A Break From Rosé We're Drinking Red

On most summer day and nights we have been guzzling #RoséAllDay but wanting to drink a red that'll satisfy even the biggest Brosé. 

Hard to hear that one can pass up a Whispering Angel for a red? Even red wine can be described as light and fruity and make for a great summer drink while chilled. Check out our suggestions for you to drink tonight. Sangria anyone?

Chilean wine is known for its high-quality product but low and affordable prices. For the best summer red, we recommend Carménère as its herbaceous peppercorn-like flavor both compliments and brings out the smoky flavors you would often find at your typical summer BBQ. Instead of adding to the richness and sweetness of BBQ foods,  Make sure to grill up some succulent meats and crisp veggies and pour yourself a glass (or two) of Carménère at your next BBQ for the ultimate summer 

“The keys to summer reds are three fold: lighter fruit flavors, high acidity to keep the wine refreshing, and wines that you serve cooler (like 50˚F). There is a distinct set of wines that fit the bill and they, themselves come from cooler climates (which usually produce lighter reds with higher acidity). I love lighter style Zweigelt or Sankt Laurent from Austria, German Pinot Noir (called Spätburgunder), Beaujolais from Burgundy, and Pinot Noir from Sancerre in the Loire Valley. Mencía from Spain can be fantastic too, if it’s the more berry, minerally style (versus a spicier version that may be too much for summer). Each of these has a “lightness of being” about them that makes them lively and fresh. 

And here’s a shopping tip for the readers: If you’re not sure if something will be heavy or light, take a look at the alcohol level. Any red above 13.5% ABV is going to be a bit too heavy to qualify as a summer red! "

— Elizabeth Schneider host of the popular "Wine for Normal People" podcast and author of a forthcoming, reimagined basic wine book, called "Wine for Normal People."

Beaujolais is light-bodied, low-tannin, refreshing, and best served chilled. made with iconic Beaujolais producer Georges Duboeuf, whose wide portfolio of appellation-driven Flower Label wines and Cru Beaujolais bottlings are ideal for summer. The Flower portfolio is the 2015 Beaujolais-Villages, a vibrant, fruit-driven wine which over-delivers for the cost, and serves as an excellent introduction for anyone interested in exploring the high-quality side of Beaujolais. 

Beaujolais

Carmenère

Riunite

Light and well-balanced, Riunite Lambrusco is perfect for every occasion. Enjoyable and straight forward, its easy drinkability make it a favorite with a wide variety of foods, including spicy fare.

Looking to learn how to make a great sangria? Check their recipe below.

Classic Red Sangria
1 750ml bottle of Riunite Lambrusco
1 lemon, 1 orange, 1 peach, 1 ripe green apple, sliced
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup Brandy (optional)
¼ cup Triple Sec
1 can of lemon-lime soda

Combine the sliced fruit, brandy and triple sec in a pitcher. Add Riunite Lambrusco, orange juice and lemon-lime soda.

National Rosé Day is finally here and this is what you need to drink

You know we love a good rosé, and today may be our favorite holiday with National Rosé Day. As the second Saturday of June approaches, it is officially National Rosé Day and we want to make sure you're prepared. These wines will pair with a summer salad, fish plate or even a hotdog. Rosé is your one friend that no one will be upset is there

From our favorite real estate brokers, new rosé to the iconic Whispering Angel and Chandon’s Limited Edition American Summer bottle - these rosés will cover be ones to grab for our favorite holiday. If your unsure where to go, we've compiled the best deals in the city.

@Fredrikeklundny

High Kick Rosé -a light, fresh and elegant rosé with notes of strawberries, citrus and herbs. Serve cold with elegant dishes of seafood or Salad Niçoise with grilled tuna or enjoy on its own with good friends.

Barrymore by Carmel Road Rosé of Pinot Noir 2016 - On the palate, the wine is delicate with floral and light citrus aromas. Flavors of fresh red fruits, along with notes of peach and apricot intertwine with bright, mouthwatering acidity, leading to a crisp and vibrant finish. The easy drinking rosé pairs great with burgers, sushi and spicy dishes.

