Category Archives: cocktail-related

On the receiving end

Happiest of holidays to you! While you can never go wrong with booze (a common gift given and received), Ms. S&C was on the receiving end of a few other shoes and cocktails inspired gifts this year. All courtesy of Mother S&C!

To tell the truth, Ms. S&C doesn’t know a whole lot about wine. She gets her regions confused, her grapes confused, then there’s the Old World vs. New World, wine etiquette, and the science and artistry of wine-making. She wants to know more about these things, so bring on the Wine Wars Trivia Game!

winewarstriviagame

Living in a small house, with tiny closets, and the inherited trait of never wanting to throw anything out (a trait of Mother S&C mind you), additional shoe racks are a welcome gift (and necessity, as clearly one wasn’t enough!).

shoeracks

And lastly, here’s a sassy little stocking stuffer that’s already made its way to the office. While Ms. S&C can agree (somewhat) on the message, she likes to emphasize quality over quantity :)

notepads

Any other fun shoes and cocktails inspired holiday gifts out there? Any self-gifts? Please share!

S&C Gifts: reading material

Need last minute gift ideas for the literary cocktail enthusiast in your life? Here are some titles worth adding to the library.

Humor: check out David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice.” It’s quick and funny, and even if you don’t get past the first story “SantaLand Diaries,” about a thirty-three-year-old man applying for a job as an elf, it is worth it.

holidaysonice

History: “Imbibe!” by David Wondrich features great stories and original recipes for tons of classic cocktails. Full of facts and historical contexts, but very readable. And a must-read for any aspiring cocktail expert.

imbibe

Memoir: J. R. Moehringer’s “The Tender Bar” is described as a “raucous, poignant, luminously written memoir about a boy striving to become a man, and his romance with a bar.” If you’ve ever felt like a bar was your second home (for good or for bad), this is a story for you.

thetenderbar

Happy gift-giving and holiday cocktail imbibing! (PS: Any other books to recommend? Please share!)

At the lake

When you’re with Ms. S&C and her perfectly awesome friends during the annual lake trip, you get things like:

Incredible water view + cute kids (plus morning yoga on that dock)

Happy dogs

Good food (two words: shrimp boil)

Drinks on the go (that’s a portable grapefruit crush you’re looking at)

Fireworks! (and, um, please notice the amusingly appropriate tee)

Ms. S&C hopes to post a longer recap, to share an excellent rum punch recipe, an excellent lake playlist, and many other excellent activities that make up her favorite.weekend.ever.

posted by Ms. S&C

Three things: campari, anklets, new indie-rock

Ms. S&C would like to thank the ladies over at DIY Del Ray for the recent blogging inspiration. (I hope to channel their home renovation and decorating inspiration as well. But, I’m a little held back by the do-it-yourself concept, as I’m in a do-it-for-me place at the moment.) However, seeing their regular sharing of cool ideas and things they like reminds me: I like to share things too!

So, here are three things that Ms. S&C really likes right now:

(1) Campari

Back when I started this blog (July 2008!), the bitterness of Campari was like nothing I had ever tasted. Now, my refined — or slightly numbed — palate craves the herbal sensation. My cocktail-writing idol (and now my New York Times Op-Ed writing idol), Frank Bruni, shared his experience with the Negroni Sbagliato awhile back. After trying it out myself, I can attest to it being a pretty damn good, fizzy and refreshing, “summertime negroni.” The Campari Cup (a love child of the Pimm’s Cup) is also good use of this aperitif.

(2) Anklets

I’ve noticed an anklet on one of my yoga instructors (yes, there is more than one yoga instructor in my life — and yes, I have crushes on all of them). Then, I came across this anklet on Garance Dore’s blog. My recent captivation of anklets also reminds me of the scene in “Love in the Afternoon,” when the spunky Audrey Hepburn wears an anklet to make the womanizing Gary Cooper jealous (of course it works). All this leads me to say: I want an anklet for the summer sandal wearing! Help me find a cool one. Please!

(3) New Music

I’ve been in a music rut lately. I haven’t been excited by much of anything (anything *new* that is — but, I do have a new-found love for Fleetwood Mac). Just as I’m lamenting this rut, the new Bon Iver album comes along. I am so in love — and it has been put on such heavy rotation — that I had to purchase the first album, “For Emma, Forever Ago,” too. Both albums  are great to listen to, but the new album is particularly dreamy. Fave songs include: “Towers” and “Perth.”

Naturally, when it rains, it pours. I’ve also been recently introduced to Eleanor Friedberger’s (of Fiery Furnaces fame) debut album, and I’m pretty giddy about: “My Mistakes,” “Heaven,” and “I Won’t Fall Apart on You Tonight.” Indie-pop at its best. I swear.

Lastly, The Feelies’ “Here Before” — their first album in twenty years — is certainly worth a listen. Or ten.

