Cocktail of the Month- March: The Martini

We have been on a bit of a hiatus to start off the year- snow days, sick days and taking care of children has been more time consuming than usual. But as we are digging out and disinfecting, we are ready to focus on spring and moving forward!

We are re-launching our cocktail blog series with the ever timeless martini. Although in our younger years we tried so many things that ended in -tini (appletini, chocotini, the list goes on...) there’s really nothing that matches the classic elegance of an original, authentic martini.

Unfortunately (or fortunately for the adventurous taster) there are nearly as many “classic recipes” as people you talk to! The only thing that seems to be commonly agreed upon is the presence of vermouth and ice... you can shake, stir minimally or extensively; add olives or lemon; vodka, gin or both; drink while cold or let warm and meld the flavors- the list goes on and on. What’s most important is that you find the variation you enjoy most, and celebrate that!

We chose to try the gin martini- as most sources indicate that it was the original. It is also an American invention- although sources differ as to whether it was East or West coast based. Some stories attribute the Martini to a town called Martinez, outside of San Francisco; while others reference a bartender named “Martini”, in New York.  Most agree, however, that neither the original gin nor vemouth was as dry as we have today. Some purists today even use virtually no vermouth, advocating rations of 25:1 gin to vermouth, or dryer.

Here is the recipe we used. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! 

2oz gin

1/2 oz dry vermouth 

Ice 

Olives or Lemon Twist 

Stir gin and vermouth in mixing glass filled with ice or shake with ice in a shaker.

Strain into chilled cocktail glass. 

Garnish with olives or lemons

ENJOY!

And in our case, make sure to use Christine's husband's favorite vintage martini swords!

Cheers! 

Christine and Stacy 

Cocktail of the Month - October: Port Sangaree

As the calendar turned to fall (even if the weather isn't always there...), we began to look for a vintage cocktail that would be perfect for sipping on a crisp evening. We discovered the Port Sangaree, perhaps one of the oldest cocktails around. Although the name is similar (and has the same root) as sangria (circa 1961), the Port Sangaree has been around since at least 1774!

Most reports have this drink originating in the brothels of the Antilles Islands - frequented most certainly by sailors transporting goods along various trade roots. This may explain how such an exotic, for the time, array of flavors became a part of the "house punch" that was served. The Sangaree combines citrus and spices with a rich port. All of which would have been easily accessible along Caribbean trade routes.

There are many variations today, including added sugars, fruits, cordials, and even chilling over ice.  Being fans of straight Port,  we weren't too sure what we'd think of the mixed flavors. We decided to go all the way back to the oldest recipes we could find and work from there.  The basic starting point for Port Sangaree is simply warmed Port wine and nutmeg. After trying the Port Sangaree we give it 2 thumbs up- it's warm, easy to sip and just makes you think of fall!

RECIPE

Start with a decent bottle of Port wine and warm 5-6 oz in a small saucepan with a few sprinkles of nutmeg.  Once warm, pour into a mug and top with a bit more nutmeg.  That's it!  Enjoy!!

Note: There are many different varieties of Port, and many different flavors of Port, so beginning with a Port you like is an important starting point.  We chose Quinta Das Carvalhas Reserva Tawny Porto, and found it reasonably priced, nicely flavored, and an excellent base for spicing into a Sangaree.  As previously mentioned, if you would prefer other spices, fruits, flavors, sweeteners, etc - add away.  We would suggest, however, giving the original a taste before you embellish.  It is so simple and truly delicious!

Cheers! 

Christine and Stacy

Vintage Style, Modern Twist

What to do with family heirlooms, particularly jewelry, always seems to be a tricky topic. So often grandma's jewelry gets passed down to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that truly want to have a memento to remember their loved one, but they just don't know what to do with it. Sometimes grandma had a very different build or style and the pieces just don't look right on the recipient, sometimes they are so dated they don't fit with anyone in the family, and sometimes there's a beautiful piece that has some damage that makes it unwearable.

I was in this situation a few summers back, when I received a collection of jewelry from my grandmother's estate. There are some pieces I love, and wear as is. Many others I wanted but didn't know what to do with. They have been in a cedar chest through two years and a move- lately I've been really thinking through what to do with them... I want to create something that I will use regularly, and that will really showcase the pieces.  We (Christine and I) came up with some fun ideas that we're sharing with you! 

Some pieces are an easy DIY project, you can alter them yourself in a non-permanent way. I received a set of blue ceramic beads, to which I added a vintage enamel brooch - it made the perfect July 4th accessory.

Christine has a collection of vintage milk glass and metal necklaces that she has knotted off and wears for a modern, casual look.  Rather than buying "new" accessories, check out some local thrift and antique shops, or search around on e-bay, etsy, and poshmark for fun vintage finds. You never know what's out there just waiting to be found!

Vintage Jewelry - Out2LunchDesigns

Some pieces, on the other hand, require more work to make it into your wardrobe. For this you need professional assistance- which we have just added to our repertoire! We'd like to introduce the Out 2 Lunch custom line! (Not sure why it took so long to come up with this - probably because it's a little scary to work with other people's heirlooms, and we want to make sure we get it right). Our clients can be as involved, or not, in the design process as they choose to be. Some people just know that they want to use certain pieces- maybe to create a set of gifts for all the children and grandchildren, or maybe to enhance a special day with a sentimental or special heirloom piece.

Fabric Swatches - Out2LunchDesigns

Once we receive the jewelry we sort through our fabrics and come up with fabulous combinations that suit the pieces. Other folks have in mind a color scheme or a certain style they want to capture- in that case, we will work (in person and or via email) to find the perfect fabric to meet their vision. Once we have the design elements in place, we create one of our high quality, handmade clutches - seamlessly incorporating their family pieces. When we are done, everyone has a memory that they can incorporate into their life! 

This can also be a popular wedding option. For a few years, the "brooch bouquets" we're popular. Though beautiful, they were often very heavy and not useful for anything but decor afterwards. We are now offering the chance to create a wedding keepsake you will use for years!

Incorporate family jewelry as the "something old" on a clutch for the bride, create a set for the bride and her mother, or create a bridesmaids set - using your jewelry or ours. Our design style and attention to detail will help you to create a keepsake that will be treasured for years.

Check out our website www.out2lunchdesigns.com/home/custom-orders for more details, we'd love to help plan something special for you!  Plus, show us your pics of vintage jewelry used along with today's styles! (tag us on Instagram!)

Happy Creating and Styling!
Stacy and Christine