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Monday, December 14, 2015

Celebrity Shoe Spotting: Reese Witherspoon in J. Crew

Wild Style. (Get it?)


Reese Witherspoon in J. Crew leopard print shoes
Photo Credit: T Maldana/AKM-GSI
Reese Witherspoon in J. Crew pumps
Photo Credit: T Maldana/AKM-GSI

Reese Witherspoon was recently spotted (ha!) in L.A. wearing a tweed blazer, cropped jeans and an adorable pair of J. Crew Collection animal print d'orsay pumps. Since animal print is the new neutral, and their heels are a walkable 3 1/8 inches, these calf hair Collette Pumps are incredibly versatile.  Feel like snagging a pair for yourself (or giving Santa a hint)? Click the image below. They're currently $378 at Jcrew.com, and you get 30% off with code GETGIFTS.

J. Crew Collection Collete Pumps
J. Crew Collection Collette Pumps - $370.00 at Jcrew.com

If you're into the look but would like to spend less, check out these options:

Sam Edelman Leopard Print Pump
Sam Edelman Opal Pump - $127.02 at Amazon.com

Rebecca Minkoff Animal Print pump
Rebecca Minkoff Brie Pump - $94.16 at Amazon.com


*Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate. That means we earn commission if you click an Amazon.com link and make a purchase. Thanks!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Booze Clues: How to Host the Easiest Repeal Day Party Ever

You Have the Right to Remain Tipsy


Repeal Day newspaper article image
Image via Reddit
Cheers to the 21st Ammendment! In case you didn't already know, it's the one that repealed the 18th Ammendment to the Constitution, which prohibited the "manufacture, sale or transport of intoxicating liquors" in the US from January 16, 1919 until December 15, 1933. During this time, bootlegging became big business and various individuals and businesses found creative ways to hide their booze. The era became the stuff of legends and fantasies, many of us imagining smoky speakeasies with glamorous women, suave gangsters and doe-eyed jazz singers crooning away. Truth is, many speakeasies were seedy places, lots of drinking was done at people's homes, and much of the alcohol consumed was badly made and tasted awful (which made it necessary to mix it with sweeter substances). We have this era to thank for many of the cocktails we consume today.

Since Repeal Day falls on a Saturday this year, why not throw a Prohibition style party at home with a modern twist? Start with a fun invitation... but make sure there's no mention of cocktails or drinks. Here's a mock one we made in less than 20 minutes.


Instead of requiring a full-out 20s or 30s-themed outfit, ask your guests to come dressed for a modern high tea (because during Prohibition, tea cups often served as clandestine cocktail glasses). Also, instead of mixing individual cocktails, prep a big batch ahead of time, or... use Studebaker Cocktails pre-mixed Manhattan (Canadian whisky, sweet vermouth, bitters & maraschino cherry) or Old Fashioned (Canadian whisky, bitters, lemon, cherry, orange, simple syrup). We suggest pouring some of each into a decanter, pitcher or teapot with ice right as guests start to arrive.

Studebaker cocktails in tea cups


Just for kicks, offer each guest a cup of "tea" upon arrival. You can use your finest China, but we actually prefer the option of thrifted mix and match sets like these provided by our editor, StyleScrybe. It'll be a hoot to see their faces when they realize they're actually sipping a tasty Manhattan or Old Fashioned instead of Earl Gray or Oolong (high tea indeed!). It's up to you whether you admit to using pre-mixed cocktails from a bottle or allow your friends to think you actually measured out and stirred batches of cocktails.


Studebaker cocktails with bottles and teacups


Studebaker Cocktails tend to taste a bit more subdued than freshly-made ones, which is great for those who prefer cocktails that are less spirit-forward. However, please remember that they're 60 proof and will definitely sneak up on you after enough sips. Additionally, after you've had your switcheroo giggles, please garnish the Old Fashioned with an orange slice and the Manhattan with a brandied cherry. Oh, how adorable are the branded Studebaker tea sets???

