well, it’s that time of year again… it’s world cocktail day, so go make yourself a tipple and celebrate our right to drink!

if you’re looking for green this weekend, don’t forget the mojito! cuban irish? why not! this green-hued libation is pure heaven, like most of venus’ progeny. for she bears all things sweet, succulent and savory. that would be mint and pears. delic…

i’ve recently been chastised by my libran friend for harping on the scale’s cliche indecisiveness. in my defense, i pointed to the fact that my dialogue concerns strictly sun signs, and that is a very general topic! so libras everywhere, hear this: if i offended you with my triteness, please accept my apologies. my friend went on to explain that he always orders the same drink every single time he steps foot in a pub. there is apparently not an ounce of hesitation behind any of his beverage decisions. i was really taken to task here! so i say to dave, and any libras like him, you must have an earth rising sign (like say capricorn, virgo, or taurus) to be so fixed in your bar menu…

dear zodiacal intoxicants, remember, you’re sun sign is a generalization of the real you. most of it’s correct, but sometimes it’s not. and that’s due to other planets in your chart that are influencing your personality. get a free birth chart here, or get one professionally done here.

CUBALAND (PEAR MOJITO)

- 1 1/2 parts white rum
- 1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 parts freshly extracted pear nectar
- 1 part simple syrup
- 4 sprigs mint
- seltzer

Add rum, simple syrup, lime juice, pear nectar and 3 sprigs mint to shaker and muddle until desired mint flavor is achieved. Strain into footed glass filled with ice. Top with seltzer. Garnish with sprig of mint and slice of pear. (recipe by Gwen)

it’s that time o’ year again… everyone is irish! how about going naturally green, instead of chemically food coloring green? it’s simple…

GREEN GIN INFUSION:
place one cup shredded organic spinach and 750 ml gin in a container to sit together for at least 12 hours. the longer you leave it, and the more spinach you use, the darker the green will get. strain back into original bottle (agitating expediates the process).

the intensity of the green in this G & T was weakened by the tonic water. to serve a REALLY green drink this st. paddy’s day, make a GREEN GIMLET instead…

the popeye strong spinach plant is – you guessed it – ruled by the hardiest of planets, saturn. so spinach, my friends, is a capricorn. similar to the capricornian pansy, it is supposed to be an annual plant in these parts. however, it also will survive the cold, long northeastern winter if planted at the right time of year. spinach will be the last veggie you pick before the snow completely encases you, and the first one you pick after the “tundra” melts. spinach is there for ya baby… whada capricorn! dependable, reliable, diligent, responsible… they’re a barrel of laughs. the funny thing is though, they really are. some of the greatest comedians (howard stern, Julia Louis-Dreyfus) of our day have been capricorns. so here’s to spinach, alcohol and laughter, three of the world’s best medicines…

As they say in Ireland–Sláinte!

GREEN GIMLET:
1 1/2 oz green gin*
1 oz simple syrup*
3/4 oz fresh lime juice

GREEN G & T:
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
4 oz tonic water
3 oz green gin
twist of lime for garnish

pack collins glass with ice. add tonic water, green gin, lime juice and stir. oversized twist of lime for garnish.

* simple syrup is a mixture of 50% water/50% sugar. use raw organic sugar for best flavor and most eco points. do not heat. place in container and shake until dissolved. store in fridge.

thanks to KOCHTOPF for hosting WEEKEND HERB BLOGGING #122.

we’ve had the grapefruit diet, the orgasmic diet, the south beach diet, the beer diet, the atkins diet, and now, the cocktail diet. if you haven’t yet settled on a new years resolution, this could be the one. the rules are simple:
1) eat sensibly all day (ocassional cupcakes are ok).
2) exercise–and yes, walking to the subway counts.
3) drink you dinner.
that’s it! the devil’s in the details so read on…

• remember that alcohol in and of itself is fattening. if you really wanted to emaciate yourself, you’d just drink wheat grass juice for dinner. but we gotta have some fun right? so in light of this fact, don’t consume more than 2 oz alcohol per night. i would suggest preparing two cocktails with 1 oz of alcohol in each.

