Booze Clues: 5 Cinco de Mayo Drinks that Aren't Margaritas

Because You Had Margaritas Last Week

FACT: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico's Independence Day (that's September 16th). It is also NOT National Margarita Day (though it may seem like it). Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely defeat of French forces at the battle of Puebla in 1862. Also, we Americans have made a mockery of the day in various ways (as we do with most holidays, especially if we can use them as an excuse to get hammered... St. Paddy's day, here's to lookin' at you.). This HuffPo video actually explains that many of the ways we celebrate are actually a bit offensive. Yikes! 

Now that we all feel a little guilty, let's sip a few of those woes away. You do know the margarita isn't the only Mexican-inspired cocktail out there, right? Consider the paloma, michelada, or even one of your favorite cocktails with tequila replacing the usual spirit. We've rounded up a few cocktail ideas to get your ideas flowing.  

Herradura Paloma (An Easy Switch if you REALLY love margaritas)

 

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz Tequila Herradura Silver

5 oz grapefruit juice (or Spiked Seltzer Indian River Grapefruit)

1 oz Lemon juice and salt

METHOD:

In a big ball glass put the ice and Tequila Herradura. Add salt, lemon juice and grapefruit juice (or Siked Seltzer).

Mexican Martini -Created by Garrett Flanagan for El Original (If you're into dirty martinis)

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 oz. Lime Juice

1.5 oz. Simple Syrup

3 oz. Tequila

0.5 oz. Olive Juice

METHOD:

Shake with ice, pour into martini glass, garnish with olives and enjoy!

SX Honey Bee -Featured on the menu of Bodega Negra in NYC

INGREDIENTS:

2oz SXchachacha

.25oz Mezcal

Fresh Lemon Juice

Honey

Lavender Bitters

METHOD:

Blend SXchachacha, mezcal, lemon and honey over ice. Shake. Pour into large rocks glass. Add a dash of lavender bitters.

Altos Anejo Manhattan -Created by Charles Joly

INGREDIENTS:

2 parts Altos Añejo

1 part Carpano Antica® vermouth

2 dashes of bitters

METHOD:
Blend ingredients and stir over ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with orange peel and serve straight up.

Succotash’s Gochujang Michelada

INGREDIENTS:
6 oz Dominion Candi (Belgian style tripel) or beer of your choice
1.5 oz Gochujang michelada mix (see below)

METHOD:
Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of a glass halfway around. Place a mixture of equal parts Korean chili flakes and Kosher salt on the half moistened rim. Fill the glass with ice. Add the michelada mix. Top with the beer, and stir 3-4 times to evenly distribute all ingredients. Garnish with a straw and a lime wheel.

Gochujang Michelada Mix Ingredients (yields 7 micheladas):
2 oz Chung Jung One’s Gochujang Korean Chili Sauce
1.5 oz Crystal Hot Sauce
5 oz Fresh lime juice
1.25 oz Fresh orange juice
0.5 oz Worcestershire sauce
0.5 oz Old Forester Bourbon
0.25 oz Honey
Preparation:
Add all of the ingredients into a pint-sized container. Mix thoroughly. Store in the cooler when not in use. Shelf life: two days.

* Mango Habanero Margarita -Available at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in NYC (A bonus because some people just love margaritas)

INGREDIENTS:

1 ¾ parts Milagro Silver tequila

¾ parts Orange Curacao

1 part mango puree – Perfect Puree

1 part scratch sour mix

2 slices fresh habanero

4 drops Bitterman's Hellfire Habanero Shrub - available at Tommy Bahama

METHOD:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice and shake with a Boston shaker to blend. Pour into salt rimmed double rocks glass and top with 2 slices of habanero.

Will you be trying any of these for Cinco de Mayo? Do you have your own special cocktail for the holiday? Still totally stuck on margaritas? (We won't judge.) Let us know in the comments.

Do Try This At Home: The Perfect Tailgate Toast

The Peligroso Cinnamon Score

We're pretty deep into football season, and with it comes tailgate time. Whether you're convening with friends in the parking lot of a stadium, or watching the games from home, you're likely going to be having a cocktail (or five) while you do it. With that in mind, I, created a delicious drink to enjoy at tailgate time featuring Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon. Warm, sweet and a little bit spicy, it's perfect for sipping when temperatures are chilly.

Here's the recipe:
8 oz instant hot chocolate
3 oz Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon
5 dashes orange bitter
1 pinch of sea salt
1 pinch of nutmeg

Method:
Prepare 1 packet of instant hot chocolate. Pour into your favorite thermos or portable mug. Add 3 oz Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon. Add 5 dashes of orange bitters, a pinch of sea salt and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Then pour into small mugs or cups.

***Disclosure: I am working in partnership with thebar.com brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign.All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

Memorial Monday: Converse All Star Wedges & Tequila Cabeza Cocktails

A Toast to Fallen Soldiers

Barbecues, parties, drinks and the unofficial start of summer. These are the things that come to mind when many people think of Memorial Day. How many stop to consider that the holiday was actually created to honor those died while serving in our armed forces? No matter one's opinions about war and this country's practices therein, I hope you'll take a moment and express gratitude to those who have perished so that you and I may enjoy those freedoms and privileges we do have. Now... what to wear and drink today.

