Quick Sips: a Pi Day Cocktail from Piehole Whiskey

Take a Pie to the Face (In a Good Way)

Math and science enthusiasts see Pi Day as a time to celebrate the world's most famous irrational number. Those of us in the world of food and drink, however like to employ a pun and celebrate... well... pie. The easiest way to do so would be shots of Piehole Whiskey (which comes in three pie-inspired flavors, of which Apple Pie is our favorite.) If you'd like to go a little fancier, opt for a cocktail featuring the 70 proof Canadian whisky + liqueur concoction, like:

The Lucky Apple 

Ingredients

1.5 oz. PIEHOLE™ Whiskey with Apple Flavored Liqueur

3 oz. Ginger Beer              

A splash sour mix

A splash of lemon-lime soda

Method

Mix ingredients over ice. Stir. Strain into glass of choice over rocks. Garnish with lime wedge and apple slice.

Shoes Clues: 5 Must-Have Sneakers for Spring '16

A Good Sport

Chances are your shoe wardrobe has expanded to include sneakers that will never see a gym. No longer just a hipster statement of irony or a form of rebellion on the hip-hop and skater scenes, athletic-looking footwear has even become a mainstay on fashion's front row. Here are a few chill-day styles to consider for your collection.

Slick White Kicks

Recently reintroduced with Grammy Award-winning rapper, Kendrick Lamar, as its campaign partner, the Reebok Classic Leather provides a clean slate on which to build your look. The gum sole keeps things interesting. Available via Amazon.com for $91.90 (Similar style available for $59.90 here.)

Sleek Celeb Style

Sartorially speaking, Rihanna can do no wrong. Now, she has her own originally-designed shoe with Puma, and it's all over the Gram. Sleek and futuristic, this slip-on trainer kicks athleisure into high gear. Cop your own pair of Puma Fenty Trainers for $179 from Shiekh Shoes.

Retro Refresh 

The classic Stan Smith by Adidas Originals has gotten pretty ubiquitous. However, add leopard print calf hair, and you've gone from borderline cliche to totally covetable. Available at TheCorner.com for $140.

Right-now Rose Quartz

Declared one of Pantone's key colors of 2016, this shade of soft blush will be everywhere this season. Mercer Amsterdam's Grand sneaker takes on the hue without going all-out girly. In luxe leather with a specially designed comfort insole, it's available here for $241. We saw their Fall 2016 offerings recently at Capsule Show in NY, and we suggest signing up for their newsletter to stay in the loop.

Sparkle & Shine

We all need a pair of wear-everywhere sneakers with a bit of polish and pizazz. Boohoo.com has you covered with their Maya Shimmer Bootie. Perfect for everything from commuting to weekend outings, this Chelsea boot-meets-sneaker style is likely to be a go-to. Oh, and it's only $35!

Will you be joining the sneaker squad this spring? What's your favorite style?

*All images courtesy images unless otherwise noted. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate, so purchases made by clicking Amazon links will result in commission.

Shoes Clues: 5 Black Shoe Designers to Shop Now

Sole Sistas

Yesterday we covered wine and spirits companies owned by black people, so today we'd be remiss if we didn't let you know about some amazing black shoe designers. Whether your style is conventional or daring and your shoe budget is conservative or considerable, there's a designer who's in step with your preference. This is by no means a comprehensive list. However, these are a few of our favorites.

Marion Ayonote

Popular among celebrities from Kelly Clarkson (which we covered here) to Gabrielle Union, London-based Marion Ayonote creates shoes and bags with timeless, independent women in mind. Her shoes are available at shops around the globe, and shoe prices tend to range from a little over $100 for flats to about $820 for booties. The above pictured "Conqueror" has been spotted on screens and red carpets quite a bit and can be purchased via the company's website. (Oh, and Issa Rae was recently spotted carrying one of her bags.)

Becki Coackley

We paired Becki Coakley's "Tanaia" sandals with a cocktail featuring her One80 Vodka (mentioned in yesterday's list) last spring, and we've been keeping an eye on her shoes since then. Her designs blend classic styling, high-quality leather and modern accents for a timeless look that exudes feminine confidence and uniqueness. Prices range from $407 to $574 and can be purchased here.