Chateau d’Esclans Rosé - prestigious estate and winery from Provence, France producing some of the world’s leading rosé wines. The portfolio includes four premium rosés with an array of depth and flavor. In 2016, Château d’Esclans celebrated its 10th anniversary last year under the leadership of Sacha Lichine, who has elevated these wines to the respected, prestigious level he envisioned for Provence rosé, helping to initiate a massive rosé export boom.

Chandon American Summer Rosé - Grab your #ChandonSquad and celebrate National Rosé Day with Chandon’s 2017 Limited Edition American Summer. This festive bubbly bottle’s pink and red stripes mimic ocean waves to celebrate the summer season. Perfect for chic sipping, the rosé is filled with aromas of ripe strawberry, juicy watermelon, and fresh red cherry fruit interwoven with flavors of apple, pear and stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is creamy and seductive, with defined structure from the addition of still Pinot Noir at triage.

“Chandon Rosé, our refreshingly fruity wine is dry, and has the best balance between complexity and fruitiness, making it a great pair for a variety of light foods perfect for summer including seafood - especially grilled salmon and shellfish.”

— -Pauline Lhote, winemaker for Chandon

La Vigne du Roy Costieres de Nimes Rosé - – “Rhone, France A full-bodied, cherry colored Rosé from Costieres de Nimes in the Rhone Valley. Rich, balanced and fresh with notes of white flowers, cherries and spice”  (Exclusive to Stew’s Wines.)

Henriette Côtes de Provence Rosé – “Tastes like a bowl of crushed summer berries. This Provence style rosé is dry, crisp and refreshing”

 Wolffer Rosé – “Lush with aromas of peach, orange, citrus and lychee.  A gorgeous wine with oysters!”

“Rosé is my go-to wine in the summer! It’s great on its own and it’s also a food-friendly wine. These are some of my favorites from France and the USA. They all over-deliver on quality for the price!”

— Blake Leonard, Wine Brand Manager at Stew Leonard’s Wines

Where to go?

@PergolaNYC

Pergola (36 West 28th Street) will offer half-price Rosé bottle specials from June 5th-June 10th in honor of National Rose Day.  Offerings include Whispering Angel, 2016 Provence for $28, Montrose, 2016 Provence for $24, Chateau De Pourcieux0, 2016 Provence for $20 and Rodney Strong, 2016 Russian River for $24.

Mel’s Burger Bar on Upper East Side (1450 Second Avenue) will add Rosé to their bottomless brunch offering weekly, beginning on National Rosé Day for $40. The price includes a choice of entree and all you can drink Rosé for up to three hours.

SideBAR (118 E. 15th Street) in Union Square will serve up $5 Rosé by the glass all day for National Rosé Day

Bagatelle (1 Little W 12th Street) is serving Rosé in the biggest way possible for National Rosé Day. Since Bagatelle does everything bigger, it’s time to go big or go home with Magnum bottles starting at $130 with Côtes de Provence, Château Real Martin “Perle de Rosé”, or for a night to remember a magnum bottle of Louis Roederer, “Cristal” Rosé for a price of $3,400.

Kellari (19 West 44th Street) is debuting a new Rosé All Day menu on National Rosé Day with a selection of Rosé’s from around the world. Options include Domaine Costa Lazaridi, Mas de Gourgonnier, Moraitis Estate Rosé and seven others available by the bottle, carafe and glass. Prices range from a bottle of Fritch at $40, to a bottle Chateau Sainte Marguerite Rosé Symphony at $65. Carafe’s prices range from $28 - $32 and glasses range from $12-$15. For the day, Kellari will offer 20% their entire Rosé menu.

The 5 Best New York Burgers To Celebrate National Burger Day

New York has a ton of burger spots. And finding the best — the juiciest, the biggest, the most gaudily topped ones — isn't easy. Whether you want a hamburger with exotic meats or the one that comes with a beer, this is the time to step up your hamburger game.  As we close National Hamburger Month with National Hamburger Day this Sunday (28th) be in Memorial Day Weekend, there is no bettter time to grab one of these delectable meals.

