Booze Review: Viva XXXII Reposado Tequila

Sunshine in a Bottle

Fun fact: tequila is one of the fastest-growing spirit categories in the United States. Here at SNB, we can't get enough of the stuff—especially reposado served neat on a warm day. Consequently, we were excited when woman-owned tequila brand, VIVA XXXII sent us a bottle of their newly released liquid for review.

VIVA XXXIII was founded by Yvonne Niami to bring a luxury sipping tequila to the marketplace at an attainable price. With that goal in mind, the bottle design was kept simple and features a triangle pattern that references the founder's Mexican heritage in a modern way. There's also a philanthropic angle. 10% of net proceeds are donated to animal abuse prevention causes including the ASPCA and SPCALA.

Now for our thoughts on the actual tequila (the reposado is estate grown and rested for 6 months in new American Oak barrels and retails for $45):

VIVA XXXII Reposado Tequia - Photo Credit- Chris T. Ramos  www.christramos.com 

On the Nose:

Bright, sightly spicy, clean, notes of oak. Generally pleasant.

On the Tongue:

Incredibly smooth with a nice amount of spice but virtually no burn. The flavor coats the tongue for a long-lasting finish and full flavor experience. We noticed herbaceous, or slightly grassy notes, in addition to those of oak and maybe even a little caramel.  It's a bit brighter than some other reposado tequilas we've tried.

Overall Thoughts:

We thoroughly enjoyed this tequila solo, and for a fun twist we tried it with chili-coated mango chunks (delish!). It's a great value for the price and a good entry for tequila novices. The bottle makes a great piece to upcycle after the liquid is gone, too. So we like it as a hostess gift for dinner parties. Oh, and it's heavenly in bloody Marias.

Have you tried this brand before? If not, are there other questions we can answer for you about the flavor? We can talk about this stuff all day! Also, stay tuned for "Perfect Pairings" featuring VIVA XXXII cocktails soon. If you have shoes you'd like paired with a cocktail, let us know!

*Special thank you to our photo sponsor, Chris T. Ramos Photography!

Booze Clues: 5 Cinco de Mayo Sippers

Party! Fiesta! Forever! 

It's Cinco de Mayo, which has basically become "Cinco de Drinko" in the US. (FYI: Cinco de Mayo does NOT commemorate Mexico's Independence. Instead, it celebrates the Mexican army's unlikely 1862 defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla.) While some will enjoy drinks at their favorite bars, others will keep things a little more lowkey and toast at home.  If you're among the latter group, here are some drinks you might want to try (don't worry. They're not all margaritas):

Riazul Plata “Nuevo Manhattan” – created by Leo Robitschek

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ oz Riazul Plata Tequila

½ oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth

½ oz Punt e Mes

½ oz Combier Orange Liqueur

½ oz Nonino Amaro

3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

METHOD:

Stir and Strain into a coupe

Victory- Available at Toca Madera, Hollywood:

INGREDIENTS:

Throw 10-12 leaves of fresh mint in highball

.75oz lime juice 

.25 simple syrup

.5 oz Ancho Reyes Liqueur

1.5 oz Herradura Silver Tequila

METHOD:

Build ingredients in tin. Shake and strain into highball. Top off with ice. Add four dashes of the chile arbol infused Peychaud bitters. Garnish with mint sprig. 

Petal Pistol from Lock & Key Social Drinkery (Named the best margarita in LA)

INGREDIENTS:

1oz Blanco tequila

.5oz hibiscus infused apple jack

1oz Cointreau

.75 lime

.25 simple syrup

1 dash Aztec chocolate bitters

METHOD:

Salt the rim of a rocks glass. Build ingredients over Tajun Ice.

For those counting calories: 

Parrot Bay Margarita with Coconut Water

Refrigerate can of Parrot Bay Margarita. Serve over ice. (150 calories)

2 Skinny Drunks Classic Margarita

INGREDIENTS:

2 Ounces 2 Skinny Drunks Premium Organic Margarita Mix (45 calories) buy HERE

1 Ounce Premium Tequila

METHOD:

Shake ingredients with ice. Pour over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime. 

