So here we are, a solid month of social distancing and self-isolating with no real end in sight. We’ve somehow adapted and gotten used to the groove; isn’t it surprising how a True Fashionista day can just drift on by? To quote your 80’s bedroom poster of Smiths frontman Morrissey, “Every day is like Sunday.”
Let’s just for a moment discuss in detail how once in a while it just has to be Saturday night, and what better way to jam out to DJ D-Nice’s Club Quarantine with all your virtual friends (including tons of celebrities like Oprah, Janet Jackson, Michelle Obama and Justin Timberlake) than sipping your favorite True Fashionista quarantini?
Courtesy of Karla Alindahao for Forbes, There are a number of easy quarantini recipes to help rock your house party. Key word here is EASY. The less going out in search of ingredients the better. What follows are a few choice options. Here’s hoping you’ve already got the necessaries on hand.
Let’s get this True Fashionista party started…
QUARANTINI #1 – THE GARABALDI
“The Garibaldi is a classic and simple mixed drink that we came to love after seeing the way it was served with juice squeezed fresh to order at a place in Sydney called North Bondi Italian Food. The key is squeezing the orange juice immediately before serving. We use a high-speed juicer, that aerates the juice, making it fluffy and textured. It takes seconds to make but is delicate and stunningly light every time—ideal for a refreshing escape and simple enough to whip up at home.” —Linden Pride, co-owner, Dante, New York City
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Campari
Fresh orange juice
Method: Add 2 ice cubes to glass. Add Campari, (a liqueur created from an infusion of herbs and fruit in alcohol and water) and a little orange juice. Stir well to combine. Add one more ice cube and fill remainder of glass with orange juice. Garnish with orange wedge resting on rim and a plastic stirrer.
Says the expert…
“The Garibaldi is a classic and simple mixed drink that we came to love after seeing the way it was served with juice squeezed fresh to order at a place in Sydney called North Bondi Italian Food. The key is squeezing the orange juice immediately before serving. We use a high-speed juicer, that aerates the juice, making it fluffy and textured. It takes seconds to make but is delicate and stunningly light every time—ideal for a refreshing escape and simple enough to whip up at home.” —Linden Pride, co-owner, Dante, New York City
Catchy name of the week: ULTIMATELY
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Gin
1.5 oz. Cucumber water
0.5 oz. Lime juice
0.5 oz. Simple syrup
0.5 oz. Jalapeno simple syrup
*For the cucumber water, peel and juice one cucumber
*For the jalapeño simple syrup, use 5 jalapenos for every 15 oz. of simple syrup
Method: Combine all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe glass.
Says the expert…
“This cocktail is perfect for quarantine life because it reminds me of home, which for me is Serbia. The cucumbers transport me to springtime meals with my family. For everyone else, it’s perfect for quarantine life because it’s a refreshing and well-rounded cocktail. It has the botanicals from the gin, freshness from the cucumber water, citrus from the lime, and the spice from the jalapeños.” —Miki Nikolic, bar director at Double Dealer, New Orleans
Another suggestion for that bottle of Campari that you bought for the other drink: HAKKATINI
Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Orange liqueur
¼ oz. Italian red bitter liqueur (such as Campari)
¾ oz. Pressed apple juice
Method: Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake to mix ingredients and fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of orange.
Says the expert…
“During a time when many stores are closed, most people want to reach for simple cocktails that don’t sacrifice any flavor. The Hakkatini is perfect for that. It’s made with just four ingredients that are staples in any kitchen and home bar—but it still packs a punch with perfectly balanced sweet, tart, and bitter notes. It’s a great way to spruce up a regular martini when you want to make your weeknight drink a little more special.” —Constantin Alexander, director of beverage, Hakkasan
Keeping it nice and simple: BLOOD MARGARITA OR GINGER MARGARITA
Ingredients:
2 oz. of your favorite tequila or whichever one’s on hand
1 oz. fresh lime
.75 oz. agave
**Add 1 oz. of fresh blood orange (ginger margarita variation) or .5 oz. of freshly-juiced ginger (ginger margarita variation)
Method: Choose your favorite tequila and add 2 oz. to a measuring cup. Mix in 1 oz. fresh lime juice to your drink. Add in 0.75 oz. agave and ensure to include a 1:1 ratio of agave to the mix (the Gurney’s Margarita is never too sweet! To make the Blood Margarita add 1 oz. of fresh blood orange—a delicious winter citrus. Or go the healthy route with .5 oz of freshly-juiced ginger to create the Ginger Margarita.
Says the expert…
“We love the recipe for the classic margarita because it only requires three simple ingredients (your favorite tequila, lime, and agave)—all of which can be found in most kitchens and home bars. In addition, tequila is a stimulant and gives us the boost we need to complete tasks and projects with all this extra time spent in our homes! The best part is that you can jazz it up with extra ingredients you have at home, based on your preferences. Good tip: Here at Gurney’s Montauk we do a 1:1 ratio of agave to water to ensure our drinks are never too sweet!” —Jarhn Blutstein, area beverage manager, Gurney’s Resorts
EVEN MORE
If none of the above True Fashionista recipes inspire you, check out the list from some of North America’s best bartenders courtesy of Timeout.com. click thru, buy their merch and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the staff of the bar where said bartender is employed. You get your party on, while also helping our struggling hospitality industry friends.
Don’t forget before the throwdown even starts, check out True Fashionista online for great designer deals that will set your Instagram feed on fire without breaking the bank. Stay healthy and party on at home!