On Your Feet:

It's the last day of the long weekend, and you're probably ready to go pretty low-key. Nonetheless, there are day parties and rooftop celebrations to attend. Flats? No. Wedge sneakers are the move... even better if they look patriotic like this Chuck Taylor All Star Lux sneaker by Converse ($70.00 at Converse.com)

In Your Glass:

It is possible to be grateful for soldiers and their sacrifices while believing that war is something of the devil. So today, when it's time to have a drink, have an El Diablo. 

El Diablo

INGREDIENTS:

13⁄4 oz Tequila Cabeza

3⁄4 oz crème de cassis de Dijon

1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice

1 oz ginger beer

1 lime wheel, for garnish

METHOD:

Build the drink in a collins glass over ice. Pour the tequila, lime juice and ginger beer and finish with crème de cassis. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cutesy Tuesday: Floral Ted Baker Pumps & Cherry Blossom Cocktails

Summoning Spring, STAT!

On Your Feet: 

The calendar says it's spring. However, if you're in the Northeast, it feels like Old Man Winter is hanging on for dear life. Nonetheless, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full bloom throughout Washington, DC (March 20- April 5). No matter where you're based, Celebrate "the Nation's greatest springtime celebration" in floral pumps like the "Saeber" by Ted Baker (less than $130 at Amazon).  A metallic gold heel and toe accent add a bit of edge to a silky flower-print upper. Maybe if we give spring a sartorial salute, it will actually fight for its rightful place on the thermometer.

In Your Glass: 

Toast the new season and all the flowers (sneeze!) it will bring with a sweet, but strong cocktail, like this Very Cherry Smash. The tequila makes it festive, the orange liqueur adds depth and lime juice provides an element of tartness. Here's how you make it:

Very Cherry Smash

Ingredients:

1 part Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
2 parts JDK & Sons 03 Premium Orange Liqueur
5 cherries (pitted and stemmed)
1 tbsp. agave nectar
1 part fresh lime juice
1 part club soda

Method:

Muddle together cherries, lime juice and agave nectar. Strain into shaker. Add in orange liqueur, tequila, and ice and shake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with club soda and garnish with cherries.

If You're Not Into Heels

Adidas Floral Wing Sneaker

Booze Clues: Bloody Marys to Beat your NYE Hangover

Hey 2015, Hey!!!

We made it! The ball has dropped & the bubbly has been sipped. The new year is officially here! Now, what? How about New Year's Day brunch, complete with a little "hair of the dog" cure for the slight hangover you're feeling? After all, it is National Bloody Mary Day. Here are a couple of options (along with shoe pairings to help with that heel hangover from dancing the night away) in case you and your friends are meeting at someone's house to exchange resolutions or make vision boards.

Carrot Bloody Maria (by Elise Larson of A Beautiful Mess)

Ingredients

Fresh carrot juice

Bloody Mary mix

Ice

2 ounces Numi Carrot Curry Savory Tea-infused tequila**

Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco sauce

Lime

Fresh veggies, for garnish

Margarita salt, for garnish

Black pepper

                   

Directions: 
Rub the rim of a tall glass or mason jar with a slice of lime. Dip into coarse margarita salt. Fill glass 1/3 of the way with ice. Add tequila, then fill the rest of the glass with half Bloody Mary mix and half carrot juice. Add a few splashes of Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce and the juice of half a lime. Mix with a spoon, then sprinkle a little black pepper on the top and garnish with celery and fresh veggies.

And on your feet... 

Keep it classic and cozy in brick red Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Winter Knit Sneakers (Available at Shopbop.com)
Do it bright in orange Adidas Originals x Pharell Stan Smith Sneakers (available at farfetch.com)
Stay dry and warm in olive green Nike Dunk Sky High Sneakerboots with bright orange laces(Available at nike.com)
Kick it cool in orange cheetah print Carvela Lorenzo Slip-on Sneakers (Available at Kurtgeiger.com)

Ole Smoky Green Bloody Mary

Ole Smoky Green Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

6 tomatillos

2 yellow heirloom tomatoes

1 dill pickle

3 garlic cloves

1 serrano chili (seeds remove)

1 oz. Ole Smoky Original Moonshine

1 ½ tablespoon preserved lemon

Juice of ½ lime

3 dashes Tabasco

½ teaspoon each sugar, salt and pepper

Directions:

In a blender, puree ingredients. Fill glass with ice and strain in blended mixture.

And on your feet... 

Do the fringe trend in tan Koolaburra Mocky Moc Booties (available at revolveclothing.com) 

Channel your inner Audrey in gold G.H. Bass Weejuns Penny Loafers (available at amazon.com) :
Go for an artisanal look in gold textured Very Volatile Kalessi Booties (available at volatile.com) :
Be thoroughly modern in ombre animal print Matisse Nugent Wedge Booties (available at singer22.com)

Here's to an amazing year!!!

