It’s officially Fall, but if you’re not ready to hibernate on the couch, that’s okay. In fact, many people aren’t and are still enjoying the outdoors during cooler evenings, brunch, and fantastic happy hours. In fact, a cool new bar which has all the above is Lizzie King’s Parlor in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Named after the illustrious, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lloyd King, who lived in the Park Slope area in 1873. She gained notoriety as a fugitive on the run, accused of murdering her husband.
With such a scandalous nod toward a sensational story, Lizzie King’s Parlor reflects light touches of the dark tale, in a low-key, comfortable setting serving locally sources food and craft beverages. The interior was designed and hand-furnished by the owners, and the venue displays artful stokes of talented neighborhood artists. Such artistry is displayed on the front window design, back patio mural and throughout the main parlor.
If you’re looking to escape the early onset chill, grab a drink at the custom bar which features mostly Brooklyn and New York State beers, spirits and wine. The seasonal craft sips are super palatable and ascetically pleasing. When there, try the smokey, Mezcal-based ‘Unhappily Ever After’ with hellfire habanero shrubs and passion fruit, or the slightly more mellow ‘Woman-hunt’ with bourbon, ginger and strawberry (pictured in below photo gallery). Pair these with the bar bites like the hearty burger with juicy red onions and toasted buttery bun or even the savory chicken sandwich – all of which are supplied by neighboring butcher, Fleishers Craft Butchery. Plan a visit anytime, especially when a live local band is featured, which is pretty often during the week.
‘Unhappily Ever After’
For more of this hip new dine, check it out on Instagram.
In Spanish, the word ‘Manjares’ refers to food and drink fit for the gods. You’re worthy of the same caliber fare, right? Of course! Thankfully, there’s a cozy spot which delivers divine tapas and drinks for all to enjoy – Manjares Tapas and Bar in Connecticut.
The bar, which officially opened in July 2019, serves Latin Caribbean cuisine and custom cocktails- all with an intended focus on savory, flavorful and healthful options. One of the newest cocktails is The Hanifa – a toothsome boozed approach to the popular ‘green juice’.
The Hanifa is made up of fresh juiced apples, pineapples and kale and then married with agave and gin creating a light, fruity sipper. The ingredients mingle well, yielding a pleasant dominant pineapple flavor, supported by the delicate rose gin. This (partially) guilt-free bev is a surprising crowd-pleaser and hard to resist after the first sip.
Interest peaked? Watch how it’s made,here on POUR.
A whimsy play on a Philadelphia-born candy, the Irish Potato dessert, (which doesn’t actually use potato), is a delight consisting of cinnamon, cream cheese, and coconut flacks. Pretty heavenly. Imagine those indulgent flavors as a cocktail. It actually exists! The Irish Potato Martini is proudly served at McGillin’s Old Ale House in Philadelphia. The cinnamon and sugar-rimmed sipper is shaken with Malibu rum, silky coconut milk, and vanilla vodka. Then, tastefully sprinkled with coconut shavings, merely creating a boozy Cinnabon on the glass.
Want to try it at home? First, see how the pros make it here on POUR.
Such a quick and easy cocktail, the Mezcal Aviation is a great choice to impress those who appreciate spirit-forward cocktails. Now, this version is a smoky spin on the traditional Aviation which uses gin, maraschino liqueur and crème de violette.
Although the classic Aviation is untouchable, the collision of smoky, sweet, and tangy citrus in this variation is lux and sophisticated. The beautiful crème de violette offers a gorgeous, hazy violet shade, as well as floral sweetness. The brandied cherry garnish yields light brandy notes rounding out the stunning sipper.
Did this wet your whistle? Try it for yourself and see how it’s made, here on POUR.
Intriguing. Mysterious. Satisfying. This pretty much describes the dangerously delicious Three-Eyed Raven Cocktail. The beverage uses Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal which has notes like mesquite hickory, honey and roasted agave in this stand-out sipper. Easy to sip, the Three-Eyed Raven has a beautiful balance between sweet and earthy with a refreshing citrus bouquet on the nose. It’s a great choice for mezcal rookies and a toothsome surprise for seasoned veterans.