**Disclosure: Shoes N Booze is working in partnership with thebar.com brand and is receiving rewards for participation in this campaign. All thoughts/opinions are 100% our own. This information is intended for those for whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

Thursday, November 12, 2015

New York- Go Drink Here: the Village Voice Holiday Spirits Cruise

Baby, Let's Cruise


Village Voice Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise
Courtesy image- Village Voice

A week from now, we'll be cruising around the Hudson River on the Hornblower Infinity  and enjoying unlimited drinks from more than 25 distilleries, wineries and makers of fine spirits. The Village Voice will be hosting its 3rd annual Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise from 6:00pm - 10:00pm on Thursday November 19th. Confirmed brands include Breuckelen Distilling, Brooklyn Gin, Brooklyn Winery, Jack from Brooklyn, Queens Courage Gin, Port Morris Distillery, Prairie Organic Vodka, Scorpion Mezcal and Tanteo Spirits. There will also be a complimentary buffet dinner, live music and a souvenir glass. You want to come. You know it. All you have to do is go HERE and buy a ticket.

Infinity Hornblower Yacht
Photo credit: Nathalie Zaro
A portion of proceeds from Holiday Spirits will benefit Lifebeat, the leading national nonprofit dedicated to educating America's youth (13-29) about HIV/AIDS prevention.

We attended the Village Voice's Annual Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise last year and loved getting to know new spirits and cocktails that we don't see at every bar. (Some brands even had a little swag to give out. Here are a couple of drinks we really loved.







Will you be cruising with us next week? What shoes will you wear? Wait, what shoes should WE wear? 

Monday, November 2, 2015

Do Try This At Home: The Perfect Tailgate Toast

The Peligroso Cinnamon Score

We're pretty deep into football season, and with it comes tailgate time. Whether you're convening with friends in the parking lot of a stadium, or watching the games from home, you're likely going to be having a cocktail (or five) while you do it. With that in mind, I, created a delicious drink to enjoy at tailgate time featuring Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon. Warm, sweet and a little bit spicy, it's perfect for sipping when temperatures are chilly.

Peligroso Cinnamon Score

Here's the recipe:
8 oz instant hot chocolate
3 oz Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon
5 dashes orange bitter
1 pinch of sea salt
1 pinch of nutmeg

Method:
Prepare 1 packet of instant hot chocolate. Pour into your favorite thermos or portable mug. Add 3 oz Peligroso Tequila Cinnamon. Add 5 dashes of orange bitters, a pinch of sea salt and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Then pour into small mugs or cups.

***Disclosure: I am working in partnership with thebar.com brand and I am receiving rewards for my participation in this campaign.All thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. Drink is intended for those whom alcohol is legal and appropriate. Please Drink Responsibly!

Monday, October 5, 2015

No Mess Monday: Neutral Pumps + Ayelsbury Duck Vodka

Get to the Point

It's Monday. You have a case of the blahs, and consequently, no patience for rambling or ambling. At the office, wear a pointed pump that illustrates your mood. At happy hour, order a drink that takes the edge off while maintaining an air of sophistication. 

On your Feet:


The pointed toe of Caliegh pump by Renvy (available exclisively at gilt.com on currently on sale for $95) connotes a desire to streamline efforts and cut to the chase, while the enamel block heel indicates the importance of balance. Its 4 1/2" height keeps you above any pettiness (or it should), and the neutral nude color speaks to an unbiased perspective that helps you handle matters objectively. 

In your Glass



Entertaining clients at happy hour? DO NOT order shots. Instead, opt for a smooth, strong cocktail  that eases a little of the tension in your shoulders but lets you keep your wits (because you'll sip it slowly, we hope). Yesterday was National Vodka Day, but you may have opted for brunch mimosas or game-day brews instead. With that in mind, we suggest ordering a Delancey, featuring the highly rated Aylesbury Duck Vodka from The 86 Company

INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon rich simple syrup (see note)
1 lemon twist, for garnish

METHOD:
Combine in old-fashioned glass. Add 2 ice cubes, cracked, and 2 uncracked, stir. Twist a swatch of thin-cut lemon peel over the top to garnish.

