One of our favorite Mimosas mixed with grenadine and served with a strawberry garnish at W Fort Lauderdale 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd

Photo Credit: Ju’lia Samuels

Signature style is important. It helps to define your taste and set you apart from everybody else. So what makes your signature cocktail any different? Knowing what you like and dislike is key, especially when it comes to your drink(s). When going out on a date do you frantically reach for the drink menu or do you tell the bartender your drink of choice with confidence. You don’t want to ask for a “surprise drink” or you’re sure to be disappointed by the sweet Vodka concoction the bartender is going to make you. With endless amounts of cocktails and specialty drinks out there mixing it up is easy, however there are some great fallback drinks when a drink menu is nowhere in site (and no a Vodka Cranberry is not one of them).

Sour Apple Martini at Rok BRGR’s new location in Gulfstream 600 Silks Run #1210
Hallandale Beach, Florida

Photo Credit: Ju’lia Samuels

Strong Yet Sweet Martinis

Martinis: The classiest of the cocktails. A martini ensures that your cocktail isn’t being loaded with sugary juices and mixers, all while looking sophisticated and beverage savvy. Being that a martini is the strongest drink one can order at a bar, they can still be tasty and bearable. If you’re looking for a sour drink, go with a Green Apple or a Lemon Drop. A girl’s night out calls for a Sex and the City traditional cocktail, the Cosmo. While some find the Cosmo outdated and “totally 90’s” I think that it’s a good upgrade for the boring Vodka and Cranberry drinker, with a guaranteed kick. The Pomegranate Martini is another fun and pink cocktail that is sweet yet strong for girls’ nights around the nation.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your martins but when ordering, know what you’re talking about. Most specialty martinis are crafted with Vodka, yet a traditional martini is with Gin. Dirty=Olives, if you don’t enjoy olives do not order dirty. Extra Dry or straight up=liquor. Unless you want a fancy glass with chilled vodka or gin you shouldn’t be ordering this.  If you’re hesitant with what you like in a martini, stick to some of these fallbacks that no bartender can mess up and you will enjoy.

Fun and Tropical

Tropical drinks are not only for vacations anymore. These drinks are for someone who doesn’t want to necessarily taste their alcohol, but have confidence that it’s there. Popular Rum Tropical drinks include the Bahama Mama and the Mai Tai. These fun and fruity drinks are filled with different rums, liquors, juices, and both are topped with dark rum floaters. Although they may not frequent many drink menus, the ingredients are common and carried at most bars. If you’re a Vodka fan there are tropical drinks for you to choose as well. Everyone knows the traditional Sex on the Beach (and yes, everyone smirks while ordering) but to mix it up try a Bay Breeze or Sea Breeze. While these drinks are basic, they add some flavor to your traditional Vodka and juice drinks that people frequently order. If you’re a fan of the popular 5-liquor drink the Long Island, try a Long Beach to add some sweetness. It’s essentially the same drink, yet with a little cranberry instead of sour mix. You don’t have to wait until vacation anymore to enjoy your paradise cocktail.

Traditional

While the mojito and the margarita may be some of the most common drinks known to man, people often hesitate to order them! If you enjoy a fresh mojito don’t be afraid to order it, they take time to prepare but it’s part of the job. Mojito’s are great drinks to pair with dinners or just to have while out and about with friends. With no mixers in them, mojitos can also be very low calorie (tip: If ordering a fresh mojito, ask your bartender to use a sugar substitute instead of simple syrup for a healthy mojito) yet just as tasty as sugary cocktails. Margaritas are also a great fallback cocktail, and if you want to mix it up try asking for a Pomegranate Margarita. Skinny Margarita’s are equally as good if you’re looking for a healthier alternative (simply: tequila, agave, and lime juice topped off with soda water- no sour mix).  If you want a basic yet flavored cocktail, pair flavored Vodka with soda water or lemonade. By sitting down and ordering a “Stoli Raspberry with Soda” you’re putting your own spin on cocktail and it’s also a drink that will never let you down. Plus Vodka flavors are endless and they just keep coming out with more. Bartenders appreciate a confident customer who knows what they want, so don’t be intimidated to ask.

On the other hand, there are some drinks that should only be ordered under certain circumstances. Frozen drinks such as Daiquiris and PiñaColadas are great drinks… when you’re lying at a pool. Ordering a frozen drink like this is a guaranteed for a weak and sugar filled drink. You’re sooner to get brain freeze then you are a buzz. Go for a Rum Runner on the rocks instead of these frozen concoctions and do yourself and your bartender a favor. Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s are great for brunches and hangovers, however after 5pm you just look silly ordering them at a bar.  Try a tequila sunrise or maybe a screwdriver instead for a similar evening drink.

Signature Blue Nun Cocktail 50 Pound Blue Nun, 1 oz 50 pound gin, 1 oz Blue nun authentic white, 3/4 oz honey syrup, 1 oz lemon juice, 3-4 dashesof lavender bitters with a basil leafgarnish and lavender sprig glass.

Photo Credit: Ju’lia Samuels

Going out for cocktails is a way that we socialize with others. Knowing what to order and your fallback drink is important no matter who you are. Educate yourself and experiment to find your cocktail of choice. Once you find your signature cocktail, you’ll wish you had it all along. Drink responsibly and always be sure your cocktail is drink-worthy.

