Quick Sips: A Cocktail Recipe for National Daiquiri Day

Daiquiri, Easy as 1-2-3

Today is National Daiquiri Day. Although at this point there are various flavors and iterations of Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail, we're toasting with the original. According to the folks at Bacardi, the daiquiri was created in 1898 in Cuba by Jennings Cox and then introduced to the U.S.A. by Rear Admiral Lucius W. Johnson in the early 1900s at the Army & Navy Club in Washington, DC. While the modern daiquiri is often served in slush form, especially in New Orleans, here's how you make the original:

The Original BACARDÍ® Daiquiri

INGREDIENTS:

3 parts BACARDÍ Superior

1 part freshly squeezed lime

1 part simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled until sugar has been diluted.)

METHOD: 

Put all ingredients into a shaker.  Fill with half cubed ice and half crushed ice.  Shake vigorously until chilled.  Double strain into a coupe or rocks glass.

Cutesy Tuesday: Cece L’amour Jules Peep Toes

 

Berry Nice

Remember the cartoon Strawberry Shortcake and her optimism, creativity, energy, whimsy and all around sweetness? Now that you think about it, you and her have quite a bit in common, don’t you? Let your footwear nod to one of your (OK, my) childhood favorites in a pair of absolutely adorable strawberry accented pumps. These Jules peep toe pumps by Cece L’amour (available at Amazon.com for $150) are a perfect example. Their gathered floral pink polka dot fabric almost mimics Ms. Shortcake’s signature hat, and the jeweled strawberry accents at the toes add a bit of jazz. The demure D’orsay styling keeps you from looking too juvenile, and the 4.5 inch heel keeps you sexy. It’s tough to be cute, fun, coy and demure all at once, but you manage it quite well. (Once the summer’s over, stash these away and wear them with your Strawberry Shortcake Halloween costume). 

 

If Strawberry Shortcake were to make a cocktail, I’m almost sure it would contain rhubarb. That said, try a Fresh Rhubarb Cocktail (recipe and image via Sugarlaws.com) this evening after work. You probably won’t find it at your local bar, but you love entertaining, so invite friends over for drinks on your deck (or fire escape if you’re a city dweller).

Recipe:

1/2 cup water
1 cup sliced rhubarb (1 large stalk)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ounces vodka
1 cup seltzer
Crushed Ice
Strawberries, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan, cook the rhubarb on medium-low heat with 1/4 cup of sugar, vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of water until broken down and tender, about 20 minutes (add more water if it runs too low). 

Mix together 2 tbsp rhubarb syrup, 1 ounce vodka, and 1/2 cup seltzer for each drink, stir thoroughly, and serve over crushed ice.  Garnish with a fresh strawberry.

NOTE: The fact that you’re serving drinks from your kitchen does not mean you shouldn’t be responsible. It’s only Tuesday and a Wednesday hangover is never cute.

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Booze Clues: 6 Drinks to Try on the 4th of July

 

Red, White & Booze

Fireworks, flags and fun… Independence Day is on its way, which means the smell of barbecue will fill the air. This year, instead of washing down your burgers with a cold beer, sip a patriotic-looking cocktail (or 5).

 

Voga Sparkler

No 4th of July celebration is complete without sparklers. Some prefer holding sticks with sparks flying off one end, but I’m more in favor of something sparkling in my glass. This cocktail is refreshing and slightly sweet, but not too strong for light drinkers.

 

Recipe:

2 oz. VOGA Sparkling Pino Grigio

.5 oz. vodka

.5 oz. Raspberry Liqueur

.5 oz. Soho Lychee Liqueur

 

Method:

Combine vodka, raspberry liqueur and soho lychee liqueur in the bottom of a champagne flute.Top with VOGA Sparkling Pinot Grigio

 

 

Belvedere Liberty Summer Punch

 

Perhaps you’re entertaining this weekend. You’ll be able to spend more time with your guests and less time behind the bar if you prepare a pitcher or two of punch ahead of time. This tangy, tart treat is strong enough to keep things festive but not fuel drunken fights.