*To make rich simple syrup, stir 2 parts demerara sugar with 1 part water over low heat until sugar dissolves.

**Caveat Potor (let the drinker beware): No matter how high the quality of the spirit you sip, if you don't do it responsibly, you will not keep your wits (nor your balance in your fabulous shoes). We hope you'll refrain from overindulging. 

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Editor Review: Delivery.com in Jersey City and Hoboken

The Perfect Staycation Partner


Wine from delivery.com
Wine ordered from delivery.com

Every now and then, it's refreshing to stay in and do nothing. We mean NOTHING... not even go out for food. Enter Delivery.com (which now services Jersey City and Hoboken YAY!). Our editor, Nafeesa, recently took a staycation to get acquainted with the online delivery service. She used her complimentary credits on Thai food and wine. Here's what you need to know:

The Good


1. You can order more than takeout.

Of course, you can still order ally types of cuisine from a number of highly-rated restaurants. You just have other options. Feel like cooking? Order groceries. Need a little something to sip while you cook? Order wine and/ or spirits. Staring at a pile of dirty clothes that you refuse to wash? They've got that covered, too.

2. It deserves to be said again: you can order BOOZE!

Here in Jersey City, order minimums are under $30 (less than a decent bottle of reposado), and delivery fees fall under $5.

3. You can see the next available delivery time without extra clicks.

Most options on the list of locations that service your area are presented with an estimate of the next available delivery time. This saves you the extra effort of clicking and making selections, only to find out that it'll be three hours before you can eat or drink.

4. Rewards points. 

The more you order, the more you earn. They can be redeemed for credits toward orders or for really handy items (like a vacuum wine stopper or multi-tool for your home bar). You can also donate them to charity. (Karma points. Woot!)

Space for Improvement


1. Wine is a bit of a challenge.

The wine and spirit stores (at least the ones that service Jersey City) provide little to no detail about the flavor profiles of the wines they offer. Though, it usually only takes a couple of seconds to google a particular wine and find out what you need to know.

2. I wish only restaurants that are currently open would be presented in my list of delivery options.

If there's nothing open in my area at 2 AM, that's fine. Just say that. I'm in lazy mode. I don't want to have to look and see that my next delivery time is 8 hours away.

The Final Verdict


Thumbs up. The delivery drivers were all polite and professional. It was easy to know exactly when the items would be delivered, and the delivery minimums and fees were all beyond reasonable. Plus... that points system is pretty cool.

Friday, July 3, 2015

4th of July Sale Scoop: Melissa Shoes

Just in time for the Fireworks


Melissa Shoes (one of our favorite brands) starts its summer sale today! That means 50% off most styles (including the collaborations with Jason Wu, Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld, etc). It also means if you're in New York, you can visit Galeria Melissa and score a pair to wear while you watch the fireworks (a rare occasion when we suggest flats). If you're not in the NY area, fret not, the sale is online, too, so you can get those gladiators or criss-cross slides you've been eyeing— just not in time for tomorrow's barbecues. The sale ends August 1st. Here are a few styles we're contemplating:

Melissa x Vivienne Westwood Harmonic Gladiator 


Melissa x Vivienne Westwood Gladiator Sandal

This color not available online, but there are some pretty snazzy metallics.

Melissa x Jason Wu Jean Flat


Melissa x Jason Wu Jean Cutout Flat


Lana del Rey was spotted recently in the gold version of this skimmer.

Melissa x Salinas Solar Sandal

Melissa x Salinas Solar Tassel Sandal
The tassel is such a great touch on this one. 