Inspired by a pivotal character in the wildly popular Game of Thrones novels and television series, the Three-Eyed Raven Cocktail is reflective of the Three-Eyed Raven himself, Bran Stark. The alluring dark hue of the cocktail is due to the activated charcoal – a trendy wellness product which cleanses toxins from the body. The ingredient’s connection to the show is reminiscent of Bran’s ability to have out-of-body experiences. And of course, the color matches a raven’s black beauty. The ale reduction represents Winterfell and ‘The North’, (prime locations with extremely cold climates in the show). Ale was the libation of choice – easy to make as oppose to wine in the chilled region, and it is warming. The mezcal’s earthy undertones reflects Bran’s connection to the wierwood trees where he became the Three-Eyed Raven and gained his transient powers.
As countless fans prepare for the series finale, this cocktail is an ideal signature drink to mark the end of the epic series. It’s a must-try (and additive)! For a step-by-step demo on how to craft the three-Eyed Raven Cocktail, check it out here on POUR NYC. Cheers!
May is full of life! Spring has arrived, days are longer, and there are more outdoor shindigs. Plus, great fetes like Cinco de Mayo and The Kentucky Derby are not only in this glorious month, but on the same day! Here are a few fantastic cocktail recipes for each occasion.
Cinco de Mayo – Grab some friends, your sombrero and cheers
to these tequila-loving sippers!
Basil Paloma
Basil Paloma
Paloma lovers – try this twist on the classic on for size. This Basil Paloma is bright, and filled with citrus herbal notes. It’s still sweet, yet boozy thanks to Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila – a perfect aperitif for a celebratory meetup.
Recipe:
2 parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
1 ¼ parts fresh ruby red grapefruit juice
1 part fresh lime juice
½ part simple syrup
1 dash Angostura® bitters
Basil sprigs
Grapefruit slice
Instructions: Lightly muddle 2-3 basil sprigs in a shaker. Add remainder of ingredients into the shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a basil sprig and grapefruit slice.
Muy Caliente
If spicy tipples are your jam, the Muy Caliente cocktail hits the spot. A delicious blend of lime juice, jalapenos, and Hornitos Plata Tequila delivers the kick you want. Before you know it, you’ll be shouting ‘¡Arriba, Arriba!’
Muy Caliente
Recipe:
2 parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila
½ part lime juice
¾ part simple syrup
1 slice jalapeno
Instructions: Muddle jalapeño in a glass, combine remainder of ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain into the glass over fresh ice
Kentucky Derby Cocktails – Yes, the traditional derby drinks like Mint Julep and other bourbon drinks are satisfying, but consider these modern takes for the classic event.
Bourbon Smash
Many ‘smash’ cocktails are simple to make, refreshing, and great for gatherings. This Bourbon Smash is no different, using raspberries, fresh mint and crushed ice. Cheers!
Bourbon Smash – Complements of Southern Living; Photo credit: LAUREY W. GLENN / FOOD STYLING: NORMAN KING
Recipe:
Raspberries
Sugar
Lime wedge
Mint or basil leaves
Bourbon of your choice
Instructions: Place raspberries, sugar, lime wedge, and mint or basil leaves in a chilled 10-oz. tumbler. Gently press raspberry mixture against sides of cup with a cocktail muddler or back of a spoon to release flavors. Fill glass with crushed ice and bourbon; stir well. Serve immediately with a cocktail straw.
Black-eyed Susan Cocktail
Black-eyed Susan Cocktail – Complements of Southern Living; Photo credit: LAUREY W. GLENN / FOOD STYLING: NORMAN KING
Named after Maryland’s state flower, and home to the famous Plimlico Race Track, this cocktail has a delicious blend of pineapple juice, light rum, and orange liqueur. This is a sure crowd pleaser!
Recipe:
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup pineapple juice
3 tablespoons vodka
3 tablespoons light rum
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
Crushed ice
Garnishes: lime slices, fresh cherries
Instructions: Stir together first 5 ingredients. Fill 2 (12-oz.) glasses with crushed ice. Pour orange juice mixture over ice. Garnish, if desired. Serve immediately.
