Here's to you!

I know I said I was going to stay inside and wear my pajamas all day, but the snow never materialized and my feet were itching for a walk, so when my roommate suggested we visit The Boston Shaker, I was more than willing to put on a cozy dress and a pair of boots and get going.

The Boston Shaker is a civilian cocktail supply store in Davis Square. It opened last week and has all the cocktail-making paraphernalia a true mixologist would ever need or desire, including a wide array of [hard to find] bitters, made-in-the-USA equipment and a shelf of cocktail books that rivals Ina Garten's cookbook empire. It's about time Boston had a store to cater to those with refined taste and an adventurous spirit!

If you're in the Davis Square area, I suggest you visit. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and informative, and their selection is truly wonderful. So, bottoms up! dear reader, and I'll see you in the morning!

Thirsty

I'm a gin woman and in the last two weeks I've had two delicious gin cocktails that I can't stop thinking about.

B.A.N.K.
The Westin
88 South 6th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402



B.A.N.K. features an array of comfortable seating. Sit bar-side, kitchen-side, at a table or sprawled in one of their many lounge areas. Drink the Gin Drop- gin with hints of lime and ginger. It's wonderfully refreshing, perfectly tart and is served in a martini glass.

Bistro Du Midi
272 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116

Order the Canadaire. This cocktail is spectacular and is made from tarragon infused gin and lime juice. Like the Gin Drop, it's incredibly refreshing but the Canadaire is a little sweeter, though it still maintains an air of sophistication. Also, it must be said that Bistro Du Midi has, hands down, the best olive oil I have ever tasted in my entire life. A friend accurately described it as tasting like a lush meadow, and I agree completely.

I highly recommend these two drinks to anyone who happens to love gin and is in either metropolitan area. Even if you don't choose to have my recommended cocktails, you're sure to have a wonderful time. And please, let me know what your favorite [gin] cocktails are- I love to explore new libations!