Need a guide to the best deals and burgers around? Here are just a few of New York City's most delicious burgers to celebrate this food holiday:

Atrio at Conrad New York

In honor of National Burger Day, Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant at Conrad New York is offering a complimentary beer with the purchase of an Atrio Burger to any guest who posts a photo on Instagram using the hashtag #ConradFoodies on Sunday, May 28. Made with “Niman Ranch” Grass Fed Beef, Vermont Cheddar and Roasted Onion Mayo, and served with Bread and Butter pickles, the Atrio Burger is sure to hit the spot for any hungry tummy working up an appetite around Battery Park City. 

STK

Who says burgers can’t be classy? Artfully blending the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one, STK is celebrating National Burger Day in style! Featuring reimagined classic American cuisine, STK is offering a special variation of one of its most popular signature dishes - the Lil’ BRGs. Adding an elevated twist the bite-sized burgers, the National Burger Day special is made with a blend of Wagyu beef stuffed with Foie Gras, topped with shaved truffles and red wine caramelized onions. The special Lil’ BRGS will be available at all STK locations including New York – Midtown, New York-Downtown, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago and more on May 28 only.

Mel's Burger Bar will offer up one of their all-time favorite specialty burgers, the Pizza Burger, made with mozzarella, marinara, pepperoni for National Hamburger Day for $12.75

@melsburgerbar

SideBAR (118 E. 15th Street) will give away a free Bud Light with a purchase of a Mac and Cheese Burger in honor of National Hamburger Day

@Sidebarnyc

e's BAR (511 Amsterdam) which just reopened this week after a building fire three months ago will serve up $5 e's burgers all day long on Sunday in honor of National Hamburger Day.

Why You Won't Mind Waiting Around Grand Central

One of our favorite spots is back in action, The Campbell, operated by The Gerber Group, the long-anticipated revival of the former Campbell Apartment, located in Grand Central Terminal. A New York City institution since its days as Jazz Age financier John William Campbell’s private office and reception hall, the space has been thoughtfully and meticulously restored in partnership with internationally renowned design firm Ingrao Inc.

0Maintaining the integrity of the property’s historic architecture while introducing contemporary design elements. Gerber Group has created a refined, yet approachable atmosphere that is complemented by a distinguished bar program and menu of elevated bar fare, making this the new place to go whether you're waiting for a train or meeting with a potential buyer.

“Whether stopping by for a quick drink before catching a train, or making The Campbell a destination for a night of cocktails and great food, we are very confident that commuters, locals and tourists who visit Grand Central Terminal will be pleasantly surprised.”

— Scott Gerber, Principal and CEO of Gerber Group

Hidden in plain sight, The Campbell is tucked in the southwest corner of Grand Central Terminal. Paying homage to the history of the space as a salon for entertaining in the truest form, Gerber Group has divided the venue into three principal areas that provide distinctive guest experiences:

The Campbell Bar, the timeless office featuring a stunning bar topped with green quartzite, custom brass sconces that illuminate the magnificent hand-painted ceiling, custom mohair and leather furnishings, and a mezzanine offering a look over the action below.

The Campbell Palm Court, an indoor lounge with Rattan bar stools and high top café tables surrounded by towering palm trees with a view into the main terminal; and The Campbell Terrace, a sweeping outdoor covered veranda complete with a full bar, where guests can enjoy the weather as well as the bustle of Midtown.

“As soon as you enter The Campbell, the sense of history is palpable,” said Randy Kemper of Ingrao. “We focused on restoring the space’s original features, while utilizing traditional materials and design features whenever possible. The end result is a breathtaking revitalization that brings the historic venue seamlessly into the 21st century while paying homage to its storied past.”

Located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue (Off 43rd St) The Cambell is open daily from 12:00 p.m. - 2 a.m. For reservations and information on private events, call 212-297-1781 or visit www.thecampbellnyc.com.

Do you have what it takes to enter the Mionetto Cocktail Challenge

@MionettoProseccoUSA

Looking to be featured in Food & Wine for your cocktail mixing skills? While your friends may call your signature drink a classic, now is your chance to see what you're really made of by entering the second annual ‘Mionetto Cocktail Challenge.’

