The Blog

Cocktail Recipe du Jour: The Negroni

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Lazyjack Press

Happy first day of Spring!

We’re all anxiously awaiting the arrival of warmer weather. In the meantime, I can’t help but notice that the Negroni has made a comeback. I’m seeing it in restaurants and bars throughout the city.

Some modern recipes amp up the gin, but this should be avoided.  It's an aperitif; if you're in that much of a hurry to get drunk before dinner, have several or just do it with a shot back.  It’s one of the few drinks that is versatile enough to be suitable up or on the rocks.  In nicer environs, it can be shaken over ice and poured into a cocktail class with an orange peel garnish.  In a warmer or more informal setting, mixed on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass and toss in an orange peel or even wedge, if you're feeling crazy.  Or dispense with the orange all-together. Either way, toast your friends and be happy that the polar vortex is over!

Cheers!

--Miriam Zelinsky, Official Lazyjack Press Mixologist

Negroni (classic recipe)

What you’ll need:

1 shot gin (preferably Ford’s or Greenhook but Sapphire or Beefeaters will do)

1 shot Campari

1 shot sweet vermouth (preferably Carpano Antica)

Either shake the ingredients over ice or strain it into a chilled martini glass.

Boulevardier (variation on the Negroni)

What you’ll need:

1 shot Bourbon

1 shot Campari

1 shot sweet Vermouth

Serve it up in a chilled martini glass.

A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way!

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Lazyjack Press

Life is hard. Everyone is stressed, busier, and crankier than ever. Now more than ever, we're just trying to get through the day. We don’t have the energy to worry about anyone other than ourselves - to add value to someone else's day, to compliment someone. I’m not talking about telling your friend you like her dress or her hair looks good. 

A few months into launching Lazyjack Press, I got an email from a dad who bought our “Re-Rack” bow tie for his college-age son. He thanked me and told me the bow tie was “spectacular” - that it was sure to be a hit at his son's school. He didn't need to write me but this simple gesture had a stunning impact on me. 

I’ve made a concerted effort since then to be more aware - to thanking people, letting them know I appreciate them, even on days when things aren’t going my way. I tell restaurant managers about great waitresses, reach out to old friends, and call 311 to compliment exceptional cab drivers. (311 operators weren't even sure they could give compliments, by the way, because they only receive complaints). And you know what? Maybe nothing comes of those compliments, shout-outs, and kind gestures 99% of the time. But the 1% of the time, when they positively affect lives, makes it all worth it. 

Try it. Compliment someone today. Make someone feel good in a meaningful way. You won't only make them happy - some of the good jujus are sure to spill over into your day. In this day and age, our world could use a little more kindness. 

The Deep Freeze, and Spring's Inevitable Glory

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Lazyjack Press

Cocktail Recipe du Jour: The Beet Bloody Mary

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Lazyjack Press

As you know, we’re HUGE fans of the Bloody Mary here at Lazyjack Press, and we’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes.

We’ve had our fair share of beet cocktails this winter. These days, it seems that every good cocktail bar is adding beets to spice up classic cocktails. I enjoyed one particularly savory and spicy beet cocktail in Chicago recently, and it got me thinking: we should make a beet bloody mary! Beets are earthy, but they’re also super sweet – which makes it an unusual take on the classic bloody. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before! Sure, this recipe takes a bit more time than the classic recipe, but it’s totally worth the time and effort. And hey, beets are healthy! So you won’t feel guilty when you go in for your fourth… I mean, second cocktail! So give this a try for your next brunch/tailgate/Sunday funday!

Cheers!

--Miriam Zelinsky, Official Self-Appointed Master Mixologist in Residence (and Bloody Mary Connoisseur)

What you’ll need: (Serves four)

- About 8 shots of chilled Vodka

- 3 fresh beets

- 30-40 dashes of Tabasco to taste

- 30-40 dashes of Worcestershire sauce to taste

- 4-6 tablespoons of horseradish

- 20 dashes of Garlic Tabasco or 20 dashes of Chipotle Tabasco –(bonus: use both!)

- Half a palm full of onion powder

- Half a palm full of celery seed

- Black pepper to taste

- 3 cups of tomato juice

- Juice from one lime

What to do:

1) Peel and halve your beets (wear gloves so you don’t turn your hands purple!)

2) Wrap the beets in foil.

3) Preheat your oven to 400°F and roast the beets for about 45 minutes (make sure they’re tender)

4) Let the beets cool before adding them to a blender/food processor. You may need to add a touch of water to get them started.

5) Add the tomato juice to the blender.

6) Once smooth, add the vodka and spices from above and mix thoroughly.

7) Add ice to a highball glass and pour the mixture in. Garnish with a bacon slice (hey, you did your good deed by eating beets!), cherry tomato and/or celery stick! And enjoy!

Lazyjack Press x Chicago

Posted on February 05, 2014 by Lazyjack Press

The Lazyjack Press team was super excited to participate in Chicago Collective this season. We were a little nervous about getting there, given the winter we've had, but we arrived without a hitch!

Upon arriving in freezing Chicago, Patrick and I headed to dinner at Ralph Lauren, which was great! I definitely recommend the bananas foster

The next day, we worked hard to transform our empty booth into a masterpieceBut all work and no play makes a boring clothing brand! I was lucky enough to have two of my sorority sisters, Kristin and Whitney in Chicago, as my friend Meredith (we go back to tennis camp as kids!) So we had brunch, did a little shopping, and made a quick stop at the Art Institute to check out "American Gothic." We even made time for some real Chicago hot dogs and yes, they're totally live up to the hype!

Delicious dinner at the Drake, and then finished the night off at the Pump Room.

Sunday marked show time! The Merchandise Mart was so much nicer than the Javits and we loved meeting new people. 

Sunday night was also Meredith's birthday dinner at Pelago, which was also delish.

We got stranded Tuesday night, which I was secretly excited about because that meant Jeff and  I could spend an extra night with Whitney enjoying Chi-Town!

All in all, Chicago was a great time. Great food, drinks, culture, and shopping! I definitely want to go back in warmer weather when we don't have to work. I will make one recommendation though in case you're ever in the Windy City: The Drum Bar at the Rafaello Hotel (esp the Big Bad Wolf cocktail). Just go, and thank us later

Cheers!