Booze Clues: National Margarita Day- 5 Takes on the Festive Cocktail

Print by Vintagraphy

I bet you thought National Margarita Day was on May 5th (Cinco de Mayo!), but it's actually today, and it honors Jmmy Buffet's Margaritaville. Since it's Saturday, you'll likely indulge in a spirited beverage or two (ok, five) this evening. If margaritas weren't already on your agenda, they should be now- but PLEASE make sure there's no sour mix in them. From the classic version to more intriguing interpretations, there's a margarita for everyone.

Cointreau Classic Margarita

Cointreau's Classic Margarita
2 oz. Blanco tequila
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. Lime juice


Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and salt.

Milagro Veracruzana Pineapple Margarita

The Veracruzana Pineapple Margarita

2 parts Milagro Reposado Tequila

¾ part Agave Nectar

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

4 Pineapple Chunks

2 Basil Leaves

Muddle pineapple and basil leaves in a Boston shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish cocktail with pineapple and basil.

Partida Ruby Margarita

Partida RUBY MARGARITA 

1 ½ oz Partida Reposado Tequila

1 ½ oz Fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit juice

½ oz Cointreau

½ oz Fresh squeezed lemon juice

½ oz French Cassis. 

Shake the first 4 ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Dribble the ½ oz French Cassis down the inside of the glass so it will settle at the bottom.

Hearts & Tarts Margarita

Hearts & Tarts Margarita

1 Jalapeño Slice

1 1/2 oz. El Silencio Mezcal

3/4 oz. Passionfruit Syrup

3/4 oz. Orange Curaçao

3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

In a mixing glass, with a muddler press a jalapeño slice. Add rest of ingredients, add ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

*Created by Marcos Tello of LA's Tart Restaurant

*If you're not into tequila AT ALL, try: 

The Camus-rita

The Camus-rita 

2 oz. CAMUS VS  Elegance cognac
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. triple sec

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into glass, garnish with slime of lime.

Booze Clues: What to Drink on Cinco de Mayo

 

Raise your hand if you think Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. Put it back down. QUICKLY before anyone sees you. Seriously, though, don’t feel bad because lots of other people are also misinformed. May 5 commemorates the 1862 Battle of the Puebla, in which the Mexican army achieved an unlikely victory over French forces. (Think of the movie 300, but in Mexico with the underdog winning and without the ab-bearing war capes.) This year is the 150th celebration. We Americans like any excuse for a good, boozy party, though. Here are cinco choice concoctions to sip after shouting ‘Salud’ (because maybe you don’t want a regular margarita today).

 

El Jimador Cinco Punch

If you happen to be hosting a party for Cinco de Mayo instead of participating in a bar crawl or bottomless cocktail brunch, this is the drink for you. It’s got plenty of alcohol (sure to make the piñata dangerously fun), but it also has a fresh, bittersweet flavor.

Recipe:

• 1 Bottle El Jimador Blanco
• 1 Bottle Prosecco
• 4 oz Aperol (if you can’t find Aperol, Campari is a good substitute)
• 1.5 Liters Pink Grapefruit Juice
• 750ml Honey Syrup

Garnish: Pommegrante seeds, raspberries lime and pink grapefruit discs for garnish

Glass: Punch bowl + serving Glasses

Preparation:

1. Place Ice carefully into the punch bowl

2. Add all liquid ingredients and stir gently but thoroughly

3. Garnish with raspberries, pommegrante seeds, lime discs,  pink grapefruit discs

*Photo credit: El Jimador

 

Voli Light Low-Cal Latin Lover

Watching your weight (while praying to Chalchiuhtlicue, the Aztec goddess of love for a bit of romance) tonight? This 144 calorie cocktail is for you. Ordering it at the bar just might catch the ear of a handsome reveler. It’s sweet and doesn’t have the kick of tequila, so be extra careful not to drink it too quickly or drink too many.

