TOKYOFASHION Strapless Tulle-Panel Floral Dress from yesstyle.com

Or maybe I should say Violette? Let me explain- the summer weather has been making me crave a “refreshing” factor in my drinks as well as in my fashion. I want a soft beautiful color with simple flowing fabrics. I want a drink that has crisp, delicate flavors, and cools away the heat of the day.  I want a dress, much like my drink! (Okay, maybe except for the fabric part!) One of my summer cocktails has been a Violette Fizz, which I believe is a perfect match for this dress. I’m a fan of edible flowers as well as crème de violette (rose water and orange blossom water, too- but that’s another post entirely). Finding a match of these inspirations in both my dress as well as my cocktail is a beautiful dream come true.

Inspirations that match the drink and dress: a soft purple color and a floral design.

VIOLETTE FIZZ

1 ½ oz gin
½ oz crème de violette
1 oz lemon juice
½ tsp sugar
shake over ice and strain into a Collins or Fizz glass
top with soda and garnish with a flower

I think my new obsession has become colored tulle, especially when it comes to softer tones of purple, yellow, seafoam, and even magenta. The texture of the fabric looks beautiful in these colors.  It also makes you stand out.

I think this dress is stunning on its own, so I avoided any accessories that would distract from the dress. To take the look from dainty to having a little more attitude, I wore a bright red lipstick to make the look “pop”. Floral patterns make me want to curl my hair for that extra bounce as I walk. I think curls or waves look beautiful against a floral design.

Flowers in my dress and in my drink? Absolutely! I’m feeling inspired and ready to relax in style.

The following post has been presented for your viewing pleasure! Some cocktails just make your mouth water staring into them, these are definitly strong candidates, talk about yummy.

I could take a bath in this first one, it is so lovely. And it is a nice balance- you cannot identify any of the ingredients since nothing overpowers another, they just blend perfectly for a unique, clean, crisp and delightful taste. I don’t know all the ingredients in this one, but I do know that gin, pineapple, and a sage leaf are involved. This drink, called the “first growth” is perfect for any occasion or mood.

Next, how about a glass of “paradise”? Also a very refreshing number, the citrus is beautiful in this aperitif. With freshly squeezed orange juice, apricot brandy, and gin- this classic cocktail is easly found to be a paradise indeed.

Next up we have a mystery cocktail- and by that I mean something the bartenders came up with after having some fun in the bar. We were fortunate enough to be included in these games with a glass of our very own to enjoy. And it was a welcoming treat. I love the look of perfect ice cubes- such attention to detail. Being this was a surprise, I couldn’t tell you the ingredients so you’ll just have to enjoy with your eyes on this one.

And I’ll finish off with a dessert cocktail, which clearly this one is and a very yummy one at that. The classic “Brandy Alexander” for your sweetest dreams. With brandy, creme de cacao, half-and-half/heavy cream, and nutmeg this is a luxurious way to finish an evening. So rich and smooth!

All of these cocktails were enjoyed at Anvil and prepared by our favorite bartender, Sebastian- he always selects and creates the best cocktails for me. Gotta love that!

Anvil is what I want and look for in a bar- classic traditional cocktails made by proud and talented bartenders. The look is rustic yet modern with a classic and timeless feel, and the details go far.

Like the glassware for instance- vintage glassware that adds charm to each cocktail that is ordered. Bartenders take pride in their work and create wonderful cocktails you truly can enjoy. The environment is wonderful, as is the staff- welcoming and like a moment of time from the past living here in the now. This is a must indulge for the cocktail admirer, or for anyone looking to relax in a timeless and classic fashion.

The ice is perfect; the crafting of libations are done precisely and elegantly like the art it is. When I first walked in and saw a shelf devoted to bitters I knew I was in the right place.

The bartenders have my respect, I love to let them make the drinks they love and introduce me to new and wonderful drinks. Our bartender kept our orders in mind and recommended new ones for us to try based on the styles we had been enjoying- I love that. The attention to detail and pride is a beautiful balance.

Last night was our first visit, and we were pleased to see a menu of cocktail specials which changed on a daily basis. I started my evening with a cocktail by the name of “Smitten” -how could I pass that up? It consisted of Gin, Campari, Lemon, and mint- very refreshing and very lovely. I could see this one being a marvelous drink by the pool on a warm summer day.

From there I moved on to “The Darb” which was composed of Apricot Brandy, French Vermouth, Gin, and Lemon. A very delicious drink indeed- the apricot brandy gave a nice smooth finish after a crisp and refreshing beginning. The texture of the ice danced perfectly along side it, too.

