Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka and Matthew Williamson

When we go to a morning-after brunch, Hope usually orders a Bloody Mary, while Annie enjoys a Greyhound--both with Belvedere Vodka, of course. The new Belvedere Pink Grapefruit is right up our alley and looks promising to become a key ingredient in our new favorite summer cocktails. When sipping at home, we keep it simple and will try mixing this with a lime flavored seltzer. For nights at the bar, we suggest trying it in a Cosmo.

To celebrate the launch, Matthew Williamson designed this special pink kaftan, as modeled by DJ Leigh Lezark (above). The kaftan is made of lightweight silk fabric with a short hemline and has black trim to allow effortless transition from day to night.  Matthew says, "My design for the Belvedere Pink Grapefruit collaboration was inspired by the vitality of sultry high summer evenings, incorporating a vibrant sun-drenched palette, the print is evocative of exotic destinations ventured by the modern-day, global traveler.”

The Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Pop Up space will be located across the street from Matthew Williamson's NYC store at 415 W. 14th Street. It's open to the public on Saturday, May 15 from 1-4. We're told to expect a surprise performance!

Dita Von Teese in the Original Margarita Story

Who knew the Margarita was named after a real life woman? Texan socialite, Margarita Sames, is credited with creating the first margarita back in 1948 in Acapulco. Legend has her tequila, Cointreau and lime juice concoction was such a hit, the party went of for two weeks!

Watch the video above, with sex kitten Dita Von Teese staring as Margarita Sames.

Beauty Bar Now Open in Chicago

The lucky ladies of the midwest can now partake in Beauty Bar's famous Martini and Manis. The newest location of this nationwide chain of bars is at 1444 W Chicago Avenue (the former Sonotheque space) and features the interior of the 1960s Paris Salon of Beauty, from Springfield, NJ. Go during happy hour for the famous $10 dry martini and mani combo!

Tax Relief from the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Now this is our kind of tax relief and one we could use this year in particular!  Sommelier, Todd Brinkman, at the new Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Tucson created this for today; but it looks so good, we bet you can get it there on your next visit.


Tax Relief


1.5oz. Knob Creek Small Batch Bourbon
1.5oz. Cranberry juice
0.5oz. Fresh lime juice
0.5oz. Simple Syrup
1 cup crushed ice

Add Knob Creek, cranberry juice, lime juice, sugar, and crushed ice in a blender.
Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds and pour into a 12 oz. Collins glass. Garnish with lemon and lime wedge.

Kimpton Hotels and Lounges Offering Tax Day Relief Deals

Kimpton is taking the sting off of tax day with "1040 Menus" and "Deductible Cocktails."  Washington, D.C. Kimpton Hotels the Topaz Bar, Bar Rouge and Helix Lounge are serving cocktail and food pairings at 50% off on April 15th.  Here's what's on the menu:

· At Helix Lounge (pictured above), enjoy one specialty cocktail and any appetizer, including Pan Roasted Mini Crab Cakes, Beer Battered Vidalia Onion Rings, Crispy Fried Chesapeake Oysters or classic Mac n’ Cheese. Helix Lounge is located at 1430 Rhode Island Ave, NW , Washington DC 20005 . http://www.helixlounge.com/

· At Bar Rouge, pair a Grilled Bistro Steak with a choice of beer, wine—or champagne for those who have reason to celebrate! Bar Rouge is located at 1315 16th Street, NW , Washington DC 20036 . http://www.barrouge.com/

· At Topaz Bar, select any one of the lounge’s twelve signature cocktails to enjoy with Soy Grilled Chicken Wings, Bolivian Beef Empanadas or Stir Fry Chicken Wraps. Additionally, while the government may not be cutting taxpayers any slack, Topaz Bar will with a “Deductible Cocktails” deal. On April 15, when patrons purchase any two signature cocktails, they will get the third “deducted” from their bill. http://www.topazbar.com/

If you're looking for a night out, check the "Sweet Tax Relief" packages offered across the country (except in Virginia) where Kimpton picks up the tax on your room and pays for the tax on you dinner.  Available through the month of April. Rates start at $139.  http://www.kimptonhotels.com/promotions/sweet-tax-relief.aspx.

Have a Drink and Plant a Tree with Treetinis by Veev and the Morgans Hotel Group

Here's a cocktail we can really get behind.  This month in celebration of the 40th anniversay of Earth Day, the Morgans Hotel Group is offering to plant a tree for every Treetini they serve.  They're hoping to plant 1,000 trees in April.  We wish they'd offer this when we were at the Mondrian Miami in March!  Other Morgan Hotels that are participating include the Delano and Shore Club also in Miami, the Clift in San Francisco, the Ames in Boston and the Royalton and Hudson in NYC.

The Treetini is the inspiration of Veev liquor, the first Acai spirit and the only certified carbon-neutral spirit on the market.  The Treetini is a combination of Acai spirit, agave nectar, lime, mint and club soda.

To learn more about the Treetini program, visit www.veevlife.com/treetini.