 

Recipe:

10oz Belvedere Vodka

15oz cranberry juice

2.5oz lemon juice

3.5oz Aperol

5oz orange juice

Dash of bitters

Dash of simple syrup

 

Method:

Add all ingredients to a jug and stir. Garnish with orange slices and lemons.

 

Xante 4th of July Frozen Berry

A frozen treat is a great way to beat the summer heat, and it’s even better when it’s spiked with something Semi-sweet.

Recipe:

1 1/2 oz of Xanté 

1 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice

Strawberries Fresh or Frozen

Dash of sugar to taste

Blend with ice

***Photo credit: Rodrigo Londono- Catapult 13 Creative Studios

 

 

 

Sailor Jerry Back Yard Tea

 

Who doesn’t love a little sweet tea with their hot dogs and potato salad? This version gets a kick of extra flavor (and fun) with the addition of spiced rum.

 

Recipe:

2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

1 part iced tea

2 parts lemonade

 

Method:

Add ingredients to in ice-filled highball glass and garnish with a lemon wedge

 

Flor de Cana Firecracker

If complex flavors are your forte, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this one. The slight spiciness of the rum, combined with the biters and dash of absinthe make it a prime choice for night time sipping.

Recipe:

2 oz Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum

.5 oz Simple Syrup

3 Dashes Peychaud Bitters

Dash Lucid Absinthe

Red Grapes

 

Method: Salt rim of small glass. Add Flor de Cana, simple syrup, Peychaud Bitters and Lucid to shaker with ice. Strain into glass. Garnish with red grapes.

 

 

UV Blue Bombsicle

Remember Bomb Pops… the blue raspberry, cherry and lemon icee on a stick that turned your tongue and lips blue, but tasted so good they were worth Smurf mouth? Well if you got rid of the cherry, and made it into a drink, this is what you’d have.

 

Recipe:

1 part UV Blue

3 parts lemonade

 

Method:

Combine with Ice in a highball glass. Garnish with lime or cherry.

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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.

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Fun Friday: Kathryn Amberliegh Gladiator Sandals And X-Rated Fusion Cocktails

Bright Heights, Big City

Aren't long weekends the best? This one is bitter sweet, though, because it's the unofficial end of Summer... and the official end of Summer Fridays. Don't let that blow your mood, though. Instead, pay homage to your favorite season in a pair of ultra bright heels like these neon pink patent leather gladiator sandals from Kathryn Amberliegh. The contrast of the dark fabric on the straps reflects the tiny bit of angst you feel at the approach of the cool and cold seasons. Their 4.5 inch heel say you're ready to party, and the lace-up closure at the back says you're not easily undone. 

You're probably getting out of the office early today. That means you can get the party started early. To toast the sunny season, order an X-Rated Summer at the bar this evening. If your bartender doesn't know how to make one, ask him or her to combine X-Rated Fusion Liqueur (premium French vodka and infusions of passion fruit, mango, blood orange and other fruits), watermelon juice, basil leaves, lemon juice and Prosecco. The result will be a sweet, refreshing cocktail perfect for sipping on an outdoor patio while you people watch with your girls. (Yes she DID wear THAT outside). Careful, though... while this drink tastes yummy and innocent (despite its name), keep in mind you're drinking vodka. Too many X-Rated cocktails may lead to an embarrassing R-rated night if you're not careful. 

Don't Mess With Me Monday: Naughty Monkey

Going Ape

Mondays have a way of bringing out the crazy in all of us. Still, you manage to maintain some semblance of sanity. Let the loon in you show in shoes that are bananas (B-A-N-A-N-A-S). Blogger extraordinaire, Kitty Bradshaw, (who's seen her fair share of manic Mondays) submitted this pair of Naughty Monkey "Parade" sandals (available at Sissy in NY or via Amazon.com for $79.00). With their 4 inch polished cork-looking heel, side cut-outs and cheery yellow hue, they're definitely fun. However, the contrasting criss-cross straps add a little serious touch. Like you, though, they're super versatile and more neutral than they may seem. They'll go great with this season's military and safari inspired looks.

