June 19th, 2013
Joie Top, Free People Sunglasses, Rag & Bone Jeans, Manolo Blahnik Heels, Essie “Cute as a Button” Nail Polish, Cupcakes and Cashmere for Coach Bag
I’m usually not one to buy the same thing in two different colors (the only recent exception was with these Zara sandals) since I worry my closet would become full of monotonous matching pairs. But since I wear my black Rag & Bone skinny jeans more than just about everything else, I couldn’t resist the heather gray option. They’re soft, ripped in all the right places and I love how the light color feels perfect for warmer weather, especially when paired with a light blouse and a braided updo.
June 18th, 2013
When I run errands during the summer, I’m usually in some sort of beat-up sneaker or flat bootie, but my look could use an update. I’ve had a long-time love affair with espadrilles, but finding the right pair can be daunting – the heel’s too high, the color wrong, or they look poorly made. When I first saw this pair by Valentino, I was enamored: the rose colored lace is girly, but nicely offset by the rustic sole. But at nearly $500 a pop, I think I’d be perfectly content settling for this pair by Soludos that would make my weekend tasks look a little sweeter.
June 18th, 2013
Summer is one big seasonal excuse to get together with friends, enjoy the warm weather, and sip refreshing drinks. Cocktails can be a bit intimidating, but if you stick to simple ratios and use seasonal ingredients, the drinks will always be a hit. After a trip to the farmers’ market this past weekend, I was inspired by the bright colors and rich flavors of the fruits and decided it was time to indulge in some summertime libations.
Nectarines are one of my favorite summer fruits and their sweetness pairs well with several alcohols, including tequila, gin and vodka. Using ingredients similar to a margarita, I created a slight variation, swapping the tequila for an Italian apertif, Cocchio Americano. The results are sweet and very smooth.
Ingredients
2 ripe nectarines, cut into chunks
4 oz. fresh lime juice (2 oz. for the cocktail, 2 oz. to make the nectarine purée)
1.5 oz. Cocchi Americano
3/4 oz. Cointreau (or your preferred orange liqueur)
ice
Recipe
1. Place the nectarines and 2 oz. of lime juice into a blender or food processor. Pulse several times to break up the nectarines, then blend on high until a smooth purée forms.
2. Place the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker, along with 3/4 oz. of the nectarine purée, add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a chilled coupé or glass and garnish with a small slice of nectarine.
This Blackberry Gin Sparkler is a take on a classic French 75 and uses fresh, muddled blackberries to provide a little tartness. I used Old Tom Gin to create a slightly malty undertone, but you can use whatever gin you have available. Plus, whenever you top off a drink with some Champagne, it’s hard to go wrong.
Ingredients
10-12 fresh blackberries
Juice of 1 lemon
1 oz. of Old Tom Gin
3 oz. Champagne or sparkling wine
1/4 oz. simple syrup (or 1/4 tsp fine sugar)
ice
Recipe
1. Place the blackberries and simple syrup into a mixing glass and gently muddle them until they just begin to break open.
2. Add the gin, lemon juice, and ice to the mixing glass and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Strain the cocktail mixture into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a blackberry.
Nothing symbolizes summer fruit to me more than fresh strawberries. I use them for so many desserts that I don’t often think about using them in cocktails. After our recent trip to Mexico, I kind of developed a healthy appreciation for Piña Coladas and think this version perfectly balances flavors of the tropics with the earthiness of the berries.
Ingredients
2 oz. dark rum
6 large (2-inch) chunks of pineapple
8 strawberries, hulled and cut in half
1 oz. heavy coconut cream
1 oz. Velvet Falernum (totally optional)
ice
Recipe
1. Place all ingredients into a blender and mix on high until smooth and frothy.
2. Pour into a large glass or goblet and garnish with half a strawberry.