(And while you shop, we'll be trying to figure out how to get our hands on some Melissa Roller Joy skates. Sigh.)

Monday, June 8, 2015

Booze Clues: 5 Reasons Rosé Rules Summer

Everything's Coming Up Rosé

Glasses of Rose for La Nuit en Rose
Courtesy Photo/ Credit: Guillaume Gaudet

La Nuit en Rosé New York is in a couple of weeks (June 25-27 on the Hornblower Infinity Yacht), so we figured it's time to give you the real deal on rosé.  We asked the folks from the world's first rosé wine festival a few questions on your behalf. Here's what you should know:

SNB: What, exactly, is rosé, and how's it different from other categories?
LNeR: Most rosé is made from red grapes (such as Pinot Noir in the West Coast or Nero d’avola in Sicily) that have not been left in contact with the skin long enough to impart full color, resulting in a much lighter pink color. There are  some rosés out there that are a blend of red and grapes. Whereas white wines are made from specific white varietals such as Pinot Grigio.

SNB: Ah. OK. And why is rosé consumed during the summer months?
LNeR: It basically tastes like summer in a glass! Rosés are fruity but dry. Almost all rosés are served well-chilled and are made from refreshing, crisp grape varietals, so they do not overwhelm the palate or whatever you happen to be eating.

SNB: Speaking of eating, are there foods that are better to pair with rosés?
LNeR: Roses have balanced acid and they’re crisp so they are easy to pair with common summer foods like grilled vegetables, lighter meats and seafood as well as daytime foods you often see in brunch or lunch like eggs and asparagus (those are notoriously hard to pair with anything besides rosé!).  If there is a wine for breakfast, this is it.

SNB: Wine for breakfast? Count us in! Wait… we hear rosé in lots of song lyrics these days, and it seems to refer to bubbly. Does all rosé sparkle?
LNeR: No. Not at all. There is tremendous variety in this category in terms of flavor, style and price point. With elegant hues ranging from pale peach to salmon, rosés just look beautiful at the table and in the glass. It’s elegant, bubbles or not.

SNB: Good to know. So, what are some great rosé choices for beginners?
LNeR:   Here are some great rosés for beginners from Italy, France and New York (There’s a fancy sparkling one included because those are great for ANYONE no matter how much of a beginner or for a special occasion!) They, among an assortment of more than 100 others — and some rosé cocktails— will be served at the event:

Stemmari Rose Wine 2014 bottle

Stemmari Rosé 2014
Region: Sicily, Italy
Grape: 100% Nero d’Avola
SRP: $9.99

Intense in color, Stemmari’s Rosé offers a bouquet of wild strawberry that is typical of Nero d’Avola, with complexity of cherry, gooseberry and red currant. The flavor profile is exceptionally warm and delicate, striking an ideal balance between freshness and minerality. 


Domaine Montrose Rose Wine Bottle


Domaine Montrose Rosé 2014
Region: Languedoc Roussillon, Pays d'Oc 
Grape: 65% grenache, 25% cabernet sauvignon, 10% syrah 
SRP: $13.99
Light pink in color, this is an everyday rosé wine with flavors of red berries and peach, along with spicy undertones. The taste is well-rounded, and it's extremely easy to pair with food or sip by itself.

Bridge Lane Rose Wine Bottle


Bridge Lane Rosé 2014
Region: New York, North Fork of Long Island
Grape: 63% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 8% Pinot Blanc, 5% Riesling, 3% Gewürztraminer
SRP: $18.00
This is a dry rosé, meaning it's not too fruit-forward (sweet). It has a complex flavor with notes of Jolly Rancher (yes, you read that correctly), strawberry and rosemary. It's both refreshing and calming to the palate, so it works well with more robust dishes.

Ca'del Bosco Sparkling Rose Bottle


Ca' del Bosco Annamaria Clementi Rosé
Region: Italy, Lombardy, 
Grape: Franciacorta Riserva DOCG
SRP: $100
When it's time to celebrate, this rosé is a prime choice, thanks to its balanced flavor, beautiful hue and tiny, effervescent bubbles. 