• 1.5 oz Voli Orange Vanilla
• 2 oz Lemonade
• .5 oz Agave Nectar
• .5 oz Pineapple Juice

Glass: Rocks

Garnish: Orange Twist (or a little umbrella for a tropical flair!)

Preparation:

1. In a mixing tin, add ice, Voli Orange Vanilla, Lemonade, Agave Nectar and Pineapple Juice.
2. Shake and strain into a rocks glass

*Photo credit: Voli Light Vodka

 

VnC Cucumber Margarita

Have you and your crew decided to make Cinco de Mayo a girls’ night in? (I’m not judging. Sometimes all you need is cocktails and your favorite chicas.) Opting for a ready-to-serve cocktail will keep things super simple. All you have to do is pour VnC Margarita into your glass and garnish with a cucumber slice. (I haven’t had a chance to sample VnC yet, but the concept seems cool.) It’s made with 100% natural fruit juice and no artificial preservatives, additives or colors. It’s also 13.9% premium tequila (about 28 proof) and 150 calories or less per serving.

*Photo Credit: VnC

 

Drambuie Cactus Bite

Whiskey drinkers, fret not. Drambuie’s brand ambassador, Anthony Caporale conceived a cocktail that gives you the bite of tequila with the kick of whiskey.

Recipe:

• 1 oz. DRAMBUIE®
• 2 oz. Reposado Tequila
• Juice of ½ Lemon
• ½ tsp. Sugar
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters

Glass: Highball

Garnish: Lemon wedge

Preparation:

1. Fill mixing tin halfway with ice and add all ingredients.
2. Shake until tin is frosted and then strain into glass over fresh ice.
3. Garnish with lemon wedge and serve with a straw.

*Photo credit: Drambuie

 

Mexico REVOLUCION

Here’s one for the hearty drinker. It’s tart and as complex to consume as it is in flavor. I doubt I’ll have to warn you not to have too many of these, but do remember that it’s 100 proof (yes, that’s very strong).

Recipe:

• 2 oz. of Tequila REVOLUCION 100 PROOF
• 1 lime
• 1 lime supreme
• Lime zest (1/2 lime)
• Orange zest (1/4 orange)
• 1 dash of Natural Syrup
• Grain salt, Worm salt

Preparation:
Stir the lime juice in a glass with a touch of natural syrup. Then, add crushed ice and the lime and orange zest. Last, add the grain salt. The drink serves itself in complement with a shot of tequila REVOLUCION 100 PROOF. Stir the shot into the glass and observe how the elements merge while you pour it.

TIP: If you do not have worm salt, frost the glass with salt, mixed with ground-roasted peppers.

*Photo credit: Tequila REVOLUCION

 

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Cutesy Tuesday: Summer Solstice in Tabitha Simmons Striped Silk Sandals

 

Haute & Sweet

Today marks the official start of Summer, and far be it from you to not let your shoes reflect the occasion. Step out in something super summery, like a pair of seersucker sandals. These striped silk ones by Tabitha Simmons (available at MyTheresa.com) may feature a more luxe fabric than the southern summertime favorite, but they give off the same feeling of country club chic. The ruffle detail makes them southern belle-sweet, but the color combination and 4.5 inch heel spice them up. Wear them with khaki mid-length shorts and a white shirt for urban appeal, or pair them with a feminine frock and keep things cute.

The fact that it’s the longest day of the year gives you plenty of time for outdoor sipping. I suggest starting off with something cool, slightly sweet and somewhat spicy, like the Partida Southern Heat. All-natural and made from 100% blue agave, Partida Tequila has a smooth flavor that provides the perfect base for the other ingredients. Plus any drink containing tequila says you’re ready for lots of summer fun. The spiciness of this cocktail, though, also says you’re a tough cookie. Just remember that you want to maintain enough composure to keep your pretty shoes in good condition… and that tequila is a bit stronger than some other spirits.

