, has long been a favorite among artists and their cohorts. However, her hallucinogenic qualities (due to wormwood being one of her main ingredients) lead to her being banned in various countries. In 2007, Viridian Spirits convinced the U.S. government to lift its 95 year ban on the spirit, and Lucid Absinthe hit shelves, followed by various other brands. (Don’t worry, they’ve made sure it won’t induce hallucinations.) To celebrate the light green liquor’s return to our shores, March 5th has been declared National Absinthe Day. Let’s all toast with a classic Absinthe Drip.

Recipe:

1 ½ oz. Lucid Absinthe

Sugar Cube

Ice Water

Pour 1 ½ oz. Lucid into an absinthe glass.  Place sugar cube atop a flat, perforated spoon that rests on the rim of the glass.  Slowly drip 4-5 oz. of ice cold water on top of the sugar cube (or directly into the glass), which dissolves into the absinthe.  The cold water causes the Lucid to louche into an opalescent cloud as the herbal essences emerge from the absinthe and perfume the room.

*Recipe & image courtesy of Lucid Absinthe.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Fun Friday: Fever Brittany Pumps & Charlie Sheen Tiger Blood

 

Goddess DNA

Fever Brittany ShoesNBoozeYou’re a walking party, complete with smoke machines and music. Everyone knows you breathe fun into every experience… that’s why they like having you around. Nevermind that you have a tendency to overdo it at times. As long as you’re the star of your own over-the-top show (all the world’s a stage), you’re WINNING. Celebrate the spotlight in a pair of show-stopping shoes, like these Brittany pumps from Fever Shoes. The tie-dyed red, double platform and 5 inch heel can’t be ignored any more easily than Charlie Sheen’s latest antics. However, they do serve just the right amount of sex-goddess.

Tiger's Blood ShoesNBoozeYou don’t wait until 4 PM to start happy hour, nor do you wait for the weekend for a Bloody Mary. That said, whatever time you choose to begin your binge today, do it with a “Tiger’s Blood with a Dash of Adonis DNA.” Named for Charlie Sheen’s self-proclaimed genetic makeup, and available at the newly opened Hash Fifty Five in NY, it’s a potent, spicy take on the Bloody Mary. The ingredient list reads more like a witch’s brew than a cocktail (see below), and it’s beyond potent but I hear it gives you the strength of Two and a Half Men. Cheers!

Recipe:

Dash of Bragg Liquid Aminos
1/4 teaspoon harissa
1/4 red horseradish sauce
1/4 teaspoon wasabi powder
1/4 teaspoon Ras El Hanout
Dash of Glenmorangie Sherry
fresh grated ginger
dash of olive juice
dash of balsamic
2 ounces vodka
Pinch celery salt
7 drops Worcestershire
6 oz  tomato juice
lime juice
lemon juice, salt & pepper

Combine all ingredients in a highball glass with ice, stir well, splash another dash of Aminos, garnish with lime and serve.