Where to Drink: Kentucky Derby and Juleps at BLT in NYC

Down & Derby

You're in New York. You've got your big, crazy Kentucky Derby-watching hat. Now, where shall you sip juleps while you watch the "most exciting two minutes in sports?" Four Roses Bourbon is invites you to get "Down and Derby" at  BLT Bar & Grill in the W Downtown, where for $25 you'll get 2 drinks and a selection of Derby-inspired bites. For more details and to purchase tickets, check out the Eventbrite page .

Spot-Light: 3 Must-Sip Cocktails at Dullboy Bar in Jersey City

Craft Cocktails. Cool Scene.

Courtesy Photo of Brandon, one of Dullboy's bartenders. Coincidentally, I'm in the background.

How do you know a neighborhood/ city has "made it"? When it gets its own craft cocktail bar. I guess that means Jersey City is really on the map now, thanks to Dullboy. Located less than 2 blocks from the Grove St. PATH station, the bar promises fine foods and "boozing done better." After spending an evening tasting and tippling, I'd say their word is good. Here are a few of my favorite cocktails there (disclaimer: I'm biased in favor of bourbon and other whiskeys when temps are below 65 degrees).

The Sazerac

An absinthe washed glass + rye whiskey + bitters + a special housemade syrup = a well-balanced drink that's strong, a little sweet and great for taking the edge off after a crazy day.

The Mina

White whiskey + bourbon + rhubarb amaro + sweet vermouth + habañero = a delightful drink with layers of flavor and lots of kick. (As in only drink 1 or 2 if you're a lightweight)

The Bartender's Special

If Brandon's behind the bar, and it's not a crowded night, ask him for something special. I requested a cocktail with whiskey, ginger and pineapple. The result was delicious. I don't often enjoy drinks that aren't spirit-forward, but this one was GOOD. As in a guy who enjoys sweeter drinks can order it without getting a side-eye, and girls who are used to apple martinis can enjoy this without looking like they take drink cues from repeats of the Jersey Shore.

Avocado Toast at Dullboy

The grub here was great, as well. I strongly suggest trying the avocado toast. Poached lobster. Lump crab. Need I say more? Oh, and on Mondays there are $1 oysters. The crowd, from what I saw, is a pretty eclectic mix of professionals, creatives and "cool kids". If you're looking for a dive bar, this isn't the spot. This also isn't a place to go for shots! shots! shots! A friend commented to me that the drinks take too long for him, but I reminded him that a good cocktail isn't made in a hurry. I'm happy to sit and make new friends at the bar while the bartender makes sure that the ice in my drink provides the ideal level of dilution. If you are to... Go. Enjoy. Tell 'em I sent ya!

No Mess Monday: Charlotte Olympia Pumps & Laphroaig Quarter Cask

A Plaid Mama Jama

On your Feet

Did you know that today is National Tartan Day? Well, now you have a fun fact for happy hour. Until it's time to raise a glass, stomp out your Monday blues in a pair of plaid shoes. Equal parts playful and polished, Charlotte Olympia's canvas plaid Jolene (available at Nuji.com for $904) pump is a great desk-to-drinks option. Wear it with denim, a navy blue suit or a striped pencil skirt and crisp white shirt. 

In Your Glass

Among the smokier scotcthes, Laphroaig is a hit among the cigar set. Ordering it at a bar earns you automatic cool-girl cred. However, if you're not into straight scotch, order it in a cocktail, like the "Plaid and Peated." The elderflower liqueur will round out any harsh edges on the flavor while leaving its essence intact.

Laphroaig Plaid and Peated

Ingredients:

1 part Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

1⁄2 part Dry Vermouth

1⁄2 part Cynar

1⁄2 part Elderflower Liqueur

Method:

Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice

Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass 

Wingtip Wednesday: Kabaccha Shoes & Basil Hayden's Cocktails

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.