For more information on La Nuit en Rosé and/ or to purchase tickets, click HERE


Monday, June 1, 2015

Your Chance to Win: Little Black Dress Wines Sweepstakes

Go. Write. Win!



Little Black Dress Wines is launching 3 sweepstakes today:

The winner of the Little Black Dress Spa Day will receive two $300 gift cards to a local spa for submitting a note via the LBDW Facebook page telling why her best friend deserves a day of pampering.


The Adley Stump Nashville Weekend sweepstakes offers a grand prize of a weekend for two in Nashville, TN, complete with a VIP performance by the rising country music star who many will remember from her time on The Voice. Lastly, the Adley Stump Nashville Night will give one lucky Tennessean a night in Nashville for two and entry to a VIP performance.


So sad we're out of the running for that Spa Day over here. We each have a best friend that totally deserves some pampering. What about you?

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Cheers to a Cause: Negroni Week



Negroni Week Description- drink for your cause


Did you know that Negroni Week starts tomorrow? For the third consecutive year, Imbibe Magazine and Campari are joining forces to raise money for charities around the world while also celebrating a popular cocktail. June 1 - June 7 participating restaurants and bars will donate $1 from the sale of every negroni or negroni-themed item to a charity of their choice. Campari will also donate $10,000 to the charity chosen by the bar or restaurant that raises the most money.

If you've never had a negroni, it has a strong flavor that's a little sweet, a little bitter (like grapefruit) and a bit spicy. It's often consumed as an aperitif, but it can be enjoyed anytime. This year, there are There are more than 3000 participating locations across the country with some pretty creative options available, like Negroni Popcorn (Perbacco, SF), Negroni Creamsicle Ice Cream (Tipsy Scoop, NY) and Negroni Mignonette with oysters (Cockscomb, SF).

For a complete listing of participating locations check HERE.

While you decide which item you'll try first, here's how you make a basic Negroni (via Imbibe Magazine):

Classic Campari Negroni Ccktail

INGREDIENTS
1 oz. gin
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth

METHOD
Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass (or ice-filled double rocks glass) and garnish with orange peel. 

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Shoes Clues: 5 Comfort Sandals We Actually Wanna Wear

Walk This Way


Dear Reader,

I've never been a fan of sensible shoes as a category, however I've always loved certain styles that fall under that umbrella (Sebago boat shoes, Bass Weejuns and Bucs and Dr. Scholls Original Sandals). When normcore became an actual fashion term, and Birkenstocks became de riguer, I feared it was a bad omen. To my surprise, the movement has lead to some pretty cool takes on what I like to call "the granny sandal." Now that the weather has gotten walk-around friendly, here are a few choices that look AND feel great on casual days:

Dr. Scholls Original Sandals- Metallic

Dr Scholls Silver Classic Platform Sandal

As stated above, I've loved classic Dr. Scholls sandals since childhood. What you may or may not know is that I am also a magpie. So this shiny silver flat definitely put a twinkle in my eye. Bonus points for the "anatomical footbed." ($88.00 at Lord & Taylor)


Vionic Tatian Sandal- Leopard


Vionic orthotic leopard comfort sandal


Vionic shoes feature podiatrist-designed "Orthaheel Technology" that helps realign the feet to the proper position after wearing heels and shoes with no arch support. Luckily, for us, this jeweled leopard print calf-hair sandal manages not to look like an orthotic sandal. ($119.95 at Vionicshoes.com)


Worishofer 251 Sandal- Iridescent


Worishofer metallic slide sandal


Previously only seen on members of the geritol generation, Worishofer sandals earned their cool cred a year or two ago when celebs like Maggie Gylenhal and Kiersten Dunst were spotted wearing them. They didn't make their way onto my want list, though, until they appeared in metallic purple (which is now in my closet) and iridescent pink (which is on this summer's to-buy list). ($59.99 at Amazon.com)


