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.

Technorati Tags: 4th of July cocktails,summer cocktails,cocktail recipes

Cutesy Tuesday: Topshop Sindy Sandals

 

Hot Pink

Inspired by fashion from years gone by, you have timeless style, Polly Proper, and your shoe wardrobe shows it. Today, nod to the 1940s with a pair of classic pin-up-inspired peep toe sandals, like the Sindy by Topshop. The big satin polka dot bow conjures thoughts of a more innocent time, and the peep toe is sweetly sexy. Yet the 5 inch heel vamps them up to the current millenium. These pumps call for a pencil skirt, but they’ll also make a pretty pairing for your favorite jeans (rolled up, of course). Also don’t be scared to wear them with a lavender hoop skirt.

When it’s time to slip off your white gloves and sip a spirit or two, you can’t get more classic than a martini. You like your drinks a little sweet, though, so try a TY-KU Superfruit Martini. With a wink, ask your bartender to mix 1 oz TY-KU Soju, 1 oz TY-KU Liqueur and a splash of cranberry juice. It’s less than 100 calories, so you’ll be able to keep that waistline trim. Oh, and though you may not taste a lot of alcohol, TY-KU is a bit of a prowler. It sneaks up on you, so stay ladylike and sip slowly.

Technorati Tags: cocktail recipes,topshop,summer shoes,pink shoes,pink cocktails,TYKU

Spot- Light NYC: Pranna’s New Cocktail Menu

 

The Spice of…

I recently attended an invite-only tasting for Pranna’s (79 Madison Ave, Manhattan) new Summer cocktail menu. Inspired by the Southeast Asian-influenced menu at the restaurant, cocktail consultant, Raphael Reyes created a lineup that infuses fresh ingredients and flavors from far-off places. There’s a little something for everyone, from cocktail connoisseurs to casual imbibers.

Those who are into sweet drinks will enjoy:

Bison Leaves- Thai basil, fresh lemon juice, fresh pineapple, Hibiscus, Veev Acai Spirit, Zubrowka Vodka

Full bodied, but refreshing, this concoction’s fruity and floral flavors pretty much mask the taste of the alcohol. You definitely know it’s in there, though. The finish has almost a twinge of a licorice taste. All in all, it’s tasty and plays well with spicy dishes.

 

If you’re more of the crisp drink type, I suggest:

Silver Obha- Shiso, yuzu juice, fresh lemon juice, fresh pineapple juice, agave nectar, Partida Tequila

The first word that comes to mind with this one is refreshing. It’s flavor is citrusy, summery and perfect for a hot afternoon… oh and it’s got quite a kick.

 

 

 

 

Prefer to taste the liquor in your cocktail? Try:

Spiked Rabbit- Sage, agave nectar, lime juice, fresh carrot juice, yellow chartreuse, Combier Triple Sec, Milagro Silver Tequila

Don’t let the fact that it contains carrot juice scare you away. This cocktail is really delicious and slightly spicy. Still, it’s pretty light, so it’ll leave enough room for their falafel balls (YUM).

 

 

 

When you’re in the mood to sip something really spicy, order:

Irish Kampai- Angostura Bitters, maple syrup, Benedictine, Yamazaki Whiskey, Michael Collins Whiskey

The most “manly” of the drinks I sampled, it’s strong, pronounced flavor is also quite pleasant. Ladies, if you want to impress the guys at the bar with your sipping savvy… order this one.

 

 

The best advice I can give you is to go and look at the entire menu (see it online here). You may see something appetizing that I didn’t mention here… if you do, please come back and recommend it to your fellow readers. I only listed 4 of 13, AND they have virgin drinks, too.

*NOTE: Irish Kampai photo by Abigail Ekue

Technorati Tags: restaurant review,bar review,NY nightlife,Pranna NY

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