Shoes N Booze: Combier

... And Red Allover

On Your Feet:

Happy Memorial Weekend! Let's all take a moment to pause in gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Now, let's talk about what shoes you'll be wearing tonight when it's time to step out. I say celebrate the unofficial start of summer in a pair of hot red sandals. Strappy on one side, and solid on the other, this Tanaia hybrid sandal by Becki Coakley ($575 and available HERE) is the perfect style to signal changing seasons. The 4-inch stiletto heel complements those calf muscles you've been working on, and the dainty ankle strap has a great elongating effect.

In Your Glass:

When it's time to toast the end of yet another week, sip something strong and sweet. If you normally drink the classic Cosmopolitan, maybe this time order your spirits by name at the bar (or select something new for your pregame session). This version features One80 Vodka, a small-batch corn-based spirit produced in Denver, CO (and of which Becki Coakley is the co-founder). Here's the recipe:

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces of One80 Vodka
1 ounce of Combier (orange flavored liqueur)
1 ounce of peach schnapps
3 ounces of cranberry juice
½ ounce of lime juice
Ice

METHOD
Pour One80 Vodka, Combier, cranberry juice, lime juice into a cocktail shaker over ice. Roll the shaker gently for 20 seconds. Do not shake- this will cause the mixture to froth. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

Party! Fiesta! Forever!

It's Cinco de Mayo, which has basically become "Cinco de Drinko" in the US. (FYI: Cinco de Mayo does NOT commemorate Mexico's Independence. Instead, it celebrates the Mexican army's unlikely 1862 defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla.) While some will enjoy drinks at their favorite bars, others will keep things a little more lowkey and toast at home. If you're among the latter group, here are some drinks you might want to try (don't worry. They're not all margaritas):

Riazul Plata “Nuevo Manhattan” – created by Leo Robitschek

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ oz Riazul Plata Tequila

½ oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth

½ oz Punt e Mes

½ oz Combier Orange Liqueur

½ oz Nonino Amaro

3 Dashes Angostura Bitters

METHOD:

Stir and Strain into a coupe

Victory- Available at Toca Madera, Hollywood:

INGREDIENTS:

Throw 10-12 leaves of fresh mint in highball

.75oz lime juice

.25 simple syrup

.5 oz Ancho Reyes Liqueur

1.5 oz Herradura Silver Tequila

METHOD:

Build ingredients in tin. Shake and strain into highball. Top off with ice. Add four dashes of the chile arbol infused Peychaud bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.

Petal Pistol from Lock & Key Social Drinkery (Named the best margarita in LA)