Bringing Emojis From Your Phone to Your Coffee with JavaMoji

I am a coffee fanatic. It's what I look forward to the moment I wake up - whether it's a great morning or I'm off to a not so great start at 7 am, it's comforting knowing I can have a nice hot cup of delicious coffee to pep me up! 

How many times have you woken up and texted your friend an Emoji of how you're feeling about starting your day? Probably countless times - I know I have. Well... now, the coolest creation has come to life. From mobile phones to your kitchen, JavaMoji, the world's first coffee branded with popular Emojis, released its brand of K-Cups! 

They're the cutest little pods uniquely marked with universal symbols used in daily mobile communication around the world. There's Emojis with their tongues out, some smiling, some winking ones, some sleeping...It's genius, and so fitting for how you may actually be feeling in the morning before coffee. Just pick your favorite, pop it in the Keurig... and voila! It's a dark-roast, full-bodied 100% Arabica coffee with a rich cocoa texture. In the morning, I need a bold coffee that will help boost my energy and mood. And thankfully JavaMoji does just that!

If there's two things 99% percent of the world loves, it's coffee and Emojis. (I am totally part of that 99%.) Seriously, what other coffee do you know of as cool as this one?!

JavaMoji knows that coffee consumption is heavily tied to one's mood. I am so excited because now I can wake up, walk to my kitchen and pick the K-Cup with the Emoji describing how I'm feeling! The digital world is actually coming to life and I am loving it. 

JavaMoji is now available on Amazon.com. Subscription boxes can be directly from the JavaMoji website.

Wonder which JavaMoji K-Cup I'll be pick out tomorrow morning... ;)

HAPPY WORLD EMOJI DAY!

Red, White & Boozy 4th of July Drink Recipes

4th of July just a few days away and I couldn't be more excited! Independence Day is actually my favorite holiday, partially because I am a huge American history nerd and also because I am obsessed with all the star spangled fun that comes with the entire weekend. How could you not love all the patriotic festivities, the fireworks, the barbecues and of course all of the festive drinks? Each year, I love experimenting and trying unique 4th of July cocktails that not only taste yummy, but look really pretty too (come on, you know you want to Insta a cute one). Here are a few festive cocktail recipes that will be sure to make your 4th of July holiday nothing but Red, White & Boozy!

Go with a crowd pleaser!

You can't go wrong with some great sangria. I'm loving Christina Milian's Strawberry Viva Diva Wine because it's high quality sweet Moscato wine infused with strawberry flavor and is super affordable. If you're planning a big get together with friends, this is a drink that everyone will  love, and will make your job that much easier as a host. Plus, it'll make for great conversation - Christina Milian: singer, actor, and now has her own line of delicious wines?

 Talk about a triple threat!

Red, White & Blue Sangria with

Christina Milian's Viva Diva Wine

Ingredients:

 1 bottle of Viva Diva’s Strawberry Moscato

 1 ½  cups cranberry juice

 1 cup brandy

Juice from one large orange

2 cups fresh blueberries

7 ounces’ fresh red raspberries

6 ounces’ blackberries

 1 large apple red apple

Directions:

1.    In a large pitcher add wine, cranberry juice, brandy, and orange juice.

2.    Add blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and apple.

3.    Chill overnight

4.    When ready to serve, fill half of glass with ice add fruit from pitcher and pour the sangria in the glass.

Make your cocktail game easier!

You know those mini 50ml bottles at your local liquor store? Take advantage of the minimal measuring and use them for simple and delicious 4th of July concoctions! 

RED: Stars and Stripes

1 bottle (50 ml) Jose Cuervo Tradicional

50 ml grapefruit juice 

10 ml Campari

10 ml Fresh Lime Juice

10 ml Simple Syrup 

Build the drink in an ice-filled mason jar, top with club soda and garnish with an orange slice.

WHITE: Boodles the Beautiful

1 bottle (50 ml) Boodles Gin

10 ml Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

10 ml Fresh Lemon Juice

1 can San Pellegrino Pompelmo

Build the drink in an ice-filled mason jar. Add the gin, liqueur and lemon juice, then top with San Pellegrino Pompelmo.

BLUE: Fresh Picked Freedom

1 bottle (50 ml) Hangar 1 Vodka

20 ml Fresh Lemon Juice

20 ml Simple Syrup

Club Soda

Handful of Blueberries, plus more for garnish

6 Fresh Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish

Add the blueberries, mint, lemon juice and simple syrup into a mixing tin, give it a quick muddle, then add the vodka. Add ice and shake. Strain into an ice-filled mason jar and top with club soda and garnish with a mint sprig and some blueberries. 

Introducing... the new Bacardí Raspberry!