You can turn anything crazy or off-the-wall into a competition. So, why wouldn’t whirling axes toward a target be an international sport? The thrill-seeking sport, which started in Canada, has now captured the fascination of Brooklynites. Axe-throwing is such an unexpected activity to do in Brooklyn and rivals popular social scenes like bowling and going to the movies. Word-of-mouth has done wonders to create awareness and increases business for the only axe-throwing locations in the borough: Bury the Hatchet and Kick Axe. Both exude ‘fun’ from the start. In fact, many of the proficient Axe Masters explain the rules like carnival barkers (very amusing) amidst the continuous stream of metal clanking on wood.
Each location has unique qualities, but fits different personalities. This begs the question, “Which should I visit?” Instead of making any hasty decisions, here is a comparison of both destinations based on: price; session length; age requirements; staff knowledge; drinks and treats and overall experience. Also, a ‘fun factor’ score is given for each place based on a scale of one through five. Either way, both locations deliver a stellar, unforgettable experience letting your inner Game of Thrones character come alive!
Bury the Hatchet – November 2019
A playlist with of Guns N’ Roses and other classic rock hits, paired with blades splintering wooden boards, fills the sound space at Bury the Hatchet, Greenpoint’s axe-adventure destination. Groups, small and large are staggered throughout the large warehouse with lofty ceilings and towering walls. Each session starts with a brief, training given by an ‘Axe-pert’. All are extremely knowledgeable, and ready to provide the most rewarding experience possible. It’s truly a create-your-own adventure from that point on. Parties can choose whether to compete one-on-one in the battle cages, or incorporate jumbo Jenga and a life-size Connect Four game into their sessions to determine points, turns, and customize competitions.
Bury The Hatchet provides as much fun, freedom and opportunities to play as possible during the allotted time, and that is a part of their credo. “The intention is for all players to end their session feeling like a ‘Bad-ass’,” according to General Manager, Matt Sylvester. “We’ve received comments from customers saying they didn’t receive many throws at other axe locations, and they like that we provide more flexibility here. We are here for the customer – we provide high quality experience and fun all the time.” This must be true as the response from the neighborhood and beyond has been incredible. Bury the Hatchet has had solid bookings since opening. The Bury the Hatchet Bar is on its way this summer. Selections include delicious wine, beer, and hard cider including many excellent Brooklyn brands.
Fun Factor Score and Venue Ambiance: 4 – Bury the Hatchet has positive, free-flowing vibes from the time guests arrive until they leave. Décor is minimal feels like being in a rural hipster’s basement full of lumber beams, with seasoned (yet comfortable) over-sized furniture and board games. The venue’s open space with high ceilings and gated lanes contrasts nicely with the cozy lounge area. All is very indicative of Brooklyn, reflecting a balance of urban edge, originality and hospitable leisure.
Cost: 39.99 (approximately $5 more than Kick Axe) + tax and fees,
if applicable
Session Length: Full session is 1.5 hours (15 minutes more
than Kick Axe); Walk-in sessions are 45 minutes (half a session)
Age Range: 16
years old and up
Staff Knowledge: All Axe Masters extremely friendly and at the
top of their game. Many participate in leagues and have won competitions.
Drinks and Treats:
The bar is in the works! Get ready to enjoy beer, wine, and hard cider this
summer while flinging axes all around. For now, guests can bring snacks and non-alcoholic
beverages for fuel.
Future Plans: There’s talk of upcoming Trivia Nights, a Dungeon’s and Dragons themed event (Yes, get excited!) and late night axe-throwing – similar to Midnight Bowling with glow-in-the-dark painted axes, targets and black lights.
Overall Experience: Fantastic! The friendly, enthusiastic staff is very patient and dedicated to seeing all guests succeed and have a blast. Once guests feel comfortable throwing, the masters suggest challenges like precision training (taping three balloons to various parts of the target and guests perfect their aim by popping the balloons instead of aiming for the bulls-eye) and other games to enhance the experience. Those who think they are hot stuff have opportunities to join leagues and can visit every Thursday night to practice, or perfect their inner ‘Bad Ass.’ Take advantage of the half-priced Walk-In sessions on Wednesdays, Visit the website for details.
