Sexy Springtime Sips

Spring is in full swing and that means it's time for fruity, refreshing cocktails.  The cocktail connoisseurs at www.MyDrinkOn.com have put together a list of recipes from the nation's top mixologists are delicious and easy to make at home:

The Last Word (Masa's - San Francisco, CA)

     -3/4 oz. Midori Melon Liquor

     -1/2 oz. your favorite brand of gin

     -1 maraschino cherry

     -Sprig of mint

Add Midori, gin and ice into martini shaker.  Shake well.  Strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with cherry and mint.

Clementine Crush (Abe & Arthur's, New York City, NY)

     -2 oz. Svedka Clementine

     -2 oz. orange juice

     -1/2 oz. triple sec

     -Splash of Sprite

Pour all ingredients into a glass with ice and stir.

Frozen Peach Margarita (www.MarthaStewart.com)

     -16 oz. package frozen sliced peaches

     -3/4 c. tequila (any brand)

     -1/4 c. triple sec

     -1/4 c. fresh lime juice

     -1 c. sugar

     -1 c. ice cube

Combine all ingrediants in a blender.  Puree until smooth.  Serve immediately in margarita glass.

The Flirtini (The Bombay Club - New Orleans, LA)

     -2 1/2 oz. vodka (any brand)

     -1/2 oz. Chambord

     -1 oz. pineapple juice

     -1/2 oz. triple sec

     -1 1/2 oz. lime juice

     -Sparkling wine (any brand)

Add all ingredients in martini shaker with ice.  Shake well.  Strain into chilled martini glass.

Fuze It Worldwide Comes To Chicago

The Windy City will be taken by storm on Saturday, April 9th by some of the nation's most talented talented artists.  Fuze It Worldwide takes the most exciting musicians, DJ's, fashion designers, aspiring models and painters and puts them into a spectacular show that tours the country.  

Excalibur Nightclub (632 N. Dearborn St.) will host Fuze It Worldwide Chicago on Saturday, April 9th from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  In addition to over a special performance by Evie G, 50+ fashion models and live art, party-goers will get to experience a performance by DJ Boi Jeanius, who has been dubbed the next big thing by music insiders.

Tickets are priced at $20/each and you must be 18 years of age or older to enter the show.  Tickets are almost sold out so those who do not have tickets yet are advised to arrive at Excalibur early.

VIP entrance begins at 5:45 p.m. and for those lucky enough to have VIP status, an exclusive after-party will be hosted by The W Hotel.

For more information about Fuze It Worldwide, contact fuzeitworldwide@gmail.com

This Just In......

Popular Logan Square brewpub, Revolution Brewing, has announced plans to build a production brewery.  Slated to open sometime in 2012, Revolution beer will be available in bottles and cans in Chicago-area bars and stores.  With current in-restaurant selections like Cross of Gold (a crisp golden ale with a delicate hop finish) and Eugene (a striking, robust porter full of warmth and chocolate malt) for only $5-7 a pint, the take-home versions of the their delicious beers can't come soon enough. 

Fore more information on Revolution Brewing visit www.revbrew.com 

Introducing The Hubbard Inn - Trendy Tavern Draws a Crowd

Recently a friend of mine and I visited the very new Hubbard Inn and discovered a new favorite Chicago watering hole. From the outside, the Hubbard Inn is relatively unassuming, but as you enter you are greeted with what the trendy hot spot coins as a “continental tavern” feel. It’s the type of bar Sherlock Holmes and Will Farrell’s Ron Burgundy would love – it’s filled with an interior that reminds one of rich mahogany and contains many, potentially leather-bound books. Literally, the bar is decorated as a bi-level inn: The first level is home to a large bar as well as multiple high tables, it also has various chairs and couches grouped together in corners - perfect for conversation; the second level is similar but also has a cozy collection of chairs next to a fire place and bookshelf where we spent most of our evening. This throw back bar certainly has its quirks: Look out for paintings of regal monkeys.