Crowne Comforteur Brilliant Sandal- Snake


snakeprint thong comfort sandal

Gladiator-inspired with chunky straps, this sandal by Crowne Comforteur lives up to its name. It's casual, versatile and it has a specially-made footbed that cradles the arch and cups the heel. This might be the perfect city-walking shoe. ($119.95 at lorisshoes.com)


Matt Bernson Love Sandal- Gold


Matt Berson metallic thong sandal

A simple silhouette. A memory foam insole. This metallic thong sandal from Matt Bernson is way more refined than a regular flip-flop. Yet, it would still work with jeans or cutoffs. Grab & pack it for vacation. Wear it all summer. ($139.00 at MattBernson.com)


Which pair could you see yourself wearing, and where will your comfy-cool sandals take you this weekend?

Yours Shoely,

Nafeesa (StyleScrybe)

*Courtesy images. Shoes N Booze is an Amazon affiliate and earns commission on purchases made via links on this blog.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Shoes N Booze News: Co-hosting the Limelight Shops Anniversary Party

Party! Party! Party!




See a familiar face (or at least a familiar logo) in the flyer above? Yup, Shoes N Booze founder/ editor, Nafeesa Saboor (AKA StyleScrybe) will be cohosting the Keds x Shwinn 1 year anniversary party for the Limelight Shops in NYC. She'll be joined by Aileen Olmedo of The Style Boro, Sonia Evers of The Not Vanilla, Johnnybell Sanches of NY Trendy Moms and Lynn Do of Neckbreakin' Style. We hear there will be opportunities to win cool stuf, lots of shopping and drinks courtesy of Skinnygirl. Hope to see you there! Click HERE to score your invite.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

For your Boozy Book Club: You Deserve a Drink by Mamrie Hart

You Deserve It


You Deserve a Drink by Mamrie Hart


When the introduction to a book informs you that said book has a written-in drinking game, you know you're in for trouble... and a good time. Youtube star and avid drinker, Mamrie Hart's "You Deserve a Drink: Boozy Misadventures and Tales of Debauchery" (released today by Plume Books and available at Amazon.com for $12.57) clearly takes its title seriously. Before delving into the collection of drinking and hangover stories, readers are instructed to take a drink whenever Hart references an old television show, talks about a food product that could be purchased at 7-Eleven or uses a slang term for a reproductive organ (consider yourself warned. She does a good amount of all three). Additionally, each tale comes with its own cocktail recipe. (Either take small sips, or be prepared for drunkenness around page 12.)  Here are our top 5 reasons to start  a boozy book club and make YDAD your first book to read (in no particular order and typed while sipping a bloody mary):


  1. The lesson in Chapter 1: After a drunken night leads to a chipped tooth and a life wake-up call. Hart comes to the hard realization that hard-partying friends may not be her best bet. "Sometimes, the person you've got to protect yourself from the most is yourself."
  2. Topless Tuesdays: Mamrie had always wanted to start some kind of club. After any failures, she finally got it right in college with Topless Tuesdays. They eventually had their own official membership acceptance protocol. First thing about this: a club that encourages a liberation from social constructs is crazy cool. Second, the idea of a group of folks gathering once a week to enjoy the act of learnign something new is totally kick-ass.
  3. The writing is pun-in-a-million. (Mamrie, we hope we did you proud with that one.) Seriously, though, if you love a good pun the way the SNB squad does, you will get a kick (or 5) out of this book. Seriously... all types of pun envy over here. Mamrie Hart is the queen of puns.
  4. Quickshots!: No complex cocktail recipes. Only instructions to take a reader's-choice shot- straight and a few abbreviated anecdotes. Call it drinkers' digest.
  5. No need to read in sequential order. Seriously, with this book you can jump around. (90s music reference. Pretend I'm talking about TV and take a drink!) Since the stories aren't in sequential order, you (and your book club) can litterally skip from chapter 1 to chapter 10 and back to chapter 4 (depending on what cocktail ingredients are readily available on when you meet on Topless Tuesday). See what we did there?
Now that you have our top 5 reasons, please excuse us while we chat with Mamrie for a bit.