If you're throwing a party this Independence Day, a punch is one of the most convenient (and easiest ways to get guests feeling in the mood to celebrate) drinks to serve. Bacardí's newest released flavor, Raspberry makes for the most Instagram-worthy patriotic color... not to mention its mouth-watering berry and citrus taste! If you're a lover of sweet and sour, you'll be craving Bacardí Raspberry since it's got such a yummy sweet and tart blend. It's the perfect summertime rum to incorporate into your punch this 4th of July!

BACARDÍ Red Rum Punch

Ingredients:

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Raspberry

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Limon

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Superior

1 part Grenadine

4 parts Sweet & Sour

1 part cranberry juice

Mint & lemon for garnish

Top it off with a sprig of fresh mint and a lemon wedge slice for a beautiful garnish that complement the rum's flavor profile.

Happy 4th of July!

New Amsterdam Vodka Presents "It's Your Town": Event Recap

On June 23rd, New Amsterdam Vodka held its "It's Your Town" party at LAB Art Los Angeles on La Brea and teamed up with local LA street artist, Moncho1929 to showcase his art and celebrate with none other than New Amsterdam Vodka! 

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

I was so excited to attend this event, and brought my brother Steven who is very into the art scene along with me. I have a huge respect for street artists and was so excited to learn more about Moncho1929. His work has actually appeared in the French Consulate, Soho House, Times Square and even on NBC'S "The Voice." New Amsterdam Vodka and Moncho1929 came together to celebrate the vibrant culture and people of Los Angeles.

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

First thing's first: the New Amsterdam Vodka featured cocktail: the Dam Good Mule. New Amsterdam Vodka's twist on the Moscow Mule! Warning: this drink is insanely good.. and hard to put down! It is so refreshing and really enjoyable to sip on. It is just the right amount of sweet (and a little bubbly, too), but still had that punch from the vodka to balance out the flavors. I am usually a tequila person, but I became so obsessed with the Dam Good Mule - which says a lot! What I love the most about it is that it's so simple to make and it can be made at home to enjoy whenever. Yay!

Here's how to make it: 

Dam Good Mule Recipe:

5 liters New Amsterdam

3 liters Top Hat Mule Concentrate

10 liters of COLD/Purified Water

(ingredients above make one 5 gallon korney keg)

Garnish with a Lime Wheel & Fresh Mint

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Moncho1929's work was placed throughout the entire space amongst other artists. I personally loved all of his pieces that actually featured New Amsterdam Vodka! He incorporated the bottle in his artwork in such creative ways. My favorite was a piece he did that was a very colorful portrait of a lifeguard stand with a surfboard leaning up against it. The surfboard design had an illustration of New Amsterdam Vodka on it which I thought was so cool and unexpected. Another one that really stood out to me was an image of a big gun that had microphones attached to the top of it, mimicking a camera. I would assume that it's referencing the power that the media has over people, and it's very clever how he depicted that.

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

I also loved the awesome graffiti screen that allowed guests to actually create their own art for the entire party to see. Seriously, when each person had their own chance to get up there in front of the screen, everyone surrounded you and anxiously awaited the message or drawing you'd be putting up there! I wrote "The Gilded Bellini <3 New Amsterdam Vodka" (Of course). Then, my design was transferred on to a t-shirt so I could save it forever. 

I really was blown away at how well New Amsterdam Vodka and Moncho1929 teamed up and created such a truly unique event. Since New Amsterdam Vodka was actually incorporated into his work, it really set the event apart from traditional gallery and cocktail parties. I walked away with even more of an appreciation for street art, a newfound love for New Amsterdam Vodka, and an obsession with the Dam Good Mule. It was just too dam good to be true. ;)

Photo by: New Amsterdam Vodka

Your New Go-To Backyard Brunch Sliders: The Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe from The Hudson

Summer is finally here! You know what that means: every warm summery afternoon (or evening if you're planning a bbq) is an excuse to throw a backyard brunch! Whether you're planning a small gathering, or a party where guests can bring a +12, it's so important to offer unique and "easy to pop in your mouth" dishes that have your guests coming back for seconds... or even thirds! But who says you need to stick with the traditional hot dogs and cheeseburgers? Blow your guests away with something new and unexpected. Not sure what to offer that will be a guaranteed people pleaser? 

I'm loving (and promising that your guests will be obsessed) with Crispy Fried Chicken and Coleslaw that can be put together for sliders! Just add fries on the side. I am a huge fan of this dish from The Hudson in West Hollywood, and so thrilled that anyone anywhere can make this for their backyard summer soirée. It's such a simple recipe! Whether you've got a glass of rosé or a beer in hand (beer will actually "cleanse the palate" for any spicy food or food made with oil), this is the perfect slider recipe to replace your usual, traditional hamburger slider. 