My friend and I liked the Hubbard Inn so much that we convinced my fiancé to join us. All three of us were impressed with the quality of our drinks. My friend had one of the best Absolut and diets she’s ever had (truly it was perfectly mixed), I had a wonderful Napa Cabernet followed by a refreshing Sonoma Fume Blanc, and my fiancé had a couple of blondes (Belgium ales – that is!). For a busy bar, we were decently catered to on both levels – we moved from the first to the second to do a bit of exploring. All three of us decided to keep it light and ordered salad. The pear salad was delicate and flavorful and, although skeptical at first, my friend very much enjoyed the red and yellow beet salad – I had a bite too, it was tangy and tasty! The bar serves everything from a charcuterie, pate and cheese plate to a variety of sandwiches including a lobster salad club and a lamb burger. For those that just want a little something, they offer small plates like oysters, seared scallops and short ribs. 

For more information on the Hubbard Inn, visit their website at www.hubbardinn.com.

Party for a Good Cause - NEDA-polooza

In honor of NEWtrition Blog's 1st Anniversary, founder/editor Lauren Newman is hosting an event to celebrate the blog's success increase awareness and support for The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA.)  NEWtrition (www.newtritionblog.com) is a Chicago-based restaurant and culinary blog dedicated to healthy living.  Since it's conception, NEWtrition has become a virtual destination for young professionals who want to lead healthy lives and want to be in-the-know about the Windy City's hottest new restaurants and chefs.

The National Eating Disorders Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders.  NEDA-polooza will take place during NEDA Awareness Week, which falls between February 20-26th.

Here are the details:

WHAT: NEDA-Palooza: an event celebrating the one-year anniversary of NEWtrition Blog and supporting National Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

WHEN: Friday, February 25th 2011. 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

WHERE: Privet Nightclub

937 N. Rush Street

Chicago, IL 60611

DETAILS: $40 donation at the door (*all proceeds go directly to NEDA)

Guests will receive complementary drinks from the evening’s official liquor sponsors as well as passed hors d'oeuvres catered by The Drawing Room.

          *Guests must arrive by 10:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.newtritionblog.com

My Drink On Masquerade Ball - 2.12.11

Thank you to everyone who attended the My Drink On Masquerade Ball at Crimson Lounge!  Here are just a few of the night's top photos......more to come.

Springtime in Chicago...and the Living's Easy

We’re almost there! The weather this week has been a balmy 30-40 degrees, people are smiling more and runners with no feeling in their legs are donning shorts. As Chicago rounds the corner from blizzardous conditions to livable temperatures, I thought it appropriate to survey Chicagoans to see what they’re most looking forward to this spring. Here are my top five favorite answers:

A little leg!

Yes, a male friend suggested this answer. But I have to agree that being able to show off a little leg is something a lot of women are looking forward to doing. And living in one of the world’s most fashionable cities ensures that the parts left to the imagination will be well attired. For more on fashionable finds to wear on a night out, look out for my blog about My Posh Jeans’ fun spring finds and visit their site at http://myposhjeans.com/style-trends/12-looks-im-loving-this-spring/ 

Outdoor Seating

It’s a bit disheartening to watch bar patrons pull in outdoor patio arrangements at the end of summer. But fear not, as spring nears, My Drink On is sure to find some out-door patio bar deals so you can baste your winter paleness away while sipping 312. Sign up to receive updates from My Drink On to make sure you don’t miss out http://www.mydrinkon.com/ .

LSD

Come on, not the drug! We at My Drink On like a good glass of red wine, but we don’t condone that – we have oodles of fun as it is! I’m of course talking about Chicago’s glorious Lake Shore Drive. Nothing says spring like a bike ride, run, or leisurely stroll along sparkling Lake Michigan.

Tornado Warnings

What can I say? I surveyed some interesting people.

The Chow

Chicago becomes home to a new restaurant about as often as Brangelina comes home with a new child. But you don’t hear anyone complaining because our mouths are too stuffed with Stephanie Izzard’s goat masala pizza. Chicago will soon be welcoming Doughnut Vault, Dawali Mediterranean Kitchen and more. To keep up with restaurant openings, check out Metromix’s list of soon-to-be open joints http://bit.ly/gXU8va.

