The Unicorn Bar: 5 Stars & Stripes

When it rains in San Diego I always think of Seattle Washington, where the climate encourages sweater vests and cardigans, things like buckled shoes and layers. I am jealous of the thriving green of the area, the moss and vines smothered over decaying city buildings and trees, on top of trees, on top of more trees. Some with technicolor leaves, (what a concept). Besides the lush environment, I enjoy the culture of the living there, and often wish San Diego had half the treasures I have found in the short time I have spent up North. One of my favorite "5 star" finds, is the Unicorn Bar located in Capitol Hill.

Inside it's striped exterior it feels like the circus has come to town, but isn't leaving anytime soon! There are more stripes, taxidermist horned animals hanging off the wall, and several ornate chandeliers. The bar area looks like a carousel car, paused just long enough to serve you a stiff one before wheeling on. (Thank God it doesn't actually turn, I have been to the famous rotating bar in Vegas- from Fear & Loathing, and it was terrifying).

More so, their drinks are packed to punch with yummy, unique names suited to fit the Equestrian theme.

This is the Hellicorn, a delicious blend of Fireball whisky and ginger beer! Since going I have found the Aero club in San Diego serves Fireball as well, love it.

Lots of inappropriately delicious cocktails on the menu, in addition to snacks like Narwhal Balls and Fried Cornichorn's....

The venue is something magical, and I wish I could transport myself up there whenever I am having a bad day. I highly recommended at least stopping by if you ever visit the Capitol Hill area of Seattle, but the next best thing (and more affordable) is getting the look yourself.

Sunset magazine offers an easy to follow tutorial on "striping" your walls at home. Maybe pink and green aren't your thing, but it is a nice guide to refer to in general if you want to paint an accent piece of furniture or add some wainscoting to your home. Paired with a Victrola or over sized bottle of peacock feathers, you are halfway there.

Mad Men: Season 4 is finally here!

This Sunday (July 25th) starts Season 4 of the best show on T.V- Mad Men! I'm going to tune in and celebrate by making some of my favorite 1960's inspired cocktails... and you should too.

The Dirty Martini

Ingredients
2½ oz vodka
1½ oz dry vermouth (optional)
½ oz olive juice
3-4 green olives, stuffed with blue cheese (or garlic)InstructionsAdd dry vermouth to the martini glass, rinse and pour out. Pour vodka, olive juice and ice into mixing glass and shake until chilled. Strain in the martini glass and drop the 3 to 4 olives as garnish.

Old Fashioned

Ingredients2 dashes aromatic bitters
½ tsp sugar dissolved with water and bitters
1½ oz of bourbon
1 cherry
1 orange slice
1 lemon wedge
Instructions
Fill glass with ice. Add cherry, orange slice and lemon wedge. Pour in bourbon. Serve in a rocks glass over ice.

Moscow Mule

Ingredients1¼ oz vodka
3 oz ginger beer
1 tsp sugar syrup
¼ oz lime juice
1 sprig mint
1 slice lime
Instructions
In a copper mug or cocktail glass, pour vodka over ice. Add sugar syrup and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice.

Manhattan

Ingredients
1¾ oz bourbon
¾ oz of sweet vermouth
1 dash of aromatic bitters
1 maraschino cherry
Instructions
Pour bitters, liquors over ice in mixing glass. Stir and strain into martini glass, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

For more drink recipes, or to 'Mad Men yourself', go to the Official Mad Men site

Wheel & Deal: Bar Carts

Bar Carts! Another economical incentive to stay in and drink... These portable canteens of cocktails can be moved to where the music is, or to divert the crowd OUT of your kitchen (if you live in a shoebox like me, this is always a problem.) Or, stock up on the essentials and take the party outside!
Here is some inspiration:
Images:
Maison 21
The Errant Aesthete
Elle Decor

Re-designing the CUBE

Today the sun came out enough for me to want an iced coffee as opposed to my regular americano... got me thinking that I may need to start considering summer clothes, UGH! The upside, homemade cures for the heat, like these fun ice cubes



Just thinly slice a lemon (or orange), add to a cupcake tin filled with enough water to make them float, then freeze. Or...

... re-design the standard ice cube tray by adding those last bits of mint or berries to each cube. Also a great way to prolong the life of fresh fruits, and zest up some spring drinks like lemonade, pellegrino, or mamosa's!

Thanks, Martha!