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

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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.

Shoes Clues- 5 Shoes to heart on Valentine's day

Because Shoe Girls Wear Their Hearts on Their Feet...

Ah, Valentine's Day... those who've been pierced by Cupid's arrow exchange gifts, go on dates and generally tend to up the romance quotient. If you're among those the chubby cherub overlooked, you can still make it a day about love- for yourself, for family and friends or for life in general. Either way, show the world that big, beautiful heart of yours via a pair of sick kicks.  

Alexander McQueen Pump via bluefly.com

A fierce animal print pump- especially when worn as a neutral- will always up the style ante of your look. The heart cutout on this pony hair peep toe by Alexander McQueen (currently on sale at bluefly.com) makes it a sweet take on a style staple, and the hidden platform means you can dance all night.

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If your style is more retro-inspired, this suede "Haute Hearts" pump by Seychelles (available at shopplasticland.com) is for you. The cone heel and high vamp nod to the 40s, but the raspberry and red color combination is very now. Wondering what to wear with this shoe? An LBD is your easiest bet, but a ladylike midi skirt will also work well, especially if you're going from office to outing.

Delphine Pump by Charlotte Olympia

Everyone knows that rule about white shoes before Memorial Day is outdated, right? That said, pulling off a white pump during the cold months isn't for the faint of style. If you've got the chops, rock a heart-accented platform pump, like the "Delphine" by Charlotte Olympia. I'd wear these with torn jeans and a graphic tee or cool sweatshirt- to avoid a toothache-sweet look.

Alice + Olivia Gigi Pump

Feeling extra feminine? A heart-printed d'orsay pump, like Alice and Olivia's Gigi, is a very girly way to go. In grossgrain ribbon, this one is better for warmer locations, and it'll look adorable with cropped pants or a flared midi skirt.

ShoeDazzle Love Pump

Nothing sets hearts ablaze like a shiny lipstick-red pump, like the "Love" by ShoeDazzle. Heart cutouts add whimsy without taking away from the sexiness, and the small platform provides extra support. If you're single, this shoe is a great way to say your heart is open for business *wink.

**BONUS PICK
All the single ladies!!! I recently found the most perfect graphic tee EVER!

Tee Via Intermixonline.com