• dairy-based spirits are out of bounds, as they are very fattening not to mention unhealthy (howard stern has admitted he’d rather drink gasoline than a glass of milk).

• i also recommend adding at least 1 oz of water or some other flavor stretching base like coconut or almond milk. in light of the new negative data on soy, i’d steer clear of that–and keep your distance from dairy too. smoothies are ideal, but only in the summer of course, unless you’re an eskimo.

• stay away from the sugary liqueurs and stick to the base liquors.

• it’s also helpful as well to consume a full glass of water before drinking your dinner to trick your stomach into thinking it’s full.

• but the most important rule to follow is the use of fresh ingredients. my fave way to consume them is through juicing. but those juicers can get expensive, so in lieu of that, use a blender and strain the mixture through cheesecloth. i gather it works just as well if not better. another choice would be the construction of a muddled or smashed drink with crushed ice. smashed would be preferable as you get to eat the ingredients as you drink, resulting in more vitamins.

• did i mention no diet pills or heroine? yeah… no, not on the diet.

• no time? buy a bottle of blackcurrant or pomegranite juice instead if you’re in too much of a hurry to prepare an elaborate cocktail. but don’t make a habit of this–nothing beats fresh for nutrients.

• fresh fruit purees work great too.

• if you must add sweetener (like moi) be sure to use a semi raw variety such as agave, organic sugar or honey. no processed or refined sugar please!

• oh, and don’t forget the hugely oversized garniture, that’s your appetizer after all! (and no, it’s not against the rules to garnish with a square of PURE dark chocolate–milk chocolate is a big no-no).

• can’t stand this madonna style nazi cocktail diet one more night? move to alternate nights, or only go two nights a week with a liquid dinner. either way, mom would be so proud, eating your veggies and getting a buzz too!

• practice “sensible” eating on a daily basis, allotting of course, for life’s necessity–cupcakes.

• the alcohol will not only help to curb and hunger pangs that drift your way, but some studies claim that it boosts the antioxidant nutrients in fruits such as stawberries and blackberries.. after a few days of this, your stomach will have shrunk, enabling you to reduce your intake during the daytime meals as well. don’t hate me because i’m an anorexic.

while the BLOODY MARY is the original diet cocktail, below are other healthy libations to get you going. remember, you are what you drink. may your tipples be wholesome and your thoughts anything but. happy 2008 peeps!

HEALTHY LONG ISLAND ICED TEA: ADAPTED FROM HERBS FOR HEALTH MAGAZINE
1/4 cup orange, juiced
1 lemon, juiced
2 kiwis, peeled and chopped
1 orange, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 grapefruit, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz rum

UK5 VODKA has an excellent selection of diet cocktails:
HAIR OF THE DOG

This is a great hangover cure, had too much the night before this will start to sort you out. Radishes help cleanse the liver. Carrots provide a massive boost of vitamin A (also good for the liver), and apples are among nature’s great detoxifiers.
6 Carrots, unpeeled; unless organic, remove top and bottom.
4 Radishes, with leaves, if possible.
2 Apples, unpeeled, uncored and quartered.
2 shots of UK5 Organic Vodka, stirred into the finished juice.

SQUARE ONE VODKA also has some nice healthy tipples. try their COUNTRY THYME:
Handful of fresh blueberries, huckleberries or blackberries (10-15)
1/2 fresh organic lemon cut in pieces
1 1/2 oz. of Square One Organic Vodka
1/4 to 1/2 oz. organic agave nectar
2 – 3 springs of fresh thyme
Ice
(Credit: H. Joseph Ehrmann)
In a mixing cup add berries and lemon. Muddle to juice both. Add Square One Organic Vodka, agave nectar and ice. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Take 3 sprigs of thyme and slap it between your palms to release the oils. Place 2 sprigs in bottom of 10-ounce highball glass and fill with ice. Strain the cocktail over ice and put the last thyme sprig and place it in top of cocktail as a garnish. It should stick out a bit like a small straw. Note: For a refreshing summer spritzer, add 1 tablespoon of Crème de Cassis or D’Arbo Sour Cherry Syrup or Sonoma Black Currant Syrup and top with soda water.

AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST IS PARTIDA TEQUILA’SLOOKBETTERNAKED Margarita (by Adam R. Seger CCP)
Using Sambozan Pure Organic Acai and Partida Organic Agave Nectar fills the margarita with antioxidants, amino acids, dietary fiber, iron, calcium, cholesterol-reducing fructans and Vitamins A and C. The rosemary is rich in vitamin E, preventing cancer and skin damage. An egg white provides a full source of protein, while the fresh lime juice prevents heart disease and gives an extra dose of Vitamin C. The LookBetterNaked margarita is this year’s guilty pleasure to help you lose the weight!
1.5 Ounces Partida Estate Reposado Tequila
1/2 Ounce Sambazon Pure Organic Acai
3/4 Ounces Partida Organic Agave Nectar
4″ Sprig Rosemary, Top Inch Reserved for a Garnish
1/2 Ounce Organic Egg White
1 Lime Fresh Squeezed
RIM:
Equal Parts Organic Salt with 50 Trace Minerals and Fresh Cracked Organic Green Peppercorns
Remove Rosemary Leaves from the Woody Stem. Muddle in a 16 Ounce Pint Glass until Aromatic. Add Liquid Ingredients.
Rim a Chilled 10 Ounce Cocktail Glass with Salt and Pepper.
Shake Liquid Ingredients Vigorously Until Metal Shaker is Frosted.
Strain into Chilled, Rimmed Glass and Float a 1″ Rosemary Sprig on Top.

merry christmas everyone! check out some of the goodies i received from santa… yes, i know, shamefully materialistic.

this is the CYCLONE COCKTAIL SHAKER. how cool! it’s acrylic and stainless steel and runs off two triple a batteries. no more shaking vigorously for at least ten seconds… all though these days that’s the only exercise i get… BAD GIRL gwen! just dump the ingredients and press on. dont’ leave on for too long because it will actually heat the beverage from the sheer energy. (bed bath & beyond) thanks bryan : )

next up are some HANDMADE COASTERS… made out of a rescued tile en route to the dumpster. one tile was cut up into nine coasters, ground down around the edges, and then sis’ pasted velour on the bottom. this IS recycling at it’s best!

then we have a beautiful HAND QUILTED APRON from mom… perfect for bar cheffing.

and lastly but not leastly, my niece katrina looks like a future bartender, no?

the pumpkin is ruled by cancer. it’s hard exterior and sloppy insides are tres typical of most cancerian produce and all members of the family cucurbitaceae, which includes cucumbers, melons, squash, and gourds. and speaking of produce, the moon is responsible for producing chicks that are way cool, a tad aloof and bit rough around the edges - all a feminine kinda way. like a sparkling and priceless diamond hidden deep within the lump of humble homely coal. this is one lump of coal you’d be lucky to get in your stocking! but only a select few ever get the chance to behold the diamond; most get stuck looking at coal - and if they’re very naughty, getting painfully pinched by her witty wicked words. oh yes, cancer’s the queen of slap downs. don’t dare step out of her dainty little line, i can attest to that! so you see, it’s worth your while to get into cancer’s stockings… she’s a lovely sap, just like those slimy seeds within her brethren fruit, the pumpkin.

CANCER’S STOCKING (CHOCOPUMPKINTINI)
1 oz vodka
3/4 oz godiva chocolate liqueur
2 tbs pumpkin butter
1 oz cream or soy creamer

shake all ingredients with ice for ten seconds and pour into chilled glass.