Mamrie, first off, we can't wait until we can swap troll stories with you... actually we can't wait until we actually have trolls instead of just spammers. (You're nobody 'til somebody hates on you, right? Secondly, do we drink when there are references to old movies as well as old TV shows? Lastly, in the first "Quickshots" chapter, you instruct us to take a shot, and then two lines down, you insert a trigger word. For that, dear friend, we are tempted to affectionately call you a trigger word. All jokes aside, dear, thanks for sharing your debacles with us. They help us see we're not alone, and if we keep a sense of humor about things, they might just turn into a dope ass book.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Memorial Monday: Converse All Star Wedges & Tequila Cabeza Cocktails

A Toast to Fallen Soldiers

Barbecues, parties, drinks and the unofficial start of summer. These are the things that come to mind when many people think of Memorial Day. How many stop to consider that the holiday was actually created to honor those died while serving in our armed forces? No matter one's opinions about war and this country's practices therein, I hope you'll take a moment and express gratitude to those who have perished so that you and I may enjoy those freedoms and privileges we do have. Now... what to wear and drink today.

On Your Feet:


Converse Chuck Taylor Wedge Sneakers

It's the last day of the long weekend, and you're probably ready to go pretty low-key. Nonetheless, there are day parties and rooftop celebrations to attend. Flats? No. Wedge sneakers are the move... even better if they look patriotic like this Chuck Taylor All Star Lux sneaker by Converse ($70.00 at Converse.com)

In Your Glass:


Tequila Cabeza red El Diablo Cocktail

It is possible to be grateful for soldiers and their sacrifices while believing that war is something of the devil. So today, when it's time to have a drink, have an El Diablo

El Diablo


INGREDIENTS:
13⁄4 oz Tequila Cabeza
3⁄4 oz crème de cassis de Dijon
1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz ginger beer
1 lime wheel, for garnish

METHOD:
Build the drink in a collins glass over ice. Pour the tequila, lime juice and ginger beer and finish with crème de cassis. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Booze Clues: 5 Cocktails to Serve at Your Memorial Day BBQ

To Long Weekends...


You're the one in your crew who always knows what to drink (because you read this blog, of course). That's why you're in charge of cocktails at today's barbecue. If you're still wondering what will wow the crowd, here are a few suggestions. From sweet, girly drinks to complex ones that even the guys will love, we have you covered.

Sandra Lee Cocktail Time Strawberry Lemonade (Makes 1 cocktail)


Sandra Lee Cocktail Time for Memorial Day


INGREDIENTS 
Ice cubes
2 ounces strawberry lemonade
1 ounce ginger ale
Sliced lemons
Sliced strawberries

METHOD 
In a small mason jar, combine Sandra Lee Cocktail TimeTMKey Lime Margarita, strawberry lemonade, 1 ounce ginger ale, sliced lemons, ice, and sliced strawberries.


Basil Hayden's Spiced Blueberry Punch 

Created by Debbi Peek (Louisville, KY) (Recipe serves 4-5)

Basil Hayden's Bourbon Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
4 parts Basil Hayden's® Bourbon
8 parts Blueberry Juice
8 parts Passion Fruit Juice
Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
15-20 Fresh Mint Leaves
1 bag Frozen Blueberries, for ice ring 

METHOD
Add Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, blueberry juice, passion fruit juice and mint leaves to a medium sized punch bowl and stir. Add blueberry ice ring*. (See recipe below.) Serve in a cocktail glass and top with club soda or sparkling wine. 
*Blueberry Ice RingFreeze one bag of frozen blueberries with water in a bundt cake pan.Dip frozen ring into hot water for a few seconds to unmold.Place in punch bowl with blueberry side up.


