as promised, i’m putting all the recipes from our holiday event (intoxicated zodiac, susan miller & todd english) online. so now all you zodiac junkies can drink your very own sign for some extra christmas cheer this year!

The work of Nicholas Culpeper, the father of western herbalism, serves as a guide when i create astrology-themed drinks. Culpeper’s books are still in print, 300 years after he wrote detailed descriptions of which plants belong to which signs and how to use them medicinally. In Medieval Herbal Astrology, plants have Zodiac signs, just like people. In the Medieval times only seven planets had been discovered as opposed to nine today. Therefore, since these drinks are based on Medieval Herbal Astrology, the ancient ruling planet for each sign is referenced.

“under the stars” is a NOISE 784 production. sponsored by TYKU, perrier and jim beam, the recipes call for these fine products. cheers!

Aries’ Cocktail features CRANBERRY as its star ingredient! Aries is ruled by Mars: The scarlet, fiery, hot planet. Flavors that are very spicy or very tart are often ruled by Mars. The cranberry’s bright crimson color, underscored by its tangy flavor certainly betrays its allegiance to the red planet, and is hence an Aries.

ARIES XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz sochu, 2 oz cranberry syrup, 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice, perrier
(shake over ice and strain pour into an ice packed collins glass. Top with Perrier. Garnish with a floating fresh cranberry)

CRANBERRY SPICE SYRUP:
2 c white sugar, 3 c water, 1 c fresh cranberries, peel of half a small orange
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Taurus’ Cocktail features PEPPERMINT as its star ingredient! If its divinely fragrant and tantalizingly tasty, you can bet its ruled by Venus. This beautiful planet rules all fruit, herbs and flowers that are particularly fragrant. Hence, mint falls under the dominion of Venus and may be identified as a Taurus.

TAURUS XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz sochu, 1 oz peppermint syrup, 1 oz lemon juice
(served up with a mini candy cane garnish)

PEPPERMINT MINT SYRUP:
3 c white sugar, 2 c water, 1 tsp peppermint extract
(heat until dissolved)

Gemini’s Cocktail features HAZELNUT as its star ingredient! Culpeper lists the hazelnut under Mercury. The tree’s delicate leaves & flowers are indicative of this planet’s fleeting & wispy qualities. After all, Mercury is the fastest orbiting planet in our solar system. hazelnut is a Gemini.

GEMINI XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz sochu, 1 oz hazelnut cocoa syrup, 1 oz creamer
(served up with a few pcs of floating chopped hazelnut garnish)

HAZELNUT COCOA SYRUP:
1 c “NUTELLA” spread,2 c water
(heat lightly and whisk until blended)

Cancer’s Cocktail features EGG as its star ingredient! The egg is ruled by the Moon, as is Cancer. They share the traits of a hard outer shell and a soft, pale, fleshy inside. Cancer is known for its innate creativity, along with a desire to “nest.” What symbolizes those two qualities more than the egg?

CANCER XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz whiskey, 1 oz ‘nog anise syrup, 1 oz creamer
(served up with a floating star anise)

‘NOG ANISE SYRUP:
1 c brown sugar, 1 ½ c water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 5 star anise, 4 tsp chopped, fresh ginger, 3 tsp vanilla extract, 10 cardamom pods
(toast spices over medium low in pan first. then simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Leo’s Cocktail features CLEMENTINE as its star ingredient! The bright, round, orange-colored, life-giving star of our solar system, the Sun, rules over Leo. Because the clementine bears a heavy physical resemblance to the sun, it is given ruler ship under it. The clementine is a Leo.

LEO XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz sochu, 1 oz clementine rosemary syrup, 1 1/2 oz lemon juice
(served over ice topped with Perrier. Garnish with a slice of clementine)

CLEMENTINE ROSEMARY SYRUP:
2 chopped clementines, ¼ c chopped fresh rosemary, 2 c white sugar, 2 c water
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Virgo’s Cocktail features POMEGRANATE as its star ingredient! The pomegranate is ruled by Mercury due to its astringent qualities. Mercury is the fleet-footed planet and therefore holds ownership over anything that is fast-binding and drying in nature. That is why the pomegranate is a Virgo.