Now, I was too busy enjoying my first cocktail to take a picture- as was Timothy with his “Sazerac” which composed of Rye, Absinthe, Campari and a lemon twist. Though it looked like a cosmo in appearance, after a quick taste you knew this was no girlie drink. I loved it- but I like a strong drink. Timothy did too, but definitely an interesting drink to start the night with. This was lovely, smooth and with a bite that was pleasant to me, but could be considered harsh to others. I’d have this one later in the evening.

From there, he moved on to the “Negroni” which was composed of Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and Bitters. Sebastian, our bartender, recommended this one to us off the menu- and what a lovely choice.

It was at this point that we found out how small of a world it is- a we were welcomed by friends who happened to already be there! We were fortunate to taste a grand variety of cocktails between all of us- including a sip of a “Gin Fizz” made to perfection and a “Gin Gin Moscow Mule” that was very refreshing!

As the night progressed we found a new favorite- the “Corn N Oil” which was composed of Blackstrap Rum, Falernum, and Angostura Bitters. This one is *fabulous* and a perfect drink to finish an evening with. I love everything about this drink- and it was made beautifully with the right amount of sweetness, not overpowering in the least. The first sip reminded me of a port , which I love, but in a beautifully crafted cocktail. Definitely a must!

For me, I decided to end the evening with an old treat I used to love having in Miami (this bar was making me feel at home and reminded me of my old home). And so I finished the night with a “Caiprihana”- which I’ve posted on in the past as a love of mine that is refreshing when your sitting by the ocean.

This brazilian cocktail has become more popular across the US which is lovely to see. And being in a place where I had bartenders I could trust, I was very excited to order this drink.

A fabulous end to a remarkable evening. We definintely will be frequenting this treasure of a bar and look forward to the wonderful times ahead.

I am calling it a “Modern Tradition” because it is one of the timeless treasures that needs a modern embrace- and with places such as this one opening, it is a fond piece of history and memories reintroduced to modern times for a new and modern tradition.

Find out more about Anvil at their website: http://www.anvilhouston.com or follow them on twitter via one of the co-owners, @Bobby_Heugel . If you are ever in Houston, this is a must visit wonderland.

The only thing that makes this a “coffee” is the splash of coffee found somewhere within this drink- absolutely delicious by the way. Hardly coffee, though- all booze, wow and yum.

The drink is prepared table-side, and what a beautiful presentation it is. The owner created the beverage himself and presents it beautifully with care. He begins with an orange wedge to the outside of the glass, then proceeds to coat the glass in sugar. He has a flame prepared and then brushes the orange-sugar coated glass to the flame.

Next is the beverage itself- mostly whiskey, kahlua, and some sort of citrus liquor- added by spoon fulls that are lit by the flame- glowing with a flame during the entire preparation. He mixes it from glass to glass and tops it off with some cream- and a final spoon of the flame-lit liquor.

Somewhere in the mix he added some coffee- it was so beautifully orchestrated that I didn’t pay enough attention to the actual coffee. To call it Kaffee gute Nacht or “coffee good night” is quite appropriate as afterward it will be good night.

Rudi Lechner’s German restaurant was an absolute delight, and even a more welcomed surprise to have the man himself prepare for us his beverage.

It all started innocently enough when I wanted a drink. Not just any drink, but a cocktail- something delicious and pretty. You know those nights, something boring just won’t do.

But it was raining outside and so I had no desire to go out- which means the inevitable inventing a drink with what you have on hand. Always interesting, not always a delight! But this one truly was.

So when I am in this sort of mood I tend to go for lychees- love ‘em. I have some soho lychee liqueur, but not too many options of what to mix it with. Mixed only with vodka it ends up missing something and has an unpleasant bite that takes away from the smooth flavor of the fruit. Vodka with lychee juice works fine alone, but somehow the liqueur and vodka on their own do not.  So why not grapefruit, make it a citrus cocktail with some style!

The ruby red grapefruit juice not only adds a delicious taste to the mix, but it absorbs any of the bite and blends perfectly with the lychee, giving it instead a pleasant citrus yet smooth finish. The smell alone of this drink is heavenly! You must try this, and I know you will fall in love.

It is part of its charm, so pretty and so delicious!

My hunny created the measurements for me, as my live in bartender he does fantastic work and I approve! I told him what I wanted in my drink (the ingredients listed above) and he made it work wonderfully.

6 oz ruby red grapefruit
2 oz vodka
1 oz lychee liqueur

I love simple recipes, they make up some of the best out there. This gorgeous concoction is a heavenly treat you will enjoy for all occasions! Cheers, loves!

Yum! So the other day we had an unexpected and delightful brunch with some friends. It kind of came together at the last minute but worked out beautifully.