Deleón Platinum Pina


Deleon Platinum Tequila Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
1 oz. fresh pineapple juice
½ oz. fresh lime juice
1 dash of jalapeño syrup

METHOD 
Shake and strain over the rocks in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of jalapeño.


Knob Creek Rye Blackhawk


Knob Creek Rye Memorial Day Cocktail


INGREDIENTS
2 parts Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey
1 part DeKuyper® Sloe Gin
1 maraschino cherry for garnish

METHOD
In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine the whiskey and gin. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Captain Morgan Palomaloha

(serves 1)

Capain Morgain Grapefruit Rum cocktail for Memorial Day


INGREDIENTS
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Grapefruit Rum
Juice of ½ lime
Grapefruit soda to top

METHOD 
Fill tall glass with ice. Pour in Captain Morgan Grapefruit Rum, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Shoes Clues: Wear These to Memorial Day Barbecues

Jelly. No Roll.


You've got your Memorial Weekend barbecue schedule lined up perfectly so that you get this friend's divine bbq chicken right when it comes off the grill and that friend's delicious pie before her greedy relatives arrive. You also know where to be as the sun starts setting (because that's when #baewatch starts). Here's the question, though: what are you wearing on your feet? Flats are cool, but do you REALLY want to blend in THAT much? If you wear heels, and it turns out that you're walking in grass or near a pool, it could spell disaster (ankle roll, anyone?). Enter the wedge sandal (and its cousin, the chunky heel) — sturdy, versatile, and just the right ratio of laid-back to glammed-up. If you opt for jellies, it's even better... think spilled sauce, splashed drinks and possibly puddles near the pool. Here are a few we're crushing on this weekend:

Steve Madden x Iggy Azalea Hi Top Jelly Sandal


Steve Madden x Iggy Azalea Hi Top Jelly Sandal

Whether you're channeling 90s cool or rocking a festival-inspired look, this jelly sandal is the option for you. The heel is 4.5 inches, but there's a 1 inch platform, so your foot is at an incline that allows for nimble steps. ($109.95 at Amazon.com)

BCBGeneration Casper Wedge Sandal


Wedge Sport Sandal Steps up the style of Tevas

Going for a patriotic look? A red shoe makes a great finisher, and this one ups the ante of the ubiquitous sport sandal trend. (Teva, who?) Yeah, it has a 4.9 inch heel and a 1 inch platform, but it also has grips on the sole to ensure steady steps. ($89.99 at macys.com until 5/25, after which they're back up to $110.00)


United Nude Apollo Hi Wedge Sandal


United Nude mixed-media wedge sandal

If you're into modern minimalism, this sandal captures your aesthetic perfectly with its futuristic vibe. You may want to reserve this option for locations with paved surfaces, though, because the 2.2 inch platform can make it a little more difficult to steady your steps on uneven turf. On the other hand, that platform almost neutralizes the 5 inch heel, making this shoe a stand-all-day, dance-all-night style. ($239.00 at unitednude.com)

Bamboo Jelly Wedge Sandal 


Bamboo Jelly wedge sandal

Punctuate your look with a bit of shimmer in this glittery gold sandal. The coolest thing about it? The glitter won't rub off because it's embedded in the rubber. The simple styling of this wedge means you can dress it up with something frilly or go lowkey with cut-offs and a tee. I don't see nothin' wrong with a little up & shine, do you? ($21.99 and available in lots of other colors at amazon.com)

Melissa Flip Sandal


Melissa rubber wedge sandal

Mostly matte with a little shine and an architectural look, this semi-wedge is probably the most grown-up option. For a chill vibe, wear with cuffed jeans. For something more refined, slip into your favorite maxi dress. ($77.50 at Melissa.com)

What will you be wearing on your feet this weekend?