No Mess Monday- National Absinthe Day: N.Y.L.A. Alistair Booties

 

Dressed to Kil-tie

 

This weather is quite erratic these days. Mother Nature is throwing lots of mess our way (though we kinda earned it). With all that going on, though, who has time to deal with the shade thrown by office mates? Wear a pair of shoes that show you’re ready for whatever might come your way, like the Alistair bootie by N.Y.L.A. (available at endless.com for $59.75) The dark green color is fairly neutral, and the oxford styling says you can roll with the big boys. The kiltie detail and tassels on the laces are also totally on trend. The lug sole is all utility, but the 4.25 tapered heel adds some femininity.

 

Since Viridian Sprits has declared March 5th National Absinthe Day in celebration of the U.S. repealing the ban on absinthe 5 years ago today, hand your troubles over to the green fairy at happy hour tonight. A Lucid Martini, made from Lucid Absinthe and vodka will definitely be a quick fix. Be forewarned, there’s nothing sweet about it, but it’s definitely strong enough to make all feel right with the world for a bit. I doubt I have to warn you not to guzzle this one. Few would be able to if they tried. Still keep in mind that the green fairy can be a two faced friend.

Recipe

1.5 oz Lucid Absinthe
2 oz vodka

In a cocktail shaker, add ice, Lucid Absinthe, and vodka. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.

 

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Booze Clues: National Absinthe Day

 

Toasting the Green Fairy

They say she was Vincent Van Gogh’s mistress, and her intoxicating kiss may have tricked him into cutting off his ear. Whether that’s true or not, Absinthe, A.K.A. the green fairy, has long been a favorite among artists and their cohorts. However, her hallucinogenic qualities (due to wormwood being one of her main ingredients) lead to her being banned in various countries. In 2007, Viridian Spirits convinced the U.S. government to lift its 95 year ban on the spirit, and Lucid Absinthe hit shelves, followed by various other brands. (Don’t worry, they’ve made sure it won’t induce hallucinations.) To celebrate the light green liquor’s return to our shores, March 5th has been declared National Absinthe Day. Let’s all toast with a classic Absinthe Drip.

Recipe:

1 ½ oz. Lucid Absinthe

Sugar Cube

Ice Water

Pour 1 ½ oz. Lucid into an absinthe glass.  Place sugar cube atop a flat, perforated spoon that rests on the rim of the glass.  Slowly drip 4-5 oz. of ice cold water on top of the sugar cube (or directly into the glass), which dissolves into the absinthe.  The cold water causes the Lucid to louche into an opalescent cloud as the herbal essences emerge from the absinthe and perfume the room.

*Recipe & image courtesy of Lucid Absinthe.

Technorati Tags: National Absinthe Day,Lucid Absinthe,Cocktail Recipes

Booze Clues: What to Drink While Watching the Golden Globes

Glamour in a Glass

Having friends over to watch the Golden Globes? Wondering what to serve you guests? Here are a few suggestions, inspired by some of the night’s big screen nominees:

Inception: Those who are into the mind-bending thriller genre will be rooting for Leo Dicaprio & co. Serve them a Lucid Dream Stealer.

It’s a traditional absinthe drip. Pour cold water over 1.5 oz. Lucid absinthe.  Stir and enjoy the trip. *Note, it’s a flavor similar to licorice, but MUCH stronger. Not for those with timid taste buds.

 

Black Swan: Ahhh the graceful, yet disturbing psyco-thriller… and who can forget the kiss between Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis? Serve those who fancy the ballet flick a Dobel Tequila Twisted Swan.

1 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur                                1 oz DOBEL Tequila
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
Shake DOBEL Tequila & amaretto with ice. Strain into chocolate rimmed martini glass.
Shake vodka with ice & layer into martini glass

The Social Network: Where would we be without good old F-B… without an easy way to share thoughts, info and recipes? Your communally-minded guests will enjoy a Flor de Cana Zuckerberg Zinger. Feeling really social? Make it a punch.

1 oz  Flor de Caña 7 year-aged rum
1 seedless Watermelon
One good pinch of Cayenne pepper
4 Sugar cubes
1 oz  Lime juice
1 oz Club soda                                                 Dissolve the sugar cubes in 1 oz. of club soda. Add and muddle several 1-inch pieces of watermelon. Finally, add the rest of the ingredients one at a time and stir as added. Chill.

Good luck to all the nominees! Check back soon for our red carpet shoe review!

 

Technorati Tags: cocktails,cocktail recipes,Golden Globes,Inception,Black Swan,The Social Network

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Giorgio Armani Booties and Absinthe Awakenings

Fit to be Tied

It's so hard to get up and out when it seems like the rest of the world has the day off, isn't it. Your office doesn't do Columbus day, though, and you're such an over achiever that you'd work from home anyway. To top it all off, you're in a bit of a strange mood (channeling Ms. Hannighan, perhaps?). Maybe it's the changing weather. A patchy pair of lace up booties, like this one from Giorgio Armani (or something similar), are just what you need today. Yes, there's a dark, autumnal feel to them, but the light seafoam green patches add a bit of optimism. A heel that's almost 5 inches high never hurt your disposition either. Now, if you could only shake that pesky feeling of fatigue.

