NY Barfly

Summer is Here. Beer Garden Time.

Finally, summer is here - boo yah! It's officially time to be drinking outside as much as possible. That’s why we headed to the Meatpacking District to check out the Standard Hotel’s beer garden. This place is different because instead of a cash bar, you buy $8 tickets up front, and then you trade in one ticket for one half-liter of beer. It’s kind of like being at a carnival…just for beer.

Tickets also trade for food – pretzels the size of small dogs – and there is a separate cash liquor bar for the people who are too classy to drink beer. In the back there are two ping-pong tables (because people are always better at hitting balls after a few drinks), and that’s an ideal place to grab a table and survey the scene. And oh, is it a scene. Lots of beautiful people, including some sailors from Fleet Week who found their way west, and you get to feel a little exclusive because the later it gets, the longer the line. The transformation from day to night can be a little intense, so time your visit carefully (are you going with your friends? Or to hunt for a honey?).

As a bonus, you are literally a two minute walk from getting up onto the High Line. We always find stumbling home easier when you are walking in a park, for some reason. The grass is a great cushion if you fall.

-Katie Carroll

The Bloody Mary, Revised

After Memorial Day weekend, you’re going to need a hair of the dog – like in a major way (because who doesn’t kick off the summer without an epic three-day-long bender). Well – you’re in luck – the Wall Street Journal just published a look at the drink, with a focus on all the fancy new things that bartenders are doing these days. Yep – we’re talking about pickled radishes. Clearly it’s a must read, take a look here.

It’s Memorial Day – Stop Readin' and Get Drinkin!

 

Yes kids, it’s that time of year again. Ok, it’s always time to drink, but with Memorial Day, it’s time to drink OUTSIDE! We’re taking off a little early for the weekend to beat the rush (not to the beach – to the liquor store). We’ll be back on Tuesday to keep feeding you news on all things booze. Until then, thanks for being such a lush – keep drinkin’ in the USA!

10 Classic Cocktails That Don't Suck

Sometimes, it’s easy to be led astray with old-time drink recipes (have you ever tried a Harvey Wallbanger – yikes!). Well, for our latest on Tablespoon, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 classics that your bartender should know – because there really is something to all those classy beverages that they drink like water on Mad Men. If you want to down a few old-time beverages, but are worried that you’ll order the wrong one, you can scope out the full list here.

Captain Morgan Wants You to Live, Love, and Loot

It’s official – the rapture did not come last weekend. Darn – and we had our looting shoes all shined and ready (we REALLY had our eye on those flat screen TV’s at Best Buy). Well – Captain Morgan rum is out with a new marketing campaign that succeeds where the second coming of Jesus fails. Taking inspiration from the actual Henry Morgan, the brand will roll out a series of commercials that encourages you to Live, Love and Loot. Yep, we really like that last one too. And they didn’t do anything half-assed in this case – the spirits brand brought on Tom Hooper to film the commercials. You might remember him as the Oscar winning director of The King’s Speech. Want to take a look at the new campaign? Scope it out on the company’s Facebook page.

Louisville's Urban Bourbon Trail Gives You Another Excuse to Drink

Want a killer summer vacation that’s not as expensive as Cabo but will still let you get it on with the booze? One word: Louisville. Located in the heart of Bourbon Country, this town has got it all (and by “it all” we mean drinks, drinks and more drinks). To encourage you to go bar-crawling (as if you would need any encouragement – we mean, really), a number of restaurants participate in the town’s “Urban Bourbon Trail.” You can get yourself a fake passport, and have the different bars stamp it after you stop by for a nip.

This year, the folks behind the trail are adding five new stops, bringing the total to 14. The new participating eateries include Asiatique, Buck’s, Corbett’s: an American place, Equus & Jack’s Lounge and Ramsi’s Café on the World. Want to be a trailblazer? Then head on down to this trail and get blazed.

Create a Port Cocktail, Win a Trip to Portugal

Who wants to go to Portugal?! Yeah, we know you’re thinking “I spent all my money on martinis, how on earth will I get to Portugal?!” Well – that alcoholic education is about to pay off, because if you can make a stellar cocktail with Sandeman Porto, then you’ll have the chance to fly over on the booze company’s dime. All you have to do is come up with an original beverage that includes Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto and enter on the brand’s Facebook page. The submitted drinks will be judged based on taste, creativity and originality – so if you think you can get away by just spiking a classic Cosmo with some fortified wine, you probably should try a little harder. The entries are due by June 15, check out the full details here: www.Facebook.com/SandemanPorto

VnC Cocktails Coming To NYC, Lazy People Rejoice

This one’s for the lazy folks out there: VnC Cocktails, a line of pre-mixed drinks that take all of the guess work out of basic mixology, are set to debut in the New York Market. Now folks, mixing up your own drinks really isn’t that hard – but if you’re all sorts of lazy and just can’t bring yourself to do exhausting things like “pour” or “mix”, these beverages have got you covered. The good news is that they aren’t made with artificial colors or flavors – so at least you’re getting a taste of something natural when you’re getting your tipsy on. The folks behind the line of beverages also come from New Zealand – which is kind of cool in a random details kind of way. Look for flavors like Banana Daiquiri and Pacific Mai Tai to crop up at liquor stores soon.

Tequila Taco Truck Hits Town

Keep your eyes peeled kids, because when the Camarena Tequila Taco Truck starts rolling around town, there will be such a thing as a free lunch. For six weeks starting on May 25, the agave-fueled vehicle will be rolling around New York giving out gratis tacos and other menu items that were infused with the brand’s Reposado and Silver labels. Sadly, you won’t be able to order a swig of tequila from the mobile eatery, but hey, don’t complain too much. Didn’t you see – they have FREE TACOS – if you want a drink with your snack, well, that’s why god invented flasks. Follow the truck on Twitter for updates here.

Drunken Dragon Festival Hits Macao Trading Co.

Macao Trading Co. can throw some pretty mean parties – and their yearly Drunken Dragon Festival is no exception. We know you’ve been wondering where you should wear that 1940’s costume you have laying around – well, break it out of the closet, because on May 30 either ‘40s garb or a Chinese-themed outfit is required to attend. The dress-up portion isn’t even the best part – booze will be flowing all night for free – the shindig is sponsored by Jameson, Absolut and Plymouth – pretty sweet. An invitation promises that “even the bartenders will be hungover the next day” – that’s the mark of a good party, isn’t it? All you have to do is hit info@macaonyc.com with an RSVP and you’ll be down to drink with the dragons (just don’t get in their way – they are surly after they have a few). The party runs from 9 PM to 2 AM and Macao Trading is located at 311 Church Street.