Toast the day's end with a "Bonbon of the Vanities" cocktail. According to the Intoxicologist, it combines Russian Standard Vodka, banana liqueur, peach liqueur, orange juice and grenadine. It'll be a tropically sweet way to cap off your crazy day. However, keep in mind that it's better to douse your sorrows than drown them. Too many may result in things going from tough to terrible. 

*P.S. If you have a pair of shoes for which you'd like a drink pairing, send an image and description. I'll be happy to hook you up.

Yours Shoely,

Me

-Cocktail Image Credit: The Intoxicologist Blog-

Wild Wednesday: Kathryn Amberleigh Zebra Print Pumps

Striped for the Picking

It's been said that you can always tell a zebra by its stripes. If that's true, most people will take one glance at you and see a wild streak. Just in case they don't notice, though, let a pair of animal print peep toed pumps set them straight. Kathryn Amberleigh's Zebra print pumps are the perfect accessory for navigating the concrete jungle. The cream and brown base has a calm air, but the sea foam leather accents add a bit of complexity. The best thing about this particular pair is their versatility. They'll easily go from work to play and can be worn with almost anything.

Get your "wild thing" on this evening while sipping a Green Eyes cocktail. It's a creamy, semi-sweet, tropical-tasting concoction of Midori Liqueur, Admiral Nelson Rum, coconut cream, lime juice and pineapple juice. I'm gonna suggest foregoing the pineapple garnish if you value your street cred, though. This drink is only 32 proof, so I'd say you can have a few. Just keep track of your straws or something so you don't get too wild.


Yours Shoely,

Me

Cutesy Tuesday: Matthew Williamson Satin Bow Shoes

Bow Chica Bow, Wow!

You enjoy wearing a nice strand of pearsl or two, but you're definitely not the type to clutch them at the idea of something naughty. Actually, you're more fun than your prim appearance would indicate. Give everyone a hint today in a pair of flirty shoes in a vivid hue- with huge bows if possible. A pair like these satin platform sandals ($810) from Matthew Williamson's Summer 2010 collection will definitely tip people off. The large, puffy bows at the ankles indicate a large dose of both femininity and whimsy, while the fuchsia color is a bit coy. Then, the 1 inch platform and 5.5 inch high heel provide a sexy boost. They'll look great with a tulip skirt (like Mango's Tulip Mini Skirt - available at S&B advertiser, Amazon.com).

If you're in the mood for a sweet drink this evening, opt for a Finlandia Vodka Mango Pomegranatini (photo & recipe via liquor.com). The name might be a tongue twister, but the combination of Finlandia Mango Vodka, pomegranate juice and Cointreau Orange Liqueur will be quite a treat for your taste buds. As you're enjoying the flavor, though, keep in mind that too many may actually have you slurring your speech or doing something that may make others clutch their pearls.

Sweet Sunday: Mother's Day in Gianmarco Lorenzi Satin Platforms

Mommy, Dearest...

You wipe runny noses, drive the carpool, sit through recitals and/ or wake up for midnight feedings. You do more in one day than many people do in a week, and like Victoria Beckham, you do most of it in towering stilettos. Today, you deserve flowers... not the kind that wither and die (and require effort on your part to keep alive), though. Instead, you're entitled to a floral pair of shoes. These satin Gianmarco Lorenzi platforms are like a corsage for your feet... and then some. With a needle thin 5.1 inch heel, 1.5 inch platform, they say you have no intentions of running around today. Instead, you'll strut, and the royal blue color, combined with the magenta and blue florettes will have all eyes on you.

Though you'd normally drink mimosas at brunch, replace them with Wild Hibiscus Sea Urchins today (recipe & image by Danielle Tatarin via inovision.ca). The name may sound odd, but there's nothing fishy about the taste of this cocktail made from Van Gogh Vodka, Campari, Hiram Walker Blue Curacao, lime juice, soda water, honey foam and Wild Hibiscus syrup. It'll be semi- sweet, a bit floral and a tad bit tart. Send the kids out with family members and sip away all day. Remember to hydrate, though, because tomorrow's back to the normal chaos.


Happy Mother's Day!


Yours Shoely, 


Me