In collaboration with Food & Wine, Mionetto Prosecco USA announces the call for submissions for contestants across the country to submit an original Mionetto sparkling cocktail recipe into one of two groups: bartending professionals and consumers (intended for the general public).

After narrowing down the submissions, the top three finalists in each category will be invited to a special mix-off event at the Food & Wine test kitchen in New York City. The professional champion will be featured in Food & Wine and the consumer champion will receive a trip for two to Italy to visit the land of Prosecco. Finalists will be determined by Justin Noel, top NYC-based mixologist, Food & Wine editor, and Enore Ceola, managing director and CEO of Mionetto USA.

““This is a passion project of mine and I am truly honored to be involved in the search for the best Prosecco cocktail recipes from across the U.S. These contestants share our passion for Mionetto and crafting high-quality Prosecco and sparkling cocktails.” Prosecco can bring to a cocktail,””

— Justin Noel

What To Drink

News on what to drink, what's trending in wine, beer, and cocktails.

The inaugural challenge in 2016 received over 600 entries, but ultimately two cocktails reigned supreme. On the consumer level, Dassy Pawlik from Buffalo, New York won with her inspired recipe, “Pompelmo Spruzzo,” which took Mionetto’s Brut Prosecco to another level. Meanwhile, the professional winner Patti Scarf from Kalamazoo, Michigan took a refreshing approach with the “Cucumber Fizz,” pairing the flagship Mionetto Prosecco Brut with cucumber, gin, and simple syrup.

Submit your recipe today at mionettococktailchallenge

Beyond Sushi Expands In Herald Square

Forget the boring sushi with a questionable expiration date. As we head into warmer weather we can enjoy the warm weather without worry of spoiling the fish, with Beyond Sushi's vegan rolls.

@BeyondSushiNYC

Opening May 10th Beyond Sushi will be expanding from the Union Square, Chelsea Market, and Midtown West to take hold place in Herald Square. Founded by renowned chef, Guy Vaknin (From Hell's Kitchen) and his wife Tali, Beyond Sushi offers an assortment of nutritional and Instagram-worthy staples. Chef Guy and his culinary team fuse unconventional pairings of fruit and vegetables with whole grains to create sushi rolls, rice paper wraps, hand rolls, salads, healthy sweets, and hand-pressed juices. 

A Signature Beyond Sushi dish is the Sunnyside Roll made with black rice, braised fennel, sundried tomatoes and avocado topped with butternut squash and an almond pesto sauce and the Spicy Mang with black rice, avocado, mango and English cucumber topped with spicy vegetables and a toasted Cayenne sauce.  The new Herald Square location will also offer signature desserts to include an espresso pound cake with caramelized cumquats, chocolate oat disc, whipped coconut cream, caramel sauce, and orange zest.

You might be confused on how sushi could be veganized, as its main ingredient tends to be fish. According to Keep It Vegan's Sushi Guide, "There are, however, some amazing fillers for sushi, such as avocado, cucumber, shiitake, mushroom, bell pepper, and carrot."

@BeyondSushiNYC

While Beyond Sushi will include juices the new Herald Square location will feature a curated list of sakes and healthy craft cocktails, made with the freshest ingredients, to sip at their wrap around bar this spring.

The designers of the 37th st. Atal Design Group incorporates what Beyond Sushi's guests will see in all future eateries, like the FiDi one in June. Colors including vibrant oranges and greens and have selected materials that complement multitudes of textures, shapes, hard and natural surfaces. The back drop of the eatery also has an element of surprise incorporated into the atmosphere to include Beyond Sushi recycled number 10 cans.  

Beyond Sushi, 134 W. 37th St. New York, NY, 212-564-0869, opening May 10th hours are 11 AM to 11 PM.

Where To Celebrate Cinco de May

Tacos and Tequila? It's not Tuesday but it is Cinco de Mayo this Friday and we want you to take part in the celebration by checking out these delicious food and drink options.

Photo via @SidebaNYC

Camacho's, which just opened at 118 E. 15th Street in Union Square, will serve up free shots every hour and give away free "cinco swag" like sombreros, mustaches, beads etc. to get everyone in the festive mood. 