It was such a gorgeous day- sunny with a nice cool breeze, the kind of weather you dream about, and we enjoyed ourselves sitting outside on the patio. We kept seeing tables nearby order these delicious looking drinks and so we could not help but also indulge. When we saw the description about it on the menu as part of a review, we were instantly sold.

“The perfect blend with the perfect ingredients, Herradura Silver, Cointreau & fresh lime juice, served straight up, or on the rocks.”

Within one taste we were in love and ordered more for the table. The balance with the lime was just perfect, especially for an early afternoon drink. It made the day even more pleasant.

They call it “The Perfect” and it is perfectly delightful. No nonsense, just yummy.

caipirinha's as seen from story from LAtimes.com

I remember my first taste of a traditional caipirinha. Living in Miami, many of my friends were from Brazil and knew the drink well. I would see them drink it and it was only a matter of time before I began to indulge myself.

So what is a Caipirinha, anyway- besides a confusing to pronounce alcoholic beverage? A traditional one is quite simply:

muddled limes and sugar &..

2 oz cachaça

Cachaça is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane and is most known for its relation to Brazil. It is very much the alcohol of Brazil.

A restaurant by the name of Table8 in Miami (though originally from LA as seen from the photo above) offered a black cherry caipirinha- talk about deadly and delicious! Their twist of the drink involved muddled black cherries with cachaça. It definitely was a moment of: oh, how delicious, let me devour a couple and then discover upon my first attempt to move that the world will move around for me first. It is quite potent! so beware and take caution.

Gourmet offers a recipe for a passion fruit caipirinha, which calls for the traditional recipe with the addition of pure passion fruit juice. The drink is quite simple to start which allows itself very open to fruit inspired variations.

All are grand really, it is difficult to mess up. Oh how I do love my cocktails, and I must say I have been quite happy to see this beverage show up in more and more bars across the states. This is one to keep your eyes peeled for. Try it (in small doses to start perhaps, or at a slower pace if anything else) and enjoy its luxurious flavor.

Don’t feel as though you have to wait for your bartenders to discover this for you first- they are simple to make at home provided you find the cachaça.

Make a traditional one and then make your own lavish concoction. Its really quite fun, invite some friends and make it an occasion to remember.

It was our last night in Seattle and it turned out to be one of those nights that is so perfect you couldn’t have ever attempted to plan it. Just one of those, wow- really nights.

It began simple enough- we did the tourist thing and took lots of photos, eating our way throughout the city (yum yum oh incredibly yum on another note!). On a great recommendation from a particular cigar smoking man, we decided to end our visit with a night at the famous TINI BIGS Lounge.

We had a red eye to catch back home, so it would be a night at the bar, some walking around, and then on to the airport for the flight back home. We walk in to this lovely little bar fairly early at about 5:15 in the afternoon or so. It was already dark, the time change does some wonders on that doesn’t it? So we were ready for some drinks. The bartenders were very friendly and introduced themselves as they welcomed us in. One of them asked if we would like to order, but if that we decided to wait five minutes drinks would be free.

… excuse me?

That’s right… apparently, and for this evening only, they were celebrating their official sponsorship of Finlandia Vodka. The international ambassador for Finlandia had flown in for the event and everything- so from 5:30 until about 8:00 any drink with Finlandia Vodka in it in any way was complimentary. Wow, how beautiful is that!

I must admit, when I first walked in and saw the drink list there were numerous bourbon and gin based drinks that had caught my attention- but how could I refuse complimentary drinks especially when there was a celebration to be had for the bar itself? It would be just rude.

The drink above was the favorite of the evening, the Pop 5. It contains Finlandia wild berries, midori, white grape juice, sweet n’ sour, and sparkling wine. It has quite the refreshing twist and pop- lovely drink! The Grapefruit-Tini pictured just below was also quite scrumptious with Finlandia Grapefruit vodka, campari, Cointreu and orange juice. These drinks were the features of the evening and so we felt it was appropriate to order them. Yum.

I will have to venture into the other drinks the next time I visit, and there will certainly be a next time.

As for their food menu- the mac and cheese is heavenly- crisped on top and creamy in the center- cheesy perfection. Definitely a must for the evening as well!

Now, this one is a bit more tropical and thus a playful and fun drink (and far different from the sophisticated simplicity of the Kir Royal). Ingredients are few and simple- lillet blanc, pineapple juice, and chambord. The pineapple definitely adds that tropical value, and the chambord sweetens the deal beautifully.

I have seen the drink as a French Cosmo as well- and you can really play it up as much as you want to. For me, simple is best and divine.

A little twist and playfulness is always fun though- and this drink delivers it just right.

Much love, xx