VIRGO XMAS TIPPLE:
1 oz sochu, 1 oz tyku liqueur, 1 1/2 oz pomegranate grenadine, 1/2 oz lemon juice
(serve up and garnish with 3 floating pomegranate seeds)

POMEGRANATE GRENADINE:
Equal parts 100% pomegranate juice and water
(simmer for 20-30 minutes)

Libra’s Cocktail features SUGAR PLUM as its star ingredient! Libra is ruled by the Venus, the beautiful planet. Venus holds dominion over things that are sugary sweet, succulent, attractive and delectable in nature. A perfectly ripe, juicy plum would certainly fall under ruler ship of Venus, and may be called a Libra.

LIBRA XMAS TIPPLE:
1 oz sochu, 1 oz tyku liqueur, 1 oz plum syrup, 1 oz lemon juice
(serve up and garnish with a sugar rim)

SUGAR PLUM SYRUP:
2 c white sugar, 3 c water, 2-3 chopped fresh plums
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Scorpio’s Cocktail features CLOVE as its star ingredient! The incredibly pungent and powerful clove is ruled by none other than what many refer to as the planet of war, Mars. Really, it is the planet of passion and the strength to defend and protect. In fact, clove is so strong it can be used to defeat Cancer. Today, Scorpio is considered co-ruled by Mars and Pluto.

SCORPIO XMAS TIPPLE:
1 oz sochu, 1 oz sake, 1 oz lemon juice, 1 oz clove chili syrup, perrier
(served over ice, topped with perrier, garnished with a floating clove and straw)

CLOVE CHILI SYRUP:
1 c white sugar, 3 c water, 2-3 pinches cloves, 1 small handful or approx 20 dried chili arbols
(toast chilis and clove over medium low in pan first. simmer for 15-20 minutes and strain)

Sagittarius’ Cocktail features FIG as its star ingredient The vast number of seeds in a fig makes it a fruit ruled by Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. This huge planet is the owner of all things Ubiquitous, prolific, abundant and colossal in nature. This is why the fig is listed as a Sagittarius.

SAGITTARIUS XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz whiskey, 1 ¼ oz fig syrup, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
(shake over ice and strain into glass. Garnish with a dried fig slice)

FIG SYRUP:
1 c fresh chopped figs, 1 c white sugar, 2 c water
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Capricorn’s Cocktail features MOLASSES as its star ingredient! Discarded as a by-product, molasses is the almost black, densely thick, mildly bittersweet syrup that is born from the dregs of the sugar cane plant. Saturn symbolizes frugality, austerity and scarcity. Molasses is ruled by Saturn due to the nature of its genesis.

CAPRICORN XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz whiskey, 1 oz gingerbread syrup, 1 oz creamer
(served up with a slice of candied ginger garnish)

GINGERBREAD SYRUP: 2 c brown sugar, 2 c water, 1 c molasses, 5 tbsp chopped fresh ginger
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Aquarius’ Cocktail features CEDAR as its star ingredient! Saturn is the slowest moving planet, symbolizing longevity and resilience. Plants ruled by this constant planet are extremely hardy in nature–take for example the famously pest and weather-resistant cedar tree. Today Aquarius is considered co-ruled by Saturn and Uranus. That’s why cedar is an Aquarius.

AQUARIUS XMAS TIPPLE:
1 oz sochu, 1 oz sake, 3/4 oz lemon juice, 1 oz cedar syrup
(served up with a sugar rim)

CEDAR TIP SYRUP:
2 c white sugar, 2 c water, 1 c dried cedar tip needles
(toast cedar over medium low in pan first. simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

Pisces’ Cocktail features CHESTNUT as its star ingredient! The chestnut tree’s diameter can be as great as 17 feet, which epitomizes the grandiose qualities of the largest planet in our solar system, Jupiter. Today, Pisces is considered co-ruled by Jupiter and the more recently discovered Neptune. The chestnut is a Pisces and sheer size alone is what determines that.