SideBAR will host a Cinco de Mayo party complete with special jumbo margaritas, Cornita buckets and sangria. 

Cinco De Mayo Rooftop Party at Hudson Terrace

Hudson Terrace (621 W. 46th Street) will host a Cinco De Mayo Rooftop Party complete with a Mariachi Band and free drinks. Enjoy free admission all night long by mentioning "Fiesta" at the door. Free drink tickets will be given out for arrivals before 6:30pm. Drink specials include 2 for 1 Don Julio Margaritas, $5 Bud Lights & Modelo’s, $8 Mango Margaritas,$8 Tequila Shots and $10 Cocktails. Hudson Terrace will have three indoor and outdoor rooms with live music by DJ Dubbz, party favors, giveaways and more. VIP tickets are available and include a 2 hour open bar from 5pm-7pm and exclusive access to the VIP Salon & Garden Terrace Rooms. For more information or tickets please visit: https://nightout.com/events/55-vip-cinco-de-mayo-rooftop-party-3-rooms-live-dj-mariachi-band-free-drinks/tickets.

Chciken Tinga Tacos

New comer Street Taco in April and is already a major force on the NYC taqueria scene. Complete with an extensive taco and tequila selection, there is a 1000% chance this place will be lit on Cinco de Mayo.

On top of their insanely delicious tacos and margaritas, Street Taco will be offering a series of specials. Our Favorite being the Chicken Tinga Tacos for just $1 each! These delicious tacos feature stewed chicken topped with Cotija cheese, crema, onion, and cilantro.

Del Frisco's Margarita

Build Your Own Margaritas at Del Frisco’s Steak House: In partnership with Avion Tequila, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House New York will be hosting a “Build Your Own Margarita” event from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 5th in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Guests will be able to choose from a variety of flavors and ingredients such as pomegranate or peach to create a custom margarita. Del Frisco’s full bar and dinner menu will also be available to indulge in, as well as the chance to win Avion Tequila swag that will raffled off throughout the event. The cost is $20 for two hours of complimentary “Build Your Own” Margaritas and passed Mexican-inspired bites; charged as a cover upon entry.

The rooftop pool at Mr. Purple

Looking for a rooftop celebrate? Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in true Mexican style at Mr. Purple this year! Enjoy a Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita while snacking on  on their food specials: 

• Chips + Guac ($20) - Blue Corn Tortilla Chips, House Guacamole
• Veggie Tacos ($9) - Mushrooms, Spinach, Onions, Celery, Peppers + Salsa Verde 
• Fish Tacos ($11) - Red Snapper, Pico de Gallo + Spicy House Aioli 
• Steak Tacos ($14) - Hanger Steak, Pico de Gallo + Avocado Sour Cream 
• Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita ($16) - Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice

For those who want to skip the food and get their drink some below are some of our favorite cocktails. Take note on these Cinco de Mayo inspired cocktails. Check our gallery below for names and locations.

Red Bell Pepper at El Vez  (259 Vesey Street) 

Cadillac Anejo Martini at The Skylark (by Mixologist Johnny Swet)

Casamigos Hibiscus Frozen Margarita at Mr. Purple

Where To Eat And Drink This Earth Day

What day better than Earth Day to eat healthy and deliciously. With so many options in the city you can enjoy all of natures Earth's flavors while being clean and sustainable.

Here are our top places that will indulge your earthy, crunchy Earth Day whims. Don't worry if you'll still be able to eat meat, there's more to Earth Day than being a vegetarian.

Eco-Conscious Wine Maker Pairings (April 22)

Chef Vincent Chirico of West Village's Coarse supports sustainable agriculture in every aspect - from the produce he buys to the wine he selects. His eight to ten course, $79 spontaneous food and beverage tasting is all dependent on what he has in stock that day in order to eliminate food waste. With the meal, six to nine different beverage pairings are picked and poured by the chef himself, choosing only sustainable wines. On Earth Day he'll be highlighting California winemaker Preston Parker Wines for the beverage portion of the meal, a small production winery that only sources their grapes from sustainable vineyards. 

