Stylish Spring Drinks

            These days mixologists and thirsty patrons are searching for drinks that are chic and fashionable. More than just delivering trends, cocktails have come to be symbolic in the social scene. One makes a statement with their beverage of choice, whether it’s a $3 PBR, an earl grey infused martini, or a regular gin and tonic. Everything from glassware and presentation to flavors within contribute to a drink’s overall success. The same is true in the world of fashion where innovative designers create styles that strive to make you feel as good as they look.
            This season I’ve teamed up with Brooklyn stylist Ahnna Lee to translate styles coming off the runway into cocktails. Incorporating these 2010 Spring styles into mixology and choices at the bar will ensure a season full of exciting and tasty drinks. Just as the clothes you wear help project personal confidence, beauty and grace, so can your cocktails!


Stylish Mixology: Fashion Inspired Cocktails

Trend: Body jewelry and jewelry worn as clothing, think Egyptian, Mayan and Native American influence. Be stylish this Spring with statement jewelry pieces. Check our Bliss Lau.
Cocktail: Tangerine Dream (recipe follows)
Connection: Garnishes are the accessories and jewelry of cocktails and this drink is all about the garnish.

To make two servings of Tangerine Dream you will need:

2 tangerines
1 ½ ounces Cognac
Sparkling wine

Method
Cut the top of the tangerine off to expose almost the full width of the fruit. Cut around the inside perimeter and then slice off the inside flesh and reserve, do this over a bowl or glass to catch any juices and reserve. You don’t need to get all of the pulp out, but you want a sufficient hollow space to build the cocktail. Place the hollowed fruits inside the freezer to chill. Press the reserved pulp and juice through a small sieve to get about 2 ounces of fresh juice. Combine juice and Cognac in a shaker over ice, shake and strain into chilled tangerine cups, top with sparkling wine, serve immediately.

Tips: refill the cup with sparkling wine or water and enjoy the entire night, the longer it sits in the fruit, the more flavor the liquid takes on. This recipe works with any fruit in the orange family.



Trend: Handmade American western wear
Cocktail: Hudson Bourbon Manhattan
Connection: This trend is all about featuring a hand-crafted item and enhancing it with subtle compliments. You wouldn’t pair your Yuketen boots with an overpowering shirt or gaudy tights, so don’t mix artisan spirits with cheap mixers.


Trend: Ethnic prints
Cocktail: Chai Spiked Tea (recipe follows)
Connection: Incorporating international influences into your style demonstrates cultural awareness and sophistication. It is also a great way to break up basics and add flare. This cocktail uses flavors from India, home to beautiful styles and flavors, for an exotic and unique cocktail.

To make one serving of Chai Spiked Tea you will need:

3 ounces chilled Chai tea
1 ½ ounces vanilla vodka
¾ ounce cardamom simple syrup
½ ounce coconut milk
Cinnamon

Method
Combine all liquid ingredients over ice in a shaker, shake and strain over fresh ice, garnish with sprinkled cinnamon.



Staples and Must Haves: Keeping it Classy at the Bar

              How do you stay just as fashionable with drinks when out at bars? It’s just like maintaining a wardrobe, start with timeless classics then accessorize and incorporate a few up to the moment styles. Take the basic white collared shirt, for example, it can be dressed up or down and paired with almost anything. In the world of cocktails this is your basic martini, it can come in raspberry, lychee, chocolate or any number of playful flavors. Even plain a beautiful white collared shirt, simple as it is, can be so elegant, as can a well-made martini.
              Let’s say you’re out on a date, or going out with friends, and don’t know what to wear, chances are you reach for your go-to little black dress that is always appropriate and looks fabulous with anything. When you don’t know what to get out at the bar, go for the house specialty or the regional stand by. Bourbon in Kentucky, Vodka in Russia, Wine in Burgundy, or Margaritas at a Mexican place, Sake at a Japanese bar, and anything on a specials board. When in doubt, stick to the go-to for comfort and appropriate style.
               Many of us have a closet full of black, it goes with everything, it’s super chic, and we like to think slimming as well. Be adventurous! Forbid yourself from buying yet another black skirt, go for prints that attract your eye or other favorite colors, and save your style from dying of boredom. Take this risky task to the bar as well: try something funky and new by looking for drinks that feature ingredients you like. Don’t think basil has a place in cocktails, but you love strawberries? Try the herbed fruit gimlet, you might like it. Keep an open mind and both worlds of style will constantly evolve, keeping it diverse and fresh.


          Fashion is all about finding pieces that you connect with to enhance and bring out your inner and outer beauty. While enjoying cocktails is not as much of a necessity as getting dressed, if it is part of your life, make the effort to find your own style. Try new things, experiment at home, and the world of bars and drinks will soon transform from a simple activity into an outlet to express personality and showcase creativity.


Happy Drinking!