Check out two of our founders at the 2nd Anniversary party for A Chicago Thing at Rockit Bar and Grill!

Martinis and More at Jack's On Halsted

My Drink On has partnered with neighborhood watering hole Jack's On Halsted to bring you a deal you won't be able to resist.  Centrally located in the heart of Lakeview, Jack's on Halsted is a cozy yet upscale neighborhood bar and grill that is known to attract a young, hip clientele. Along with specialty cocktails like the White Cranberry Grape martini and the Chocolate Raspberry Silk martini, Jack's serves up a deliciously eclectic menu fit for the foodie sect. Highlights on the mid-priced menu include Grilled Blackened Beer Skewers with carmelized onion and thyme in a port wine syrup and Brie Pizza topped with grapes, white truffle honey and a petite salad. $7 martinis are available every day and include signature libations as well as classic concoctions.  $10 gets you $20 worth of drinks plus 10% off anything and everything from Jack's food menu.

What: $10 for $20 worth of drinks plus 10% off food menu

When: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday

Where: Jack's on Halsted

3201 N. Halsted Ave.

Chicago, IL 60657

For more information on Jack's, please visit www.JacksOnHalsted.com.  Purchase your voucher today at www.MyDrinkOn.com 

Drink Up. Drink On.

Add a Taste of Italy to Your Valentine's Day

 Add a Taste of Italy to Your Valentine's Day

Zonin Named Official Wine Sponsor for Highly Anticipated Chicago Event

Since 1821 the Zonin family has provided the wine-lovers some of the most outstanding wines in the world. A commitment to excellence has resulted in wines that are unparalleled in quality and taste. Chicago nightlife company, My Drink On, is proud to announce that Zonin will be the official wine sponsor for their upcoming Masquerade Bash at Crimson Lounge on February 12th.

The Valentine's Day weekend event will give Chicagoans a chance to sip on exquisite European wines made in some of the world's most modern wineries. The sexy and elaborately ornate setting of Crimson Lounge make it the perfect backdrop for sampling a Zonin's delicious wines.

 

With select wines included on the exclusive Top 100 list from Wine Spectator magazine, Zonin has also been the recipient of such prestigious awards as the Gran Vinitaly and received stellar reviews from Wine Enthusiast . The largest privately held wine producer in Italy, Zonin was the brand of choice when it came time for President Barack Obama to present a gift to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano follwing the G8 Summit in 2009.

 

Get your tickets today at http://www.mydrinkon.com/

 

Drink Up. Drink On.

Shopping with Friends

Remember the old days of online shopping? It was a holy transaction between you and your store of choice.  Nordstrom’s knew you and you knew Nordy’s, and that’s where it ended.  But now, during the era of community buying you can see what your friends are purchasing.  Not only can you see which stores they “like” via Facebook, you can figure out where they’re going via FourSquare (are you mayor?), and what deals they buy via Living Social, Groupon and My Drink On.  Community buying has made your private shopping experience a day at the Mall of America.  So, new fangled social media mall rat, who do you take shopping?

Revolutionary social networks like Facebook allow you to see who “likes” your favorite group buying marketplaces.  Then you can see who’s going to that event at that new bar that you’ve heard so much about.  Planning your weekend just got easy button easy. If you’re the social butterfly, find the party package and lure your friends by reposting tweets, liking groups and checking in on Four Square.  If you prefer to let others do the planning, check those Tweetups, peruse wall posts and check out check ins. “Try on” deals like those outfits you tried on at the mall – then get your friends to “yay” or “nay” it.  Did you and your friends love the new bar you went to for a half price rate? Try on another bar that your trusted group buying haven offers. Then tell your friends, because as seasoned shoppers know, if you share a great deal with your friends, they’re likely to reciprocate.  Always shop with a friend.