Wines are served alongside the chef's signature dishes like king oyster mushrooms atop potato puree, crispy sunchoke, a soft egg and white truffle or the king crab leg with chili, brown butter and microcelery.

Chef's No-Waste Tasting Menu (April 23)

This eco-conscious chef is going off the menu. Chef Roxanne Spruance of Kingsley (rated Top Newcomer 2017 by Zagat and named to this year's Crain's 40 Under 40) recently started Walk-In Sunday Dinners to eliminate food waste and use whatever is in her walk-in refrigerator to whip up experimental, three-course meals. In honor of Earth Day, watch her get creative with what's in season, like fresh pasta and risottos loaded with produce she's found at the market over the weekend or main dishes using parts of the animals she's butchered herself! The three course meal ($49) consists of two choices of a seasonal salad or soup, pasta or meat main, and desserts like housemade ginger sorbet with seasonal fruit. Oh yeah, and the entire restaurant is landfill-free.

BurgerFi April 22

On April 22 from open to close, participating BurgerFi locations nationwide are encouraging guests to “Go Green.” Withany burger purchase made that day, guests will receive a free“plantable burger” coaster (see image attached) they can plant at home to grow their own lettuce. BurgerFi’s signature green-style burgers use fresh, crisp, hand-cut lettuce instead of a traditional bun.

Additionally, guests who receive a “plantable burger” can enter for a chance to win a $100 BurgerFi gift card by simply uploading a photo of themselves planting their “burger” on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #growitforward tagging @burgerfi.

Up for a drink in honor of Earth Day  1 Hotel Central Park will unveil a cocktail for a cause! Available at the hotel’s signature restaurant Jams helmed by Jonathan Waxman, ”Don’t Believe the Florist” is a libation you can feel good about drinking.  Available on Earth Day (4/22) and throughout the spring, $1 from every drink purchased will be donated to New York Restoration Project.

In addition to the cocktail served at Jams, 1 Hotel Central Park will begin offering guests the opportunity to volunteer with Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project starting this April to keep Manhattan’s parks and community gardens beautiful. The hotel’s concierge team will help guests sign up for 1 Good Day events, which include garden grooming activities, ranging from tree watering, composting and pulling weeds. As a thank you for their service to the NYC community, 1 Hotel Central Park will provide guests with a Lyft credit for rides to and from the garden and two complimentary specialty cocktails at Jonathan Waxman’s Jams following their good deed. The 1 Good Day experiences are based on the 2016 pilot program involving 1 Hotels’ employees – which included mulching, pulling weeds and planting. 

Chocolates and Champagne For Easter, what could be better?

Recently, Chantelle Pabros (Top Sommelier) and Jacques Torres (Top Chocolatier) sat down to hammer out their favorite Champagne Taittinger and chocolate pairings for the upcoming Easter season, because who whats better than luxury champagne and chocolate. Sorry Easter Eggs. Easter is approaching and there isn't a better sweet surprise than Champagne and chocolate.

Often times, people will go for a supple red wine when pairing, but depending on the chocolate, it can leave the wine tasting flat or even bitter on the palate. Cocoa butter is the naturally occurring fat which gives chocolate the silky texture and scrumptious melt in your mouth feel that we know and love. And Champagne is actually one of the best pairings to balance out that silky richness, especially when there is a secondary flavor (peanut butter, coconut, marshmallow, etc.) to lift the finish to a next level pairing...

With the combining Chantelle and Jacques expertise they have given us our favorite combinations to add for this years Easter Brunch.

JT Peanut Butter Marshmallow Lollipop + Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française NV ($59.99)

The high proportion of Chardonnay brings a stone fruit aroma of white peach, and a broad rich note of brioche- that combination of aromatics and acidity match the gooey layer of peanut butter that covers the fluffy marshmallow. Meanwhile, the creamy airy fluffiness of the marshmallow allows for the mousse of the Champagne to take center stage. The bubbles of the Brut La Francaise are so pronounced, you can feel them popping away on your palate! There is such a whimsical, fun familiarity about this, it is registered in everyone’s memory bank of scents and smells. Whether you know them as Peeps or chocolate covered marshmallows- I am head over heels for this pairing for Easter. Combination of peanut butter, marshmallow, and chocolate has never been more delectable!