– Mackenzie Brown

WILLIAM LEVY INTERVIEW .mp4 from Worthy Magazine on Vimeo.

Ju’lia Samuels got a chance to sit down with William Levy the object of affection and temptation in the upcoming film Addicted. The talented and dreamy former Miami resident offered his thoughts on the details of the plot and even revealed how he thought fans of the book would feel. Noteworthy fact: Levy has read the novel Addicted by Zane.  And if you are wondering if he really is as dreamy in real life the answer is an emphatic yes.

Addicted will be out in theaters on October 10th.

If you are on the prowl for a chic and cozy bistro, you have to stop by Petit Bistro. The elegant bistro is a feast for the senses in every regard. From the classic fashion portraits that adorn the walls, to the whimsical and petite furniture your eyes will never get bored while the menu tantalizes and pleases your palate.

About the restaurant: “(Petit) miami is the last restaurant opened in the heart of south miami beach sunset harbour district by Luca Guelfi and Simona Miele, the creators of some of the most succesfull restaurants in Italy such as That’s Amore, Light, Plateau, Rouge, Out Off, Gioia 69, in Caribe, Big Sur and in Spain  Bananas, Rigatoni and Puesta del Sol.
(petit) miami is a sophisticated bistro that welcomes its guests in a refined style of French Provence. The colors are light, the tables and wainscoting around the room are made in white pickled wood, antique mirrors and blackboards with menu and daily specials hanging on the walls and there’s a corner for sausages and hams with a red Berkel slicer. The whole place is lit by a thousand candles and accompanied by a background of pleasant music. The atmosphere is that of a friends’ house and the hall has room for 65 people and a dehor for 70 people.”

We have a few worthy approved picks on the menu that we are sure won’t let you down.

Take a quick look at out visit to the petit Bistro and get ready for our full review in the next issue of Worthy.

cpetit from Worthy Magazine on Vimeo.

In preparation for our upcoming issue, which is the beauty issue, we figured we would sit down with some amazing entrepreneurs from here to California to talk about the latest in trust-worthy luxury skin care. Up first is the founder of Garden Apothecary. Jennifer Lee Segale offers organic and handmade products for the most indulgent body care regiment. We got a chance to speak with the the lady with the chic green thumb who also has a background in botany and all we have to say is what a worthy woman and business feature.  One look at her organic skin care treats and we promise we think you will fall in love. We have our eye on a few of her products.

Please tell me more about Garden Apothecary what separates you from other organic products that are out there?

My professional background in botany makes Garden Apothecary stand tall above other organic bath and beauty products. We not only create unique, organic products – but we use whole botanicals from sustainable farms, as well as herbs that we grow. For example, our Vanilla + Balsam sugar scrub contains an entire vanilla bean (Vanilla plantifolia) in the jar. You are not just getting fragrance from essential oils, you are getting the healing properties from the botanicals within the product.What prompted you to create your own products?

Our skin is our largest organ, and I wanted to create a line that honored my relationship with plants, while making sure it was healthy for my body.

Could you discuss your botany background a little more?

My botany work started out with dry-farming on the California coast. From there I worked with florals and started a landscape design company (that I still run today, Wildflower Farms). Most recently I’ve developed a complete obsession with cacao and a few other Central American grown plants. For the past 4 or so years I’ve been traveling down to Belize about twice a year and studying them with local farmers, herbalists and bush-medicine healers. I also study vanilla, cardamom and California natives. Thought the landscaping business, I cultivate heirlooms and organic succulents, herbs and perennials like lavender and roses.
What has been the biggest obstacle that you have had to overcome so far?

Carbs.

What is your favorite product?
My favorite product is our Lime Peel + Neroli flower perfume. It’s a roll-on and super convenient to travel with. The scent is spicy and very heavy on the citrus. If I’m feeling claustrophobic or anxious, I put some on my wrists. Our Peppermint Face + Body mist works the same way and is great to toss in your purse if you have along day of driving ahead of you.

How long does it take for you to make a single product?
Every product is different so I can’t give one time amount. We make everything by hand and in small batches (rarely more then 50 at a time).

How many people do you oversee and how do you keep balanced?
Between my landscape design company and Garden Apothecary (online and in our shop in Half Moon Bay, Ca), I’m working with a lot of people – and I’m not a “people person.”-  I keep everything flowing with a ton of detailed communication and I try to anticipate the needs of my employees. Wine also helps.
We ask every feature to finish this sentence: “I am worthy because ______.”

I am worthy because… I think I would just have to adjust the sentence to, “I aworthy”. No justification needed.

Where would you like to see your brand in the next few years.

Of course I’d love to see an increase in sales and an abundant company – but mainly, I   want to see people get nourished, grounded and connect with my products. It’s fun to watch people light up at seeing the real plants in each of our lovely products.

            What advice would you give to someone pursuing their dreams? What     would your call to action be?
Get to know your subject. If you are pursuing your dreams, be sure to observe and study your desired subject inside and out, really connect and ground into what you are doing… The rest will fall into place. My old horticulture professor had a sign in his office that read, Study Nature Not Books. That was my call to action over 14 years ago.

All images are courtesy of Blink PR.

Make sure you check out the site and if you try any of the products let us know your thoughts and tell us if you think they are #Worthyapproved