(recipe created by gwen sutherland kaiser)

tonight marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. i know that everything has a purpose, but i for one hate winter. no purpose can be worth the punishing cold and cruel darkness that penetrates this time of year. if it weren’t for the inexplicably awesome city of new york, i would be so gone. california, belize - hell, north carolina would be better than this for christ’s sake. but i can’t leave my big apple, even though it can be a rather a rotten one on those bitter frozen days. with the highest suicide rates in the northern hemisphere, this time of year is hard for everyone - plants, animals and people. but rejoice little robins - keep those peckers up! spring is only 90 days away and each one gets a little closer to 90°. so pour yourself a stiff one and read all about the metaphysical side of the winter solstice, compliments of the spirit, hilarion. cheers…

here in the states we all know the day after our food-stuffed thanksgiving is black friday, the busiest shopping day of the year and unofficial kick off to the frenetic holiday shopping season. a new holiday has happened on my radar and it’s strategically celebrated on the same day. BUY NOTHING DAY is on the 23rd november in the states and 24th november internationally.

obviously, the two holidays are polar opposites of each other, so let’s take libra’s lead shall we and balance the two. how would the diplomatic sign honor these occasions? they would gracefully compromise and buy beautiful second hand gifts. libra, with an eye for style can spot a treasure a mile away. i’m no libra, but i did manage to find a few oldies but goodies… not quite a sterling silver shaker with my zodiac animal inscribed, but nice just the same ; )

antique glass muddlers (8 for $100) on EBAY

40’s cocktail shaker ($38) on RUBY LANE

1971 Playboy Bar Book ($20) on RUBY LANE

30’s coasters with retro ladies ($28) on RUBY LANE

vintage travel bar set ($68) on RUBY LANE

amethyst shot glasses ($25) on RUBY LANE

catalin cocktail shaker ($1680) on LIFE’S A PARTY

VIA TREEHUGGER

happy thanksgiving, DAILY OM style:

“Often when we practice being thankful, we go through the process of counting our blessings, acknowledging the wonderful people, things and places that make up our reality. While it is fine to be grateful for the good fortune we have accumulated, true thankfulness stems from a powerful comprehension of the gift of simply being alive, and when we feel it, we feel it regardless of our circumstances. In this deep state of gratitude, we recognize the purity of the experience of being, in and of itself, and our thankfulness is part and parcel of our awareness that we are one with this great mystery that is life.

It is difficult for most of us to access this level of consciousness as we are very caught up in the ups and downs of our individual experiences in the world. The thing to remember about the world, though, is that it ebbs and flows, expands and contracts, gives and takes, and is by its very nature somewhat unreliable. If we only feel gratitude when it serves our desires, this is not true thankfulness. No one is exempt from the twists and turns of fate, which may, at any time, take the possessions, situations, and people we love away from us. Ironically, it is sometimes this kind of loss that awakens us to a thankfulness that goes deeper than just being grateful when things go our way. Illness and near-miss accidents can also serve as wake-up calls to the deeper realization that we are truly lucky to be alive.

We do not have to wait to be shaken to experience this state of being truly thankful for our lives. Tuning in to our breath and making an effort to be fully present for a set period of time each day can do wonders for our ability to connect with true gratitude. We can also awaken ourselves with the intention to be more aware of the unconditional generosity of the life force that flows through us regardless of our circumstances.”

how appropriate that the sun is in SCORPIO on october 31st. yes, ALL HALLOW’S EVE belongs to the SCORPION, a small insect capable of delivering instant death. not unlike its ruler, PLUTO, who’s so tiny she’s been discounted as a planet, but is actually more powerful than any of the planets! yes, hers is a body of celestial immortality and COUNTESS DRACULA was certainly of the SCORPION persuasion. which leads us neatly into our topic at hand, or throat - VAMPYRE VODKA. and like that elusive transylvanian, this blood red liquor is extremely hard to locate!
try canyon city, colorado - they have it! a must for this weekend’s halloween party. serve with these uber cool skull swizzlers for the perfect halloween treat. mind you, they’re more of a trick for your wallet, at $100 per set. the photo doesn’t do them justice though - these things are FAB and if you’re gonna drop a c note on stir sticks, let it be these! get em at NEIMAN MARCUS.