Heather Hightower

Feminine, flamboyant and fun, Heather Hightower Miami's shoes are made for the girl who makes an entrance. The brand's owner and designer, Heather, creates her collections with an eye on the trends and her mind on keeping things affordable for her customers. The above pictured "RiRi" sandal retails for $130, and prices top out under $200. Shop here.

Tiannia Barnes

Oklahoma native, Tiannia Barnes actually started her career in IT/ project management. However, having long loved fashion and sketching, she eventually left that industry in pursuit of a career in shoe design. In 2013 she attended shoemaking school in Cleveland, Ohio, where she studied footwear design and pattern development. Not long after, her namesake brand was born. Tiannia still encourages young girls' interest in math and science through her mentoring of S.T.E.M. programs. Tiannia Barnes prices range from $350 for flats to $595 for the above pictured "Jackie" fringe sandal (available here).

Aminah Abdul-Jillil

Professional dancer and shoe designer, Aminah Abdul-Jillil is a favorite among boldfaced names. She's not only toured the world with Janet Jackson and Britney Spears as a backup dancer, but also seen her footwear on the likes of Rihanna and Miss Universe. Her bow pump rose to street style fame (and unfortunately became fodder for the knock-off set). Abdul-Jillil's shoes range in price from $165 for flats (and $185 for the above "Love" sandal) to $385 for crystal-embellished pumps. Shop here.

So, did we miss your favorite designer? Is there someone we need to add to our list? Please feel free to let us know!

*All images courtesy images unless otherwise noted.

Booze Clues: 6 Black-owned Wines & Spirits to Sip

Lift Every Glass and Sip

February is coming to a close, but before Black History Month ends, we want to make sure you know about a few Black-owned wine and spirits brands making history of their own. Whether you're into organic, gluten free, easy sippers or are riding the moonshine wave, there's something for you.

One80 Vodka

Image via @One80Vodka on Instagram 

Founded by shoe designer, Becki Coakley and her husband, One80 Vodka is an ultra premium, small batch spirit distilled from corn and produced in Denver, CO. They've recently jumped into the flavored vodka fray with their blood orange offering. We actually paired one of their cocktails with a Becki Coakley shoe here.

Mouton Noir Wines

Image via @YouKnowMouton on Instagram

Sommolier Andre Hueston Mack initially founded Mouton Noir Wines in 2007 to provide distinctive garage wines for some of New York's best restaurants. Now available nationwide, the brand creates critically acclaimed wines, many with names and labels that infuse elements of skateboard, punk and hip-hop culture.

Still Moon Moonshine

Courtesy Image

Still Moon Moonshine bills itself as the "sophisticated sipping shine." Its 100% corn-distilled recipe originated long ago in the Carolinas, and has since been refined for a more delicate palate. Available in 100 proof Special Reserve and 60 proof flavors such as Strawberry, Peach Cobbler, Lemon Drop and Apple Pie, Still Moon is currently sold in Texas and Indiana. We're hoping it'll be sold in more areas soon.

Truvee Wines / Eco.Love Wines

Courtesy Image

Courtesy Image

We originally told you about the McBride Sisters, the uncanny story of their connecting and their Truvee Wines last year in this post. Since then, they have not only expanded the team at California-based Truvee Wines and introduced new vintages, but have also added a new brand, Eco.love Wines, to their portfolio. Made in New Zealand, Eco.love operates with a focus on sustainable, environmentally friendly pracitices and offers Sauvignon Blac, Reisling and Pinot Noir varietals.

Bou'Jae Vodka

Courtesy Image

Author, serial entrepreneur and divorced mother of 2, Stephania Laguer founded Bou'Jae Vodka in January 2015. Soon after, fellow mom-preneur, Nisha Ray partnered with the brand to help streamline operations while growing its distribution. As the first 100% organic, non-GMO, allergen-free vodka, Bou'Jae is currently launching in North Carolina and New Jersey, with plans to go nationwide soon.

Shoe Crazy Wine

Image via @ShoeCrazyWine on twitter

Shoe Crazy Wine is the manifestation of founder, Gwen Hurt's tragedy-to-triumph story. After being laid-off and then getting into a debilitating car accident, the shoe lover and then-casual wine aficionado was inspired to turn her wine hobby into an actual business. In 2013, Shoe Crazy Wine was born, and it now offers a wide range of varietals from France and California.

Is there a black-owned wine, spirits or beer brand you love that we missed? Feel free to share in the comments! Maybe they'll appear in a pairing post or one of our round-ups.