Shoes N Booze: brogues

For the Fellas

Ladies, let the guys in your life know that after numerous requests, Shoes N Booze will now be providing men's content... the plan is for at least once per month. If the fellas prove to be more responsive, we might switch to men's stuff alltogether.

On Your Feet:

There's something about seeing a man in a good wingtip shoe... it says he's discerning, pays attention to detail and also possesses a spark of daring. Even better if there are unexpected details, like contrasting accents or a colored sole. The yellow sole on this grey brogue by Kabaccha (which recently reached its Kickstarter funding goal) adds a pleasant touch, possibly reflective of a sunny disposition. The kicker, though, is that this Italian-made shoe is way less expensive than it looks. For $180, you're getting a Nappa leather upper, a calf leather lining and handmade craftsmanship. You're also getting a versatile shoe that looks great with jeans and a shirt or a suit... if you've got the guts, it works with chino shorts, as well.

In Your Glass:

If wingtips are on your feet, it only makes sense that whiskey is in your glass. Since it's Wednesday, you might not want to go full tilt and drink yours straight, so try a cocktail that combines a high-quality bourbon with complimenting flavors, like lemon and ginger. This might be a good time to say April Fools! Though I mean everything I've said about the shoes above and the cocktail here, there are no plans to convert this blog to men's content. Nonetheless, here's the recipe for the cocktail (and I hope you ladies will tell the men in your lives about Kabaccha... they've got some really cool color combinations):

Basil Hayden’s® Fool’s Gold

Recipe by Rob Floyd (Los Angeles, CA)

Ingredients:2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
3/4 part Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 part Honey
1 slice Fresh Ginger

Preparation:1. Muddle ginger in a mixing glass.
2. Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with basil leaf.

A Little Something Extra:

Because we might as well take it all the way, right? This Korbata tie was handmade in Guatemala using traditional techniques that go back hundreds of years. It'll add a natty touch to jeans, a white button up and the wingtips above.

Brogue-en Heels

Pssst! Don’t tell the boss, but the week is pretty much over. Even if your boss just happens to be the person you see in the mirror, I’m guessing you’ve had it up to here (picture my hand at eye level) with his or her crap this week. You made it over the hump, but if that’s not enough to turn up the corners of your mouth, wear a pair of shoes that make your eyes AND your toes happy. The Lucinda Air by Cole Haan, with its unexpected color combination, sharp brogue detailing and Nike Air technology should do the trick. They say you understand the value of practical things like work and rules, but you’re also well aware of your freedom to add your own spin. The 3.5 inch heel, coupled with the Nike Air-enhanced footbed will also be a nice break from your usual 5 inch stilettos.

Since your shoes’ style has Irish roots, your drink for the evening should follow suit (pun intended). When you clink glasses with your mates this evening, let yours contain a Brogue. This simple mixture of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and Irish Mist Liqueur will knock the edge off more quickly than a boxer’s jab, and if you drink it too quickly you may feel like you’ve gotten a punch to the chest. However, sipping it will reveal a smooth, smoky flavor that’s slightly sweetened with honey but still respectable enough to get you cool points from the guys. However slowly you drink, still try not to drink to many. I’d hate to hear that you ended up in a bar fight because someone called you drunk.

Recipe (via Bar None Drinks):

1 1/2 oz. Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey

3/4 oz. Irish Mist