PISCES XMAS TIPPLE:
2 oz whiskey, 1 oz chestnut syrup, 1 oz creamer
(served up a chestnut slice garnish)

CHESTNUT SYRUP:
2 c white sugar, 2 c water, 1 c chopped and peeled roasted chestnuts
(simmer for 20-30 minutes and strain)

ROAST CHESTNUT GARNISH:
Slice each nut prior to baking with a knife, but try not to penetrate flesh. Then it will be easier to slice them for garniature.

while the exact date of his birth is undecided, we celebrate jesus christ’s birthday during the time of capricorn. that makes jesus a goat! one of the wisest signs in the zodiac, it’s no surprise that christ was a cappie… capricorn is ruled by saturn, the planet of frugality, austerity & sparcity… and that makes molasses a cappie too! discarded as a by-product, the almost black, densely thick, mildly bitter sweet syrup that is born from the dregs of the sugar cane plant. molasses is ruled by saturn due to the very nature of its genesis. (PS, lisa the elf loved her gingerbread hot toddy at comida)

GINGERBREAD FIZZ
1 1/2 oz spiced rum
1 oz molasses syrup
1/2 oz cream
seltzer
brandied cherry

***build drink in an ice packed collins glass. pour rum, then molasses, then cream. this is a layered drink so you don’t want to mix or shake. top with seltzer and garnish with a brandied cherry.

GINGERBREAD HOT TODDY
2 oz spiced rum
1/2 oz molasses syrup
hot water
whipped cream

***build drink in mug. garnish with whipped cream dusted with cinnamon

SPICED RUM:
in bottle of rum, submerge an assortment of spices. cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg are all great ones to use, but be sure to include a lot of ginger. the more spices you pack into the bottle (or container), the stronger it will turn out. start the infusion as early as possible as it does take some time for the flavors to impart.

MOLASSES SYRUP:
heat equal parts molasses & water until dissolved. store in fridge.

WHIPPED CREAM:
in bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar until stiff.

BRANDIED CHERRIES:
1 cup sugar, 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cardamom pods
1 quart stemmed/pitted cherries (frozen is fine), 1/2 cup brandy

simmer on stove top for 5 minutes. transfer to jar or other container and add brandy. store in fridge.

its that time of year again… holiday shopping at henri bendel… which means intoxicated zodiac cocktail candles! come check out our new packaging and new scents/ flavors/ cocktails… we’re on the ground floor through new years…
this year, henri bendel decorated the store with a rockettes/nyc theme. here are some pics from the store, and i even had the chance to have a photo op with some real live Rockettes myself!

what’s the big apple without coffee and cabs?

home is where the heart is, and hopefully, you’ll be home for the holidays… but if you’re not, a good punch can feel just like home, too. you don’t need me to tell you punches are hot, so now you can trend it up this holiday at your inlaws with the latest and greatest in mixology.

christmas means dried fruit. usually in the form of a wretched fruit cake, granted, but dried fruit none the less. get your holiday cheer on with an alternative use for dried fruit: the date rum punch!

while the date is ruled by delectable venus, all signs can enjoy this sticky sweet delight. taurus, this drinks for you, as you are one of the signs that revels in holiday tradition, or any tradition for that matter. but, hey, all you other signs feel free to go forth and imbibe this rich tipple too!

DATE RUM PUNCH
1.5 parts dark rum
1 part brewed black tea
1 part homemade date syrup*
1 part fresh squeezed clementine juice
1/2 part sweet vermouth
1/2 part fresh squeezed lemon juice

(float sliced clementines in the punch bowl and garnish each glass with a date)

*you can make this into a single serve cocktail by converting the “parts” to “ounces,” or make it into a punch by converting the “parts” to “bottles” or whatever vessel you choose to use.

*HOMEMADE DATE SYRUP: simmer one cup chopped dates, 2 cups brown sugar, 5 cups water for 15 minutes. strain and chill.

this tasty toddy is a best seller at comida. here’s how to make it… but first, let’s talk astrology. pumpkin is ruled by the moon and is hence a cancer. its a cool fruit, requiring plenty of water, which it retains in its soft, pale flesh. and wouldn’t you know that thanksgiving is the family, best celebrated in a relative’s home, with loved ones. cancer is the familial sign, the cosmic homemaker. how perfectly fitting then, that one of thanksgiving’s favorite rituals–pumpkin pie– is ruled by the sign who most appreciates this holiday… cancer!