Recipe:

1.5 oz Partida Blanco Tequila

¾ oz Cointeau

1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

6 slices of cucumber skinned

2 to 3 slices of jalapeno

¼ oz simple syrup

Method:

In a mixing glass muddle the cucumber, jalapeno, lime juice and simple syrup. Add the ice, Partido Blanco Tequila and Cointreau. Shake and strain into an Old-Fashioned glass and garnish with cucumber slices.

Technorati Tags: Tabitha Simmons Shoes,Summer shoe trends,Cointreau,Partida Tequila,Tequila cocktails,cocktail recipes

Booze Clues: What to Drink While Watching the Golden Globes

Glamour in a Glass

Having friends over to watch the Golden Globes? Wondering what to serve you guests? Here are a few suggestions, inspired by some of the night’s big screen nominees:

Inception: Those who are into the mind-bending thriller genre will be rooting for Leo Dicaprio & co. Serve them a Lucid Dream Stealer.

It’s a traditional absinthe drip. Pour cold water over 1.5 oz. Lucid absinthe.  Stir and enjoy the trip. *Note, it’s a flavor similar to licorice, but MUCH stronger. Not for those with timid taste buds.

 

Black Swan: Ahhh the graceful, yet disturbing psyco-thriller… and who can forget the kiss between Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis? Serve those who fancy the ballet flick a Dobel Tequila Twisted Swan.

1 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur                                1 oz DOBEL Tequila
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
Shake DOBEL Tequila & amaretto with ice. Strain into chocolate rimmed martini glass.
Shake vodka with ice & layer into martini glass

The Social Network: Where would we be without good old F-B… without an easy way to share thoughts, info and recipes? Your communally-minded guests will enjoy a Flor de Cana Zuckerberg Zinger. Feeling really social? Make it a punch.

1 oz  Flor de Caña 7 year-aged rum
1 seedless Watermelon
One good pinch of Cayenne pepper
4 Sugar cubes
1 oz  Lime juice
1 oz Club soda                                                 Dissolve the sugar cubes in 1 oz. of club soda. Add and muddle several 1-inch pieces of watermelon. Finally, add the rest of the ingredients one at a time and stir as added. Chill.

Good luck to all the nominees! Check back soon for our red carpet shoe review!

 

Technorati Tags: cocktails,cocktail recipes,Golden Globes,Inception,Black Swan,The Social Network

Fun Friday: DSquared Patent Platform Booties

Bright Heights

Quite a few things happened this week that could easily bring your spirits down. There's the fact that folks in Haiti are still without necessities, and millions in the USA are still without jobs. Let's not EVEN get into whatever's happening in your personal life. However, there are things you can do, like donate money or supplies to a charitable organization (like Soles4Souls, Yele or the American Red Cross). Whatever you do, you've got to lift your spirits. You're little good to others if you're not OK, yourself (as they always say on flights, put your oxygen mask on before helping those in need). One way to brighten a day is a patent pair of booties in an electric shade, like these DSquared2 orange platform booties (available at LuisaViaRoma). A 6.25 inch pencil-thin heel and a platform almost 2 inches high will ensure that you rise above anything that might make you frown, and the vivid yet healing hue (bet you didn't know orange is the color of healing, vitality and endurance) will help you re-channel your energy (into keeping your balance, maybe?)

A tasty cocktail shared with friends tends to be another mood booster. Tonight at happy hour, order a Tequila Sunrise. While there are many variations, the one that really tickled our fancy was the one from the Fine Living Network. It combines Partida Reposado Tequila, orange juice and grenadine, with a cayenne, salt and sugar rim. That equals a really sweet drink with a spicy kick. However tasty it is, don't forget it's still tequila. We wouldn't want you doing the Pee Wee Herman atop a bar table in 6 inch heels, right?

Cutesy Tuesday: Vivienne Westwood for Melissa Slingbacks &

Cielito Lindo Los Corazones...