Here's how to make it: 

Crispy Fried Chicken for Sliders

Ingredients:

· Half gallon buttermilk

· 3 heaping tbsp. Spanish paprika

· 4 heaping tbsp. granulated garlic

· 2 heaping tbsp. onion powder

· 2 tbsp. cayenne pepper

· small pinch oregano

· small pinch thyme

· good pinch salt

· good pinch pepper

Instructions: Whisk all together in a container that will fit your chicken, marinate

and fry to perfection.

 

Coleslaw Dressing:

Ingredients:

· 1/2 gallon mayonnaise

· 3 tbsp. sugar

· small pinch salt

· splash apple cider vinegar

Instructions: Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl. The dressing should taste

sweet but with a tangy punch from the apple cider vinegar.

More from The Hudson!

Will you be in LA this weekend? Dollar Beer Night kicks off Sunday, July 3rd at The Hudson! July's Beer of The Month is the Abita featuring the Bright Summer Ale. Enjoy $1 Abita's Bright Summer Ale on July 4th, and throughout the month of July, Abita's Bright Summer Ale will be $5.

 

May you and your guests enjoy your new go-to summer backyard brunch Crispy Fried Chicken Sliders! 

5 Ways to Celebrate National Rosé Day This Weekend in LA & NYC

Every second Saturday in June, one of the most important holidays of the year comes back entitling every person to go about their day wearing rose-colored glasses. It's none other than National Rosé Day! This year, it falls on Saturday, June 11th.

As a bicoastal gal, I wanted to share with you some fun ways to properly celebrate the day. This weekend, it's all about drinking pink. Luckily, both LA and NYC take this holiday VERY seriously. From festive events, to restaurants decked in roses and even some rosé-infused cocktails, my two favorite cities have got you covered to quench your thirst for rosé.

1. What to Do

LA: Rosé Summer Soirée at Magnolia, Hollywood - On Thursday, June 9th, this soirée is encouraging you to stop and smell the rosé! Enjoy live music, fabulous mingling and delicious Magnolia favorite rosés from Italy, France, South America and California.

NYC: The Fat Jewish & Live Performance by ROZES at Hudson Terrace - Ring in rosé season on Thursday, June 9th with the one and only The Fat Jewish who will guarantee a rooftop party that will be anything but basic. 

2. Where to Eat

LA: Rose Café in Venice Beach - Let's be real here. Guests may book a res for the food, but they're really coming to take pictures in front of the gorgeous rose mural on the outside of the restaurant. Mini photoshoots and tons of Insta-worthy pictures happen right outside the door... Rose Café's door that is.

NYC: Palma - One of my all-time favorite restaurants in the city, nestled on the quaint Cornelia Street in the West Village. The space is known for its beautiful garden with ivy covered walls and plentiful fresh flowers. It's the perfect setting to enjoy a pretty brunch and a summery glass of rosé.

3. Drink the Best Rosé-Infused Cocktails

LA: Rosé All Day from Rose Café in Venice Beach - So nice I had to mention this spot twice. This pink concoction made out of Rosé, Moscatel Pisco, Lime, Grapefruit, and Orange Bitters. It's the perfect drink to ring in National Rosé Day. It's all in the name.

(Photo By: Mackenzie Anne Smith)

NYC: Frozémonade from Extra Fancy in Williamsburg, Brooklyn - It's the ultimate Summer cocktail! The frothy drink is a staple at this BK restaurant. It's made out of dry rosé, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Aperol and Ice. No better way to cool down in the NYC summer heat than with a Frozémonade in hand! 

4. Florals for National Rosé Day... Groundbreaking. 

No, but really. They're necessary! Regardless of your respective coast, we all love a beautiful bouquet of petals for that perfect arrangement. Whether you have a rosé celebration at your home or not, it's always nice to wake up and smell the roses... or peonies or hydrangeas. Or just rosés. Here's where to go:

LA: Check out the Original LA Flower Market in DTLA.

NYC: The Jungles of the 28th Street Flower District. Need I say more?

5. Pregame on a Budget in Proper Rosé Fashion

LA: Rosé by the Pool Pregame - Gather up your closest friends and take advantage of any sun that breaks through the clouds during this June Gloom. BYO favorite rosé and chill by your apartment complex's pool if it's during the daytime. If it's closer to night, dress up and turn it into a pregame! 

NYC: Rosé on the Rooftop Pregame - It's rooftop season. And, I know you all have one. Nothing is better than a rooftop pregame! Hit up the liquor store that's 4 inches from your apartment building's door, round up your favorite rosés and drink the pink. We'll be waiting for your festive rosé amongst skyline Instagram photos.

Have a happy National Rosé Day!