The three things blog post gives Ms. S&C an opportunity to share a combination of shoe and cocktail-related finds, along with something else. That something else usually includes music or yoga.

posted by Ms. S&C

This calls for a Bloody Mary, or a Mojito

A Hallmark moment? You tell me.

On a recent trip to Durham, Ms. S&C picked up these gems at a great independent bookstore, The Regulator. (You can also find these and more fantastic greeting cards online at Seltzer.) I don’t know who the lucky recipients will be, but it makes me happy to know I have them.

I can think of a hundred reasons when this card could be appropriate:

And, perhaps the new S&C mantra?

These are just a few of many great finds in Durham. Shopping and dining experiences to come. (I hope, but you’ve seen how much I’ve blogged lately.)

posted by Ms. S&C

Orange You Glad It’s Summer?

One month into summer, and I’m already worried about the days slipping too quickly away. All I want to do is take long evening walks, enjoy drinks on the patio and repose by as many bodies of water as humanly possible.

Here’s a quick look at how I’m making the most of this particular summer. See if you notice a growing trend …

Two-for-a-Dollar-Mangoes
The first time a pal and I decided to try our hand at a mango margarita, we spent absolutely ages trying to hack apart rock-hard, unripe mangoes. Let’s just say the results were less than stellar. Years later, an older-but-wiser Miss Mojito will put some perfectly ripe mango to much better use thanks to a stupendous mango sale at my local grocery store. I’m thinking of adapting this recipe from Food & Wine.

Strappy Statement Sandals
Summertime calls for fun and frivolous footwear, and these platform sandals fit the bill. I love the peep-toe slingback styling – it’s super flattering and feminine – and the layer of cork and pop of bright color just scream “summer.”

 

Frequent Pedicures
During the fall and winter, pedicures feel a bit over-indulgent. I might have a slight guilt complex over spending good money to pamper feet that nobody’s going to see. But come summer, polished toes are practically a necessity. I just love a hue that melds orange and coral, like A Good Man-darin is Hard to Find by OPI.

Posted by Miss Mojito.

When in Denver

When in Denver, there’s:

Hiking

Biking

And Drinking.

And by drinking, we mean grapefruit mimosas and cucumber bloody marys for brunch (get them both at delicious, delicious Duo). And by drinking, we also mean beer. There’s so much good beer! (We can recommend Mountain Sun beer and nachos after hiking in Boulder, and Falling Rock Taphouse in downtown Denver). And while you’re in the Mile High City, you may as well check out the city’s first bar, The Cruise Room. Opened the day after Prohibition was repealed, and fashioned after one of the lounges on the Queen Mary, this art deco style bar has an extensive martini menu.

In addition to hiking, biking, and drinking, there is yoga. There is wonderful,  invigorating, heart-opening yoga (Vital Yoga is a fantastic studio in the Highlands neighborhood).

But, most importantly, there are super awesome friends in Denver. And great memories.

posted by Ms. S&C

Herbaceous Trending

In January, the Huffington Post made one particularly spot-on trend prediction in the world of cocktails – and it’s a trend that I’ve particularly enjoyed exploring as of late: herbal infusions. Food & Wine has noticed a similar trend in their 2011 cocktail guide, commending to its readers a non-alcoholic Almond-Fennel Cooler.

I’ve long been a fan of using basil in my cocktail concocting (Basil Gimlet, anyone?), and we’re all familiar with the king of herbal cocktails, the Mint Julep. It’s high time I got experimental with some herbs that are more off the beaten path in mixology, particularly as more fresh herbs are in season this summer.

Most recently, I jumped on the herbaceously trendy cocktail bandwagon with the Intimate Secretary, a pleasing blend of grapefruit vodka*, rosemary syrup, lime and club soda, at Balliceaux in Richmond. The herbal notes temper the sweetness of the syrup with eminently drinkable results.

So, how else might we meld herbs and cocktails? Taking a nod from Balliceaux, I’m eager to try my hand at other herb-infused syrups by making a basic simple syrup (bringing equal parts sugar and water to a boil, then simmering until liquid reduces by about half), adding herbs while the syrup is still hot and letting it steep while the syrup cools. What do we think about …

  • Thyme Syrup + Vodka + Homemade Lemonade + Vanilla
  • Lavender Syrup + Gin + Prosecco
  • Cilantro Syrup + Tequila + Grapefruit + Club Soda

Miss Mojito wants to know: Have you had any success with herbaceous cocktail mixing?

*Why haven’t I tried this before? And does grapefruit-infused gin exist? Immediate investigation required.

Posted by Miss Mojito.

Americans in London

Did you think S&C would totally ignore the upcoming nuptials of Wills and Kate? No way! Especially when Ms. S&C has two great friends living in London and so close to the action! Especially when we’re talking about a real prince and princess. Especially when the soon-to-be-princess wears such magnificent hats! Especially when we can find an excuse to use the phrase tea and crumpets. And cheerio.