It's Cinco de Mayo! Ole! It's pretty gloomy out for most of us on the east coast, but you're not disheartened. As a matter of fact, you've decided to keep some sun in your heart even when you can't see it in the sky. C'mon, share it and brighten other peoples' day. Your Vivienne Westwood x Melissa Lady Dragon slingbacks (available at epauletshop.com) are the perfect way. You've had them since their January debut, and you've finally found the right occasion for their inaugural run. What better day to debut them than a rainy one? They're rubber, so they won't get ruined in the rain, and the red heart makes them festive. The 3.5 inch heel isn't as high as you usually wear, but that just means you can dance more tonight.

A pretty Pomegranate Margarita (recipe & image courtesy of Cabo Wabo) tonight would only be right. You can settle for whatever your bartender concocts, or you can ask for Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila mixed with a little simple syrup, a few pomegranate seeds and some passion fruit juice. It'll be a tasty concoction, but don't overdo it. If you do, you'll wake up feeling like your head was the pinata at the party.

Wild Wednesdays: Emanuel Ungaro Heels & Corazon Truffle Margarita

Green Peace

It's been one of those weeks so far, huh? It seems like everyone from your boss to your bff has decided to push your buttons, and you've let them all know about it. Now it's time to make amends... extend an olive branch of sorts. It's Fashion Week, though, so let your sartorial choices express your sentiment. Emanuel Ungaro's olive eelskin branch-heeled shoes - with their 5-inch branch shaped heel, peep toe, wide ankle strap and contrasting back zip closure- will show them you're not only sincere but also superbly stylish. Great with bare legs or with this season's opaque tights, they're a foolproof choice for transitioning into fall footwear.

A pair of shoes such as these calls for a cocktail that's just as rustically elegant and indulgent. Sashay into the most luxurious watering hole and see if the bartender can muster up a Truffle Margarita (Image courtesy of Ideas in Food). (He/she probably won't know how, so get your pen and pad ready). From the minds of Ideas in Food's Chefs Aki Kamozawa and H. Alexander Talbot, it combines Corazon Blanco Tequila (or other top shelf substitution) with a splash of maple syrup and truffle oil and is garnished with truffle slices and a lime wedge. This isn't a sweet drink, but simply having it in your hand means you're an intelligent imbiber.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Corso Como Shoes and Casa Noble Cocktails

Mellow? Hell No!

It's another manic Monday, and you barely felt like leaving your bed this morning. A hot pair of yellow(ish) shoes adds a little sun to even the grumpiest disposition, and Corso Como's mustard Violet oxfords (available at Piperlime.com) do it with a professional edge. The "shootie" is here to stay, it seems, so let these gel-padded 3 inchers take you from the boardroom to the bar in chic comfort. Not sure what one wears with mustard colored shoes? Try linen pants.

When you arrive at your favorite watering hole, square your shoulders, look the barback straight in the eye and assertively ask for an "Executive Sunrise" (minus the cherry or orange garnish). A combination of Casa Noble (or your favorite) tequila, orange juice and creme de cassis, it'll have you walking on sunshine in no time. Don't overdo it, though, because we all know too much sunshine will leave you all sore and scorched.

Don't Mess with Me Monday: No Shots in the Dark with Dsquared and Patron

Lovely, Dark and Deep...

Pop quiz: How do you cope with "don't mess with me" days? If you're reading this, my guess is you wear a pair of "don't mess with me" shoes. With gilded "teeth" accenting the shank, platform and 5 and a half inch heel, these DSQUARED2 peep toed pumps say you're a force to be reckoned with. Be aware, though, that with these on your feet, you must have a seeeerious drink in hand...

Patron doesn't play or pull any punches, and the XO Cafe version seems to scream power. This smooth concoction blends fine coffee with "ultra premium" (according to their website) tequila, creating a muy perfecto potable. Please don't take shots with this one. Instead, savor it as you strut around your favorite night spot or eye the sophisticated stranger across the bar .