PUMPKIN INFUSED VODKA:
roast 1 sugar pumpkin whole. after it is cooked, slice into thin strips. place in pot, bowl or other container before covering with 1 bottle vodka. it is fine to leave the seeds in the infusion. add 5 cinnamon sticks, and 1 nutmeg. smash the nutmeg with a hammer or something heavy to break it open before adding it to mixture (see photo at bottom). cover and set aside for at least one week, stirring often. the more time you allow it to infuse the stronger the flavor will be. when you are ready to use the vodka, strain and make sure to press all the vodka out of the pumpkin.

these cocktails are perfect after dinner treats, but they’re also fun and festive, making them the ideal thanksgiving icebreaker too. be extra fab this year, and greet your thanksgiving guests at the door—they’ll be thanking you all day! or, bring the ingredients with you… so much cooler than marshmallow yams.

PUMPKIN SPICE HOT TODDY:
pour into mug: 2 oz pumpkin infused vodka, 1/2 oz vanilla liqueur (licor 43 or navan). fill with hot water. top with whipped cream. sprinkle with nutmeg.

WHIPPED CREAM:
in bowl, beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional) until stiff. it will last a few days. don’t overbeat it or you will end up with butter!

NO DAIRY TODDY:
the toddy tastes dandy without dairy, so if you’re a vegan, or lactose intolerant just leave off the cream, for a yummy dairy-free treat. garnish with a cinnamon stick instead.

PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI:
3 oz pumpkin vodka, 1 oz vanilla liqueur (licor 43 or navan), splash of cream or non-dairy creamer (coconut creamer is awesome). shake over ice and strain into martini glass. sprinkle with nutmeg.

henri bendel through holiday with our new wine glasses. our cocktail candles, of course, will also be available. cheers!

if you’re stuck for stuffers for the man in your life (or the stiff-drinkin’ woman) consider yourself… unstuck. santa has just delivered the most awesome little drams of whisky, right to my door—hey, i don’t have a chimney. each dram is a dream come true for whisky fans… because it’s actually a handmade sample of the highest caliber scottish malt; bottled and sealed with an authentic wax closure; an ancient-looking label adorning its front. as a graphic design and product junkie, it is simply too cool for me open, for each sample dram is a piece of art in itself. when your “stocking stuffee” does actually break down and open one of santa’s sample drams, they’ll be able to choose their favorite… and with one bottle, their birthday present quandary is solved! MASTERS OF MALT is great for gifts, even when gifting yourself ; )

here’s what was in the collection of samples i received to give you an idea of the fineness of spirit available:
1. Master of Malt Bowmore 26 Year Old

2. Ichiro’s Malt 1991 Five of Clubs

3. Master of Malt Arran 12 Year Old Single Cask

4. Bruichladdich Octomore 02.2 Orpheus

PSHENYCHNAYA VODKA is known for its keepsake bottles, each of which houses russian vodka. i was lucky enough to snag one of these collector’s edition bottles this christmas! check him out—the look on his face indicates he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders (much heavier than a sleigh full of toys).

bendel’s store theme this season is the cocktail, and a promenade through this landmark shopping destination makes that clear. there are cocktail displays EVERYWHERE. if you can’t get there in person, take a stroll through the pics below.

the front windows invite the shopper into a retail wonderland with a product-filled martini glass pyramid and candy-filled glasses…

wow, bendels recycled wine corks… they look terrific painted white, resembling a lovely layer of fresh champagne snow afoot a mountain of perfectly frosted martini glasses.

how awesome are these pin-up martini girls sitting in their glasses?

and last but in no way least, the walls are adorned with my very own ZODIAC COCKTAIL graphics! on the 3rd floor, there are all sorts of astrology and alcohol-themed goodies… including our COCKTAIL CANDLES and SHOT CANDLES.

cheers to a divine 2010!

EXAMINER.COM’S Princess Agra just blogged a last minute holiday shopping guide, and she mentioned our SHOT GLASS CANDLES! you have to read this post, Princess Agra is hysterical… her writing style is so new york.