I Love Your (Rum) House!

A Pre-Theater Cocktail!

Before our 3pm Broadway Show , Courtney and I ordered a cocktail at The Rum House (http://www.edisonrumhouse.com/) located at The Hotel Edison. I've gone to this place before with another close friend (Olivia) so I knew it would be a great place for a pre-show drink. Also, this spot has awesome hours (Mon-Sun 12pm - 4am). Many bars don't open until after 4pm or later, so keep this bar in your back pocket if in the area early in the day!

Don't You Love This Menu?

I checked Yelp! reviews to get some inspiration for my order. Based on some RAVES, I got the Tortuga, made with Brugal Anejo (a golden rum), Muddled Citrus, Fresh Ginger and Cinnamon.

The Tortuga!

If you examine the cocktail closely, you will see a large piece of candied ginger NOT an ice cube. I took a too large bite out of it - WOW! Packs a punch. The atmosphere of this place is very inviting and old-fashioned. Check it out!

Cheers!

Liz

 

Lantern's Keep

I finally made it to this hidden bar!

After my wonderful date, I had plans to meet a good friend of mine (Scott) at Lantern's Keep (http://www.iroquoisny.com/lanternskeep), a small bar located at the back of the Iroquois Hotel. When I attempted to go last time (on a date), the bar had already closed...apparently midnight is late for hotel bars in Midtown, ugh.

I already had two strong cocktails at Measure and thought I should order something to at least nibble on with my cocktail. I ordered the mixed nuts with rosemary and a Manhattan. The cocktail was good even though it was a bit strong. I preferred the Manhattan at Measure.

Manhattan

This bar is a hidden gem, a class act. It is a bit cozy and has a certain "mood" to it. I enjoyed it and look forward to coming back.

Cheers,

Liz

A Date that Measured Up!

Cocktails and Jazz at Langham Place

I have been in Arizona with my family for the past 2.5 weeks. While I have had a wonderful time relaxing at home, it has put a bit of a kink in my dating strategy. I tend to prefer to not talk to a potential date too much before I meet him. Most of the time, one person ends up saying something that is misinterpreted (texting is the devil) and then it is awkward. Especially given the amount of time I would be home, I was reluctant to really chat with a potential date. However, I had way too much idle time and naturally started talking to someone. By some sort of miracle, we didn't end up hating each other after two weeks of talking long-distance and we set up a time to meet when I got back to NYC.

We were going to meet at The Bar Downstairs at The Andaz, but there was a 30 minute wait and I was not having that. So, I asked him to meet me at Measure, the lobby lounge at Langham Place, a super swanky hotel (http://newyork.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/hotel-dining-measure.htm). The cocktail menu is impressive and it was hard to pick a drink to start. I went with a reliable order: a Manhattan.

Manhattan

The Manhattan was made with Rittenhouse Rye, Carpano Antica and Bitters. It was delicious! It was a lovely balance. The next cocktail I ordered was much more of a liquid dessert. The Jazzy Razz, made with Vodka, Framboise, Godiva Liqueur, Espresso and Cream.

Jazzy Razz

The cocktails were wonderful! The lounge has a great date vibe. After we were there for an hour or so, a jazz group started playing. It was a bit loud at first, but ended up adding a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised that (for once) my date was even better than my drinks. I'm cautiously optimistic on future dates. I will keep you posted!

Cheers,

Liz

Celebratory Drinks!

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

Yesterday was a GREAT day! If anything, it was more of a turning point in my life than just a Thursday. After several years of planning, researching and preparing, I got a job offer to join my dream company. Over two years ago, I started the process of applying to business school and transitioning to a completely different industry (real estate to wine, beer and spirits) and function (investment banking to marketing). I am thrilled to start this next chapter of my life. In the spirit (pun intended) of celebration, I met with a new friend from Stern, Scott. In a small world twist, we actually know each other from my first job. We were in the same hire class in Charlotte, NC over six years ago - crazy! He was near my neighborhood, so I suggested a fun spot near me that has fantastic dessert cocktails, Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html). 