Your morning coffee never did actually kick in, and the one after lunch only kept you from falling asleep during your weekly conference call. However, you can't bring yourself to miss Monday Night Football with the girls. Tonight your drink of choice should be the Awakening. A definite "big girl" drink, it combines Lucid Absinthe, Starbucks Coffee Liqueur and Starbucks Creme Liqueur. While the new incarnation of Absinthe doesn't contain enough wormwood to be hallucinogenic, it still makes a strong drink. The characteristic licorice flavor will be muted some by the coffee, but the general taste of the drink will be an eye opener if nothing else. As always, mind your intake. You might not hallucinate, but too many tonight could lead to your seeing stars in the morning.

Wild Wednesday: Casadei 1902 Boots & Remy Martin Sazeracs

Feline High

It's the middle of the week, and the last two days have been a bit of a drag. You're on the prowl today... for opportunities, challenges and- most importantly- fun! With your keen hunting instincts and voracious appetite (for fab footwear, fashion, and whatever else you want), you manage to get what you want (without being catty). A pair of leopard print boots- like the 1902 from Casadei's "Into the Wild" collection for F/W 08-09 (shopping details at Casadei.com) - will make the world your prey. The 5 inch heel and 1 inch platform mean you're not afraid of a challenge, and the satin leopard print shaft indicates an un-caged spirit. Yet, the brown leather toe and throat say you know how not to overdo it.

You'll need a little extra discretion this evening too, when the effects of your Sazerac start to take hold. This classic cocktail blends Remy Martin Cognac, Jade Liqueurs Absinthe, Peychaud Bitters and sugar syrup and has quite a bite. You're not intimidated by a boys' drink, though, so enjoy. As long as you don't let this drink become your master, you'll be fine. *Note- Having originated in New Orleans during the 1800s, the Sazerac is known as America's first cocktail.

Fun Friday: Giuseppe Zanotti I87039 Madelene Booties & Lucid Absinthe's Ol' Lucy Blue Eyes

Stroke of Genius!

The creative energy is flowing abundantly today, and while you still haven't managed to sign up for that ceramics class (as New Year's Resolution #10 suggested), you can still let your artistic side show. An artsy pair of shoes- like these I87039 Madelene booties by Giuseppe Zanotti (available at Endless.com)- will let everyone know the Picasso within you is alive and kicking. The 4 inch high metallic midnight stiletto heel makes them sexy, and the half inch hidden platform keeps them comfy. Yet, it's the multi-colored satin, printed to resemble the strokes of an artist's brush, that shows true genius.

Continue the creative theme this evening at happy hour by imbibing a drink made with Absinthe, the spirit said to have inspired countless artists and bohemians of yesteryear. An Ol' Lucy Blue Eyes (recipe and image from Lucid Absinthe), will no doubt erase any blue feelings you've accumulated over the past week. It's quite a complicated recipe, but the basics are Stoli Blueberi, Lucid Absinthe, Simple Syrup. Also ask your bartender to add a little lemon juice, Massenez Framboise, gingerbeer and blueberries if possible. Absinthe's flavor is strong and a bit pungent, so be prepared for an unusual taste. The bluberry flavor of the vodka and the berries will help keep it from overpowering everything else, though. Oh, and don't worry, the absinthe that's available these days won't have you halucinating or anything. (For exact measurements and directions, visit Notesonaparty.com.)

Don't Mess with Me Monday: Jonathan Kelsey Cleo Pumps & Remy Martin Cognac

Get it Bronzed

So... it's the first day of a new work week and of a new season. Doesn't it seem like the Summer's serenity gave way to Autumn's structure a little too quickly? Don't go getting all S.A.D., though. The best cure for an approaching case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (at least for us footwear fiends) is a new pair of high heels. Don't lament the transition. Celebrate instead with this pair of architecturally inspired bronze "Cleo" pumps by Jonathan Kelsey. Their pointy toe and approx. 4 inch heel, along with the diagonal strap will give you a Judy Jetson meets Jessica Rabbit kind of sex appeal. It's rare that a shoe's winks to the future blend seamlessly with subtle nods to the past, creating a very of-the-moment, no nonsense look.

One good thing about Fall is that it opens up your drink choices quite a bit (enter, dark liquor). During the summer we at S&B stick to white and light liquors because the dark ones make us feel a little too warm. Anyway, tonight, drink like the boys and order a "Dream". A combination of Remy Martin Cognac, Grand Marnier and a little Lucid Absinthe, this drink is sure to help you shake of a case of the "Mondays". Beware, though, if you're a lightweight you'll want to sip this and limit yourself to one, or else you may find yourself in a drunken nightmare.