A Masquerade Ball

A Seductive Soiree for Valentine's Day

My Drink On Hosts Masquerade Ball at Crimson Lounge

You kicked off 2011 right with New Year's Eve but now it's time to keep the party going with the My Drink On Masquerade Ball. Chicago's newest addition to the nightlife scene will host the event at Crimson Lounge on Saturday, February 12^th from 9:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

Whether you attend with your significant other or bring a group of your single friends, this is the perfect place to party on Valentine's Day weekend. Along with mask-wearing guests, rich and intricate décor along with plush velvet seating and mood lighting will create a seductive setting in which anything is possible.

Along with being the event's official liquor sponsor, luxury vodka company, Dragon Bleu, has chosen the My Drink On Masquerade Ball to launch their newest product, a rose flavored vodka.  A relatively new brand, Dragon Bleu is an ultra-premium product that is handmade in France.  Created from a unique blend of the world's finest ingredients, Dragon Bleu has an exceptionally smooth taste and clean finish.  A signature cocktail using the rose vodka has been created especially for the MDO Masquerade Ball and will be served throughout the evening.

Along with 4 ½ hours of a complimentary drinks from Dragon Bleu and a premium cash bar, guests will enjoy live entertainment by one of Crimson Lounge's renowned in-house DJs, an array of delicious hors d'ouvres and complimentary coat check.  Valet parking is available at additional cost.

Location: Crimson Lounge at Hotel Sax

                 333 N. Dearborn St.

Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011

      

Time: 9:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.

                        *While event officially ends at 1:30 a.m., guests are invited to stay until venue closes at 3:00 a.m.

Price: $40.00

                        *Ticket prices will increase to $50 beginning January 31st.  Pending availability, tickets will be available for purchase at the door for $60.

Not ready for the party to end?  Spend the night at Hotel Sax at an exclusive rate for attendees of the My Drink On Masquerade Party.  For more information or to book a room, please call (312) 245-0333.

                                               

Drink Up. Drink On. 

Shifting G's: 2011 and the Advent of Generosity through Social Networks

2011 lends itself to a multitude of new trends.  Media and technology are redefining how consumers buy and in some instances, changing our view of social structures and the world around us. Facebook, deal-a-day companies and other innovative technologies have dramatically altered the way in which people interact. To some, this social metamorphosis is seen as intrinsically negative, a charge towards isolationism and self-centeredness.  Others view this as an opportunity to reach consumers in a meaningful way, to allow people to connect on a level they haven’t had the opportunity to prior to this cultural shift. In fact, this generation of consumers is lauded as being not only far from selfish, but particularly generous.

Trendwatching.com reports in its “11 Crucial Consumer Trends for 2011” that global markets are taking heed of the so-called “Generation G’s” desire to give. According to Trendwatching, %86 of global consumers feel that businesses should place an emphasis on not only business-related interest, but societal interest as well (www.trendwatching.com).  Facebook recently gave Newark, New Jersey’s school system $100 million dollars (albeit after the less than positive portrayal of Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg in this year’s hit The Social Media).  Groupon created a way for subscribers to gain points to donate to donorschoose.org.  Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and his wife Melinda are powerhouses of giving through their Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  Such companies are using their successful platforms and progressive technology to benefit not only the consumer, but charitable organizations as well.  Consumers, it seems, appreciate companies that promote philanthropy.  Entrepreneurs, small businesses and emerging companies are taking note and finding ways to engage consumers in charitable actions. Because of social media and the ease of connectivity, companies can reach out to subscribers across the nation, or even tap the global market, to promote philanthropy on a level that couldn’t have been harnessed without the dawn of this new technological age.

The days of the avarice and self-centeredness, a la the infamous Gordon Gecko who proclaimed that “greed is good,” have quickly shifted to a newer more progressive attitude.  Social media and the entrepreneurs behind the cultural shift that make our world a little smaller, a little closer, have ascertained that the advent of a new ‘G’ is in order.  Generosity is good: Consumers have taken heed; any business that hopes to be successful should do the same.  

To find out more about how you can help in 2011, please continue to visit My Drink On’s website for updates on their Civic Drink On events.