Kick Axe – Brooklyn
Is that a bull?! Yep, it’s Babe the Bull, the unofficial mascot of Kick Axe Brooklyn. He’s strategically parked in front of the entrance, drawing visitors from blocks away in Gowanus, near Park Slope. Babe is bold, stands out, and is different, reflecting the venues spirit. People wander inside to see flying hatchets as guests cheer or grunt every few seconds. “It’s a great place just to hang out, you don’t have to commit to playing. Just come in, have some pizza, grab a cold beer, and watch others play,” a welcome suggestion from John Sales, Operations Manager.
The warm hospitality and whimsy ambiance strikes a delicate balance between cozy Americana ski lodge and a relaxed New England cottage, with heavy metal and garage band tunes in the background. Similar to Bury the Hatchet, customers sign a waiver and undergo a short tutorial before the battle begins. After a few initial throws, Axe Masters take time to suggest pointers for each player’s personal throwing style to improve aim and accuracy. This is helpful and shows how dedicated the masters are to each player. Once guests are on a roll it’s time to turn up the heat. Challenges such as Around the World and First to 21 Points (both games are based on a combination of points, strategy, and luck) revs up everyone’s competitive spirit.
Fun Factor Score and Venue Ambiance: 5 – If social atmosphere is a top priority (regardless of age range), then this is the place to be. There’s more opportunity for social engagement and family focused fun. Ample indoor and outdoor seating, a photo corner with Viking props, and lounge area to watch throws, plus the bar are all added bonuses.
Cost: $35 plus
tax (approximately $5 less than Bury the Hatchet)
Session Length: 75 minutes/ 1 hour, 15 minutes (15 minutes less than Bury the Hatchet); Walk-Ins are welcome but those sessions are at designated times. visit site for deets.
Age Requirement:
8 years old and up
Knowledgeable Staff: All ‘Axe-perts’ are at the top of their game. Many participate in leagues and are competition winners.
Drinks and Treats:
There’s a soft bar with wine, a decent selection of beer (local and national
brands), cider, hard seltzer, and sake as well as soft drinks. Hungry guests
can order Table 87 Pizza and other snacks to satisfy the munchies.
Kick Axe Brooklyn bar selection
Overall experience: Brilliant experience!Since Gowanus hosts other extreme sports like archery, fencing, and bouldering, axe-throwing seems like a natural progression and a great addition to the area. The sociable axe masters are experts and have a kick-ass time guiding guests on the customized axe-adventure. Since it officially opened at the beginning of 2018, Kick Axe Brooklyn is the pioneer location in the borough’s axe craze. It sets the gold standard for other axe concepts here and beyond, as the chain is expanding into other major cities.
Calling all Brooklyn Gourmands to Park Slope’s 5th Ave Exhibition: A Taste of Fifth. Join local Brooklynites and dines on samples from over 40 diverse restaurants along Fifth Avenue. This annual charity event will be held on Wednesday, April 10th from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm at the Grand Prospect Hall (263 Prospect Avenue; between 4th and 5th Avenues.)
Tickets are currently on sale: $60 in advance and $70 at the door.
$20 of each ticket will be donated to participating
charities:
PS 118
Brooklyn Pride
CHIPS
Brooklyn Dream
Factory
MS 51
Fifth Avenue Committee
BAX
2018 Charity – Camp Gowanee
PS 39
Old Stone House
President Street
Garden
Good Shepherd
Services
Piper Theatre
Imani House
PS 124
PS 295
What’s included in the ticket?
Unlimited tastes of superb cuisine, showcasing the best 5th Ave has to offer! Here’s a tease to wet your palate: Buttermilk Bakeshop, Dram Shop, O Live Brooklyn, Calexico, Shaking Crab, The Chocolate Room, and much more! Click here to see the updated list. Wash the delicious bites down with complementary cocktails from Breuckelen Distilling in the Grand Ball Room’s Speakeasy.
This is a celebration of life, community, and supporting one another, which means there will be music to cut a rug! Entertainment is provided by the gypsy jazz group Hot Club of Flatbush, PLUS DJ Ace, a local officer from the 78th Precinct.
‘Slanté’ (pronounced slawn-cha)
is the Irish toast to wish others love, health, happiness and good drinking! So
with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, this is wise to remember while pub-hopping
through rounds of Guinness pints, Bailey’s, and shots of whiskey.
