PARTY GIRL: When Double Crossing is Good

Cue 2001: A Space Odyssey when unwrapping this gift!

Given our eco-awareness, it’s about time that someone created a green vodka. Double Cross is a newly launched vodka that’s green, in a sense; it’s made from locally grown organic winter wheat and mountain spring water from aquifers. But what really got our attention was it’s sold in massive rectangular 750 mL bottles with a logo adapted from the Slovakian flag, and is virtually indestructible (I speak from experience–even dropping it won’t break this bottle!). With its masculine looks and a price point of about $44.99, it’s perfect for the groomsmen’s gifts…or a last-minute Father’s Day present for dad this weekend! –Jackie, Party Girl

PARTY GIRL: Signature Cocktails All Around

Who doesn’t want to unleash her inner diva and create a signature cocktail for her wedding?  Here are three totally practical reasons:

• Drinks can be prepared in large quantities before the event, which saves money since you’ll need fewer bartenders. 
• Guests won’t have to stand in line at the bar.  This means more dancing.
• If you’re not having an open bar, a signature drink is a great way to give guests an option beyond wine and beer.

Getting thirsty? Thought so! This drink, made especially for BRIDES and our 75^th Anniversary, would be great at a wedding.  

 

Combier French “75” (champagne cocktail)
1/4 ounces Combier Liqueur d’Orange
1/4 ounces gin
1/4 ounce fresh lime juice
1 dash orange bitters
1 sugar cube
5 ounces champagne, chilled
Pour gin, Combier, lime juice & bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well to blend. Put the sugar cube into a Champagne flute. Strain gin mixture into the glass. Carefully top it off with Champagne.  –Jackie, Party Girl

WEDDING STYLISTAS: La Vie En New York

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Gabriella New York Bridal Salon

Last night I was whisked up to the 2nd floor of the Gabriella bridal salon to find it transformed into a classy cocktail party space that featured the tastes and sounds of France, Spain—and New York!  Live French music wafted through the room while ladies in lovely gowns served Moet champagne.  Later, a flamenco dancer took to the stage and commanded the room with each stomp of her high-heeled shoe, while an amazing beatboxer set the tempo.  The food was just as unexpected and fun as the entertainment.  New York classics like hot dogs, pretzels, and beer, and classic comfort foods like grilled cheese sandwiches and pancakes were served tapas-style.  I was in tasting heaven!  I guess good things really do come in small packages.   -Machell, Wedding Stylistas

PARTY GIRL: It’s 5:00 Somewhere

Drinking on the job?  Sounds unorthodox, but that’s one of the perks of my job.  I spent my Friday afternoon sampling cocktails with my colleagues.  New Amsterdam Gin brought in mixologist Alex Ott, who created five (!) gin cocktails, including strawberry basil and champagne mixed with elderflower.  I’m not usually a gin drinker, but I managed to rise to the occasion.  Each creation was unique and inspired.  What a fab way to kick off the weekend!  —Christina, Party Girl 

WEDDING STYLISTAS: Candy Bar Cocktails

 

I have quite the sweet tooth.  So imagine how happy I was to attend an event where I sampled a vanilla bean martini in a marbled chocolate cone. I savored it long enough to ask a few probing questions—and then have a second one.  A New York-based catering company called Bar Candy is mixing up candy bar cocktails in flavors like vanilla bean, strawberry mousse, and cookies ‘n cream, all served in edible chocolate swirl cups and sipped through pirouline cookie straws.  Though Bar Candy only caters parties in the NYC area, they can ship the chocolate cones and glasses nationwide, and they’ll send you the recipe for any of their custom candy/cake/cookie-tinis.  Sweet!  —Machell, Wedding Stylistas

Edible chocolate cocktail glass garnished with strawberries.

A delicious edible cocktail by Bar Candy.