Friends of S&C who live in London discuss the upcoming Royal Wedding

When Ms. S&C reached out to Mere, an American living in London for three years now, she seemed a little more excited that the sun had been shining for a few days straight — and that she has Friday off work — than the actual wedding. Here’s what else she had to say:

What will you and most British people be doing the day of the Royal Wedding?

Either watching it on TV at home or in a pub. I haven’t decided what to do yet, I have a feeling I might try to ride my bike down to the park by the palace. Other things that most neighborhoods are having block parties so that should be fun. I think there is one in my square. Also: lots and lots of UK flags are everywhere. It is like the World Cup all over again.

What will you be drinking to celebrate the occasion? What will most Englishmen be drinking?

Pimms! of course. Also the standard of beer. But I think it will be more Pimms and Champagne.

Tell us something about the Royal Wedding — and the festivities — that we don’t know.

I think the U.S. news has covered everything. I think most Londoners are going to bunker down and go to their local pub or friend’s place and the people downtown will be tourists. There are a crapload of random things you can buy like mugs, magnets, ash trays, bells, etc.

Tell us why we should care about the Royal Wedding?

I have no idea why anyone should really care about the Royal Wedding. But it is a day off here so I am glad it is happening.

————————————————-

S&C friend, Sesolf, an American living in London for less than three months, is a bit more like us: a little more caught up in the fairy tale and extravaganza. Here’s what she has to say about the wedding day:

What will you and most British people be doing the day of the Royal Wedding?

I am desperately looking for the best pub / bbq / party to go and watch the whole affair whilst drinking heavily. I think I’ve finally been pointed in the direction of a pub in Spitalfields where the owner is a crazy character of a woman who is already a major royalist and I’m told should be putting on a great party for it. But, every Brit that I have talked to says they have no interest in watching and will be going to bbqs b/c it is a free day off of work, so they will be getting completely wasted, but just not at all caring to watch the wedding itself. I, however, will find a way. At the very least, there is a pub down the street that is throwing a proper drinking and viewing party, so I will go there alone if need be…

What will you be drinking to celebrate the occasion? What will most Englishmen be drinking?

I think most will be drinking beer and cider at bbqs, as mentioned above. I’ll drink cider in a pub, since I’m not a big beer drinker and don’t trust wine in pubs – and don’t want to drink wine at 11 AM. That said, if the pub has a sparkling, preferably prosecco, I will load up on that to celebrate the nuptials.

Tell us something about the Royal Wedding — and the festivities — that we don’t know.

I had a great fun conversation this weekend with someone from The Sunday Times who insists that this whole wedding and “love story” was a complete coup planned by the Middleton family from the moment Wills decided to go to St. Andrews. Apparently Kate was going to university somewhere else, and then changed all her plans to go to St. Andrews, all with the intention of finding Wills and marrying him. It was absolutely hysterical, b/c he was adamant that she is a little hussy doing whatever her parents make her do to get into the royal family and Wills is such a dumb dolt that he’d have no idea and just fall for it… I enjoyed the conversation, but am still sticking to the fairy tale story and happy to like Kate… for now. (Also, side note, most interesting to me is that EVERY Brit apparently knows that Harry’s dad was the bodyguard that Diana had an affair with – spitting image of him, it’s not even a question – but I’d never heard that in the U.S. I mean, obviously we can see that they very likely have different fathers, but still, I had know idea it was just absolutely known and accepted here. Also, Diana was sleeping around with loads of footballers etc., while Charles and Camilla were 100% together from pre-marriage and on… this came up in the statement that Kate will be just like Diana and sleep around within a year.

Tell us why we should care about the Royal Wedding?

Because it is even more awesome when in the context of all the royal scandal as discussed above. And it is real. I mean, he really is a prince. And she really is a commoner who is going to become a princess. I love it!

Has Ms. S&C mentioned that she has awesome friends? She has awesome friends.

posted by Ms. S&C

Showing Some Love for the G&T

I’ve mentioned before that the gin & tonic is my most frequent go-to drink for its combination of two important factors: ease of assembly and general availability at any and every bar (not to mention the positively pleasing taste factor). So I was more than a little excited to read Jason Wilson’s most recent column for the Washington Post, which describes the writer’s quest and research in elevating the classic cocktail from a weeknight treat to a special occasion libation.

I recommend the article – and its recipes – to you in its entirety, but here are a few of my fave take-away lessons for your own G&T pleasure.

  • Don’t limit yourself to lime. Different gins lend themselves to different flavor profiles – some are more well suited to citrus, other benefit from amplifying herbaceous notes with thyme or other herbs and spices.
  • Homemade tonic is worth consideration. It does take some specialty ingredients and equipment – namely, quinine powder and a soda siphon – but making your own tonic gives you the ability to customize it with flavor infusions.
  • There’s more to gin than just Tanqueray. Don’t get me wrong, this go-to gin is a fantastic quality. But there’s a whole world of other gin brands to be explored!

So what are we waiting for? It’s high time to get experimental and take our G&T concocting up a notch with creative garnishes, quality tonics and new and exciting gin prospects.

Posted by Miss Mojito.