By no means am I against shots, but instead of rushing whiskey down the hatch, consider appreciating the spirit’s nuances. Colin Spoelman, Co-Founder and Head Distiller of Kings County Distillery, in Brooklyn, has an infectious passion for all things whiskey and dropped major knowledge on how to approach it with ease. Whether you are a novice or a whiz when it comes to whiskey, let your palate lead you.
Top: Bourbon whiskey Bottom: Moonshine/ White Whiskey
Like many people who like various liquors but freeze up when
talking about them, Colin suggests it’s useful to taste spirits blind. When it
comes to whiskey or any other alcohol, visit a pub, (say this holiday weekend),
and “ask the bartender to pour four different whiskey’s and without telling you
what they are. Try all and form your own opinion. Then ask for the big reveal.”
Spoelman, continues, “you’ll probably be super shocked at what you like and
discover. Honestly, in a blind setting you learn to just trust your pallet and
it can be hard doing that. Everyone’s taste is different, and so there’s no
‘one way’ to enjoy whisky. [If you are a beginner,] it’s best to do a blind
tasting flight and pick out the flavors [you detect]. That will help you decide
which type of whiskey you care about and why.”
Do you notice vanilla? Caramel? Maybe a slight smoky essence? This is active tasting and you are becoming an expert in your own right. The more you actually note different flavors in each sip, the more you can appreciate your experience, thus learning to understand the spirit. Also, to help lessen the “sting” of the alcohol, whiskey experts advise pouring spring water or ice into the whiskey to open up the flavor profile. The amount of water is up to you, as diluting the whiskey can help you identify various aspects to the whiskey. If some the original creators of whiskey, (the Scotch and Irish) prefer to add water, you can too! Here in the U.S., some people tend to add ice, but remember, whether you are drinking a spirit straight, wine, cocktail or beer, it’s your own adventure. You decide how to enjoy it. From there, you may want to know more about the brand and its backstory which may lead you to further connect with its mission, other products, and tell others about it.
Manhattan Cocktail using Kings County Distillery Whiskey
When buying a bottle, Colin advises customers to keep a few things in mind: the occasion, try local brands, and when in doubt, ask! The reason for buying whiskey matters: if purchasing the bottle as a gift, or celebrating a milestone perhaps a rare edition or slightly more expensive choice could be worth the investment. Yet, if you’d like to keep a stash on-hand, you don’t have to opt for pricier choice. “Common misconceptions I like to address are people think the older a whiskey is, the better it will be. As well as the more expensive, the better,” Spoelman expresses. “Those aren’t necessarily true. Older isn’t always better, it may be rarer, and sometimes rarity is fun, regardless of taste! On the other hand, you can find a pretty great whiskey hiding at an inexpensive price. If you are mixing it, for example, making an Old Fashioned which is very flavorful, there’s no reason to spend lots of money.” It’s always a solid idea to support local businesses, so if a store has a fantastic selection of local products, try that first and support your neighbors, aside from buying national brands. And of course, when you aren’t sure, always ask the knowledgeable clerks because they are trustworthy and believe in their inventory.
Straight Bourbon:
80% New York organic corn, 20% English barley; aged for at least two years in
oak
Tasting notes – caramel, cinnamon, and spicy notes. Very
smooth and touted by the New York Times, award winning by the SF World Spirits Competition
Peated Bourbon:
75% corn and 25% Scotch-grown barley (meaning a technique use to influence a whiskey’s
flavor during aging by exposing it to
peated smoke—a particular type of smoke on the barrels)
Tasting notes – dry, complexed bourbon, not heavily peated
but the smoke creates a subtle Scotch-like after taste…basically the love-child
of bourbon and Scotch.
American Single Malt:(single malt means the whiskey is from
one single distillery and made from a malted barley grain)
Tasting notes – honey, hay, burnt orange peel,
dry, sophisticated
Moral of the story, explore the limitless world of whiskey with an open mind and palate!If you are in the Brooklyn Navy Yard area, a great place to start your exploration is at the Gate House of Kings County Distillery for an engaging tour and tasting. Slanté!
cannycandi.com 