Spirited Sunday: Chinese Laundry Booties & Milagro Anejo

Easy Does It...

Sundays are for taking it fairly easy... as in brunch with friends, maybe watching a football game (or 3) and generally keeping things casual. You don't want to look completely dressed down, though. A cute ankle bootie with a block heel will pull together most looks, whether you're wearing jeans and your favorite team's jersey or leggings and a chunky sweater. This Raylin Bootie by Kristin Cavallari for Chinese Laundry is great option. It has an everyday feel, but the gold block heel add some umph (and makes it more comfy than a stiletto).

Days like this, you want something warm to sip (especially if you've been screaming at the TV). If you want something more exciting than your normal Irish coffee, try the More Precious Than Gold, featuring Milagro Anejo. (No judging Irish coffee. We LOVE Irish Coffee.) It's creamy, sweet, and who doesn't love a pumpkin drink? If you can't get your bartender to whip this up for you, just ask for the anejo in some pumpkin flavored coffee... or even regular coffee with honey. Either one will still do the trick... they just might not match your booties as well.

More Precious than Gold

1.5 oz. Milagro ANEJO

.5 oz. dark crème de cacao

4 saffron threads

1 pinch of chili flakes

.5 oz. brown sugar syrup

3 dashes of chocolate bitters

.5 oz. of sweet potato puree

1.5 oz. of hot water

Add all ingredients in small pot and heat up till almost boiling. Pour into Irish coffee cup or mug. Top with whipped cream and garnish with saffron. 

Fun Friday: Sergio Rossi Lady Jane Pumps

 

Candy Caps

 

 

Who doesn’t love Friday? Even if you have the best job in the world, things seem to look even brighter at the end of the week, and you’re the type to spread your joy. If you’re happy and you know it, then your shoes will surely show it, especially in a pair of fluorescent pumps like these Lady Jane cap toe pumps by Sergio Rossi (available at Luisa via Roma). Their color blocked candy colors and 4 inch metallic leather stiletto heel are totally festive. Their pointy cap toe also makes them demure (not to mention pointy toes AND cap toes are a HUGE trend this season).

 

Fridays and tequila are a perfect match. Tonight at happy hour, try a tequila cocktail that’s as fun and exciting as your shoes, like a Hornitos Agavoni. It’s similar to a negroni but features tequila instead of gin. Be forewarned, it has a bitter bite to it, but if you enjoy a cocktail with a complex flavor and a lot of kick, this is for you.

Recipe:

3/4 part Hornitos plata tequila
3/4 part sweet vermouth
3/4 part Campari
2 dashes orange bitters
Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice and add ingredients. Stir briefly to mix and chill, and garnish with a grapefruit twist.

Very few people can have very many of these, but just in case, remember not to overdo it. Stumbling in your stilettos is not a Shoes N Booze approved activity.

 

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Blogger Labels: Sergio Rossi Shoes,Candy colored shoes,Luisa via Roma,stiletto pumps,spring 2012 shoe trends,tequila cocktail recipes,Hornitos tequila,Campari cocktail recipe,Hot pink Shoes,Booze,cap toe pumps,tequila

No Mess Monday: ASOS Starlight Platform Loafers

 

Berry Blue Monday

Monday is no day for loafing around. It’s the day when most of us get back to business. While your mood may be all work and no play today, don’t be a dull girl. A pair of loafer inspired pumps in a bold color, like these Starlight Platform Loafers from ASOS is the perfect mix of work and whimsy. The menswear inspired loafer styling and tassel detail make them a great match for suits during the day. The bright blue hue, snake embossing, chunky 5 inch heel and 1 inch platform mean they’ll also work with more casual looks, like jeans and this season’s work shorts trend. All in all, they say you know how to dance at the crossroads between work and play. Oh, and they’re on sale for $85.05, down from $170.10.

 

You can’t sip a “chick” drink in shoes that say you can hang with the boys, but that doesn’t mean you have to order your liquor straight up or with a boring mixer like they often do. Try a Midnight Blue Margarita (recipe from www.diy-cocktails.com, image by Jackson Stakeman). The tequila makes it strong enough to take the day’s edge off, but the blue curacao and blueberry syrup will lessen the bite.

Recipe:

1.5 ounces Don Julio Tequila Blanco
.5 ounces blue curacao
.75 ounces blueberry syrup*
.5 ounces meyer lemon juice

Shake ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, then serve in a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with blueberries speared on a cocktail toothpick.

*Blueberry syrup

.5 cups water
.5 cups sugar
.5 cups blueberries

Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool, then strain out blueberries.

**The goal here is to forget your troubles for a bit but remember that you still have to work tomorrow morning. That said, drink responsibly.

 

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Blogger Labels: Shoes for work,ASOS,Platform Loafers,tassel trend,shoes on sale,Margarita recipe,cocktail recipe,Don Julio Tequila cocktail,cocktails,blueberry cocktail recipe