Champagne Taittinger Cork + Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française NV ($59.99)

The butter and milk is replaced by BLF Champagne in the process of making this gem, and you taste the concentration and complexity that the Champagne adds to this divine bon bon. The milk chocolate shell can stand up to the BLF because the Champagne has the right amount of density in the mid palate and vibrant fruits that remains persistent on the palate as the chocolate melts in your mouth.

While a casserole may be nice to bring this Easter, show some class and bring decadent chocolates and a bottle of Taittinger, one offerieng that won't be forgotten. For more of Jaque Torres chocolates you can head over to MrChocolate for all of your chocolate needs.

The Search Is On: Which Patrón Margarita Will Win?

Article by Candice Dixon

Who’s dying for a Spring cocktail? We definitely are.  As the last remnants of winter melt away, we’re excited to preview light, refreshing sippers for Spring 2017. In fact, Patrón has started its world-wide search for the simply perfect margarita of the year. Out of thousands of global applicants, the tequila brand has selected seven contenders to represent the brand’s products in its 2017 Margarita of the Year contest. 

Live voting allows imbibers unlimited voting online and via social media to support favorite tipples until April 9th 2017 when the winning marg is announced. So far, the top three cocktails are the Carolina (22% of votes), Pacific Rim (17% of votes) and Mumbai (14% of votes) Margaritas. Want a taste? You can order a personal kit loaded with all ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions through Cocktail Courier - a great idea to liven up your next at-home happy hour or dinner party.  Take a look below at the top three stars of Patron’s next Margarita of the Year.

Carolina Margarita, Created by Riesler Morales ( Mexico City, Mexico)

Inspired by a couple’s beach-side, serendipitous meeting, the Carolina Margarita narrates their instant love connection. The oaky Reposado Patrón coupled with the Patrón Citrónge Orange and hibiscus creates an instant attraction for the most discerning of palates. It’s beautiful red hue from a splash of red wine rounds out the imaginative sipper.                                                                                                                                                                                 
Want to cast your vote? Use #CoralinaMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Pacific Rim, Created by Max Greco (Sydney, Australia)

Of all exotic world locations, Sydney, Australia may not come to mind, at first. However, when enjoying this thrilling coconut syrup and jalapeño beverage, you’ll think twice. The Pacific Rim Margarita perfectly showcases a delicious blend of Patrón Silver, yuzu juice, and citrus, transporting you to the Down Under like never before. No wonder it’s a close second in the competition.                                                                                                                      
Want to cast your vote? Use #PacificRimMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

Mumbai Margarita, Created by Hermant Pathak (New York, NY) 

The Mumbai Margarita allows you to escape to enchanting Mumbai, in this beautifully balanced and mango-licious libation. Your inner adventurer will be satisfied with spicy, sweet, savory ingredients including Patrón Reposado, mango puree and spicy rose syrup. This addictive east-meets-west fusion will hook you at first sip!                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Want to cast your vote? Use #MumbaiMargarita on social media or click here for the ballot.

What better way to impress your friends at home than by making a Patron Platinum Margarita that Rael Petit (bartender of Delilah at NYC) created.

Liquid Platinum Margarita

Liquid Platinum Margarita

• 2 oz Platinum Patrón Tequila 
• 1 oz Dolin
• 2 dash rose water 
• .25 oz agave syrup
• .5 oz lime juice

Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds then pour in a mixing glass. In a mixing glass add 

• 1 bar spoon edible platinum color 
• 1 pinch xanthum gum 

Stir for 10 seconds pour in your coupe glass. Garnish with an edible orchid using edible silver sprayer marshmallow flavored. 

If you're unable to make the cocktail yourself, have the pro's do it. If you're based in New York the cocktail is available from March 20 – April 30 at Delilah. For a limited time, the margarita will be offered off the menu at $100 per glass for those in the know.

Each Liquid Platinum Margarita includes Gran Patrón Platinum (SRP $200), edible silver flakes, rare rose water and topped off with an edible silver orchid.  The liquid even swirls around by itself – magic in a glass! (Video here)