I started with the Raspberry Chocolate Martini. It was DIVINE! It is made with Chambord and Kahlua. It is also served with an 80% dark chocolate truffle - YUM! The cocktail was rich and creamy - so much so that I needed a spoon at the end to get up all the chocolate shavings!!

Raspberry Chocolate Martini

Next, I ordered a lighter cocktail. It was still sweet, but not weighed down with cream. I ordered the Bohemian Pear. It is a mix of Absolut Pear, St. Germain, Angostura Bitters, and Fresh Lime Juice. I loved it! It was light and refreshing!

Bohemian Pear

As my final cocktail, I ordered the Pomegranate Martini. It is made with Ketel One Citroen and Pomegranate Juice. This drink was a bit *tart* - I don't think that the juice was sweetened. This likely made the drink have fewer calories, but my face was puckered. I enjoyed it, but it was my least favorite. 

Pomegranate Martini

The weather was lovely last night and we sat outside. My only complaint would be that they wait to throw out all of the garbage until the venue closes for the evening. I found it a bit distracting/disturbing that the workers were putting out garbage bags (on the street) while patrons (including us) were sitting outside. Garbage isn't exactly 1. nice to look at or 2. neutral smelling. I found it odd, my only improvement to an otherwise great cocktail/dessert spot.

Cheers!

Liz

 

Happily EVR After

Living it Up (with Liv)

Last night, I was able to encourage Liv to join me at EVR (http://evrnyc.com/) to celebrate our Brand Strategy success! It was an incredible experience to work on a school project for a company I know very well. I hope our recommendations will help EVR continue its growth! We started things off with our "go-to" EVR drink....

THE TOMATO BASIL MARTINI!!!!

I love love love that drink! After we had this, we were feeling adventurous. Typically, I avoid mint like the plague when I order cocktails. But, based on Carlos' recommendation (his lovely hand is featured above), I ordered the Vanilla Mint Julep. It contains Bourbon, Madagascar Vanilla, Cherry Heering, Mint and Lime. 

Vanilla Mint Julep

I love how the Julep is served! The metal "cup" and fresh sprig of mint really finish it off nicely. Even though the Derby was a couple of days ago, I felt like we were honoring it!

Definitely check out EVR!

xoxo,

Liz

 

Spring has Sprung

Spring Pear at EVR

The new Spring mixology menu has arrived and is it "EVR" (http://evrnyc.com/) so tasty! During one of the recent Cocktailing events (on Wednesday After Work), I ordered the Spring Pear. It is a dangerously tasty combination of pear vodka, spices, sage, maraschino liqueur, lime and agave. By dangerous, I mean, you order two and may forget that it even is Spring or that you're at a bar and not transported to a magically wonderful place. I love seasonal cocktails and this hit the spot - get after it, as my friend Lauren would say. 

Cheers,

Liz

 

Tomato Basil Martini at EVR

A Cocktail with Vegetables Counts, Right?

As my friends will confirm, I am normally a sweet cocktail gal. But....in the interest of research, I have been ordering outside of my wheelhouse. This brought me to the Tomato Basil Martini at EVR, a newly opened lounge on 54 W 39th St (www.evrnyc.com). The cocktail is an extremely well-balanced mix of cherry tomatoes, basil-infused gin, and Lillet Blanc. The spirits are complemented by habanero, agave, lime and a Himalayan salt rim. 

In general, I'd recommend visiting EVR...of course I'm biased since I am currently interning there..but I would not steer you the wrong way! The space is beautiful, the cocktails are works of art and the food is delicious! Monday through Friday, EVR has a Happy Hour from 5-8pm. The drinks tend to be pricier (as mixology places tend to be), but the Happy Hour is a great time to test out the place and sample the food. You can follow EVR on Twitter @EVR_NYC for updates on events. 

What are you drinking tonight?

Liz