Hart Agency Blog

Heart of the Community: A Life Saving Gift for St. Maarten Montessori & CIA

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:57:08 GMT

The Heart of the Community: A Life-Saving Gift for St. Maarten Montessori & CIA

Sometimes, the most powerful lessons in a school aren't found in textbooks, but in the profound actions of the community that surrounds it. This week, the St. Maarten Montessori School and Caribbean International Academy (CIA) received a gift that truly defines "life-saving"—an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) donated by the Hart family.

The donation is more than just a piece of medical equipment; it’s a commitment to safety and peace of mind. For the Hart family, the gesture is deeply personal—their son was born with a congenital heart condition, making them acutely aware that every second counts in a cardiac emergency.

By providing this AED, they are ensuring that the phenomenal staff at Montessori and CIA—already known for their attentive care—now have the tools to respond to a crisis within those critical first few minutes.

Empowering the Educators

A device is only as effective as the hands that use it. To complement the donation, all school staff members have completed comprehensive training on proper AED use. This means that from the classroom to the playground, students are surrounded by a team ready to act with confidence and care.

Building a Safer Campus

Schools are more than just places of learning; they are hubs for families and the wider community. This donation:

Strengthens Campus Safety: Adds a vital layer of protection for students, staff, and visitors.

Promotes Awareness: Highlights the importance of heart health and emergency preparedness in educational settings.

Fosters Partnership: Reflects the strong bond between parents and the St. Maarten Montessori School .

How You Can Help

The spirit of giving continues at [St. Maarten Montessori](https://www.facebook.com/montessorischoolsxm/). Whether it's through fundraisers for their SPED program or supporting local initiatives like food drives, there are always ways to get involved.

Let's celebrate the Hart family's generosity and the school's dedication to creating a safe, loving environment where every child can thrive.

Hart Agency's Tequila 101

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:19:47 GMT

This handy guide will provide you a thorough description of what Tequila is, how it's made, and how it's classified.

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled spirit and a type of mezcal. The liquor is made from agave plants and produced only in specific parts of Mexico. Depending on where the agave is grown, the taste of tequila can vary by the bottle.

Similar to the way whiskey can be broken down into more specific categories like bourbon and scotch, tequila can be broken down as well. There are three main types of tequila—blanco (silver, unaged), reposado (aged for 2 to 9 months in wood barrels), and añejo (aged for a minimum of 1 year in wood barrels).

How Tequila is Made

Tequila is made by distilling the fermented juices of the blue agave plant, also known as Agave tequilana. The blue agave plant is a member of the lily family and looks similar to the aloe vera plant. It is grown for seven to ten years before being harvested to make tequila.

The Agave plant produces a large bulb underground called a piña that looks almost like a pineapple. After being harvested, the piña is cut into quarters and then slowly baked until the starches are converted to sugars. The baked piña quarters are then crushed to extract the sweet juice within, which then gets fermented with yeast to convert the sugars into alcohol.

Mexican law states that in order for a bottle to be considered tequila, it must contain at least 51% Weber blue agave. Tequila is typically distilled until it reaches approximately 110 proof and is then cut with water to reduce it to between 76 and 80 proof. By law, tequila cannot go over 100 proof.

Common Tequila Terms

Here are the words you need to know!

Agave: A drought-tolerant, slow-growing succulent plant. One variety, blue agave, is the primary ingredient of Tequila.

Mezcal: Tequila is a form of mezcal, a broader category of spirits made from many varieties of agave. All Tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are Tequilas.

Jalisco: The western Mexico state where Tequila is said to have originated. It’s home to the town of Tequila, which has red volcanic soil that’s ideal for growing blue agave. While Tequila is produced in four other states, Jalisco is considered by many to have the best terroir.

NOM: Norma Oficial Mexicana, the regulating government body that oversees official Mexican standards of Tequila. Look for the NOM number on Tequila labels to guarantee authenticity. The number is unique to each producer, but it can be used on multiple products if they come from the same distillery.

Blanco: Also called white or young Tequila, it is not aged, spending no more than two months resting in steel tanks before bottling. Blanco Tequila is often ideal in cocktails, and it pairs well with foods like fish or shrimp.

Reposado: Slightly aged Tequila that has spent at least two months, but less than one year in wood barrels.

Añejo: Aged Tequila that has spent at least one year in barrels, but less than three.

Extra Añejo: A relatively new category, created by Mexico’s Consejo Regulador del Tequila in 2006, extra añejo denotes Tequila aged more than three years. Previously, these Tequilas were simply lumped in to the standard añejo classification.

Mixto : A mixed Tequila that’s 51% agave, cut with sugar additives or neutral spirits often derived from sugarcane. Popular brands like Jose Cuervo Gold and Sauza Silver are mixto Tequilas.

Gold: Generally used as a term for Tequila that hasn’t been barrel-aged, but given a similar hue, usually through the addition of caramel or other artificial colorings.

Age Statements

Blanco

Known to produce the purest taste, blanco tequila has a semi-sweet and earthy flavor that tastes distinctly of agave. Blanco tequila is a clear spirit that is rested for no more than 60 days in stainless steel tanks before being bottled.

The liquid is entirely clear, as there is no aging involved. It is agave in a pure, distilled form, so the quality of the tequila depends on the distiller. And because there is no aging, you will not be getting any additional flavors from a barrel.
You will likely smell and taste notes of pepper and citrus. For this reason, it goes well with lighter foods like fish and shrimp. You can also put it in a cocktail drink such as a tequila sunrise or a paloma.

Reposado (Reposado translates to “rested”)

This type of tequila is aged in wood casks for a minimum of two months and as many as nine months. The wood imparts a soft oak flavor onto the tequila and gives it the light straw color it’s known for. Many distilleries even use bourbon barrels to age reposado tequila to add another layer to the final taste.

Reposado translates to “rested.” This tequila is light brown, almost caramel in color, and aged in wooden barrels anywhere from 2 months up to 1 year. It also has less of a bite than Blanco tequila as the flavor softens from the slight aging process.
You will likely taste notes of oak, agave, and some vanilla. If you’re looking to have some food on the side, try pairing it with pork tacos.

Joven

Joven is the Spanish word for young. In tequila- speak, it means a Blanco mixed with Reposado or Añejo to add some depth and subtle character. At its very basic definition, a Joven Tequila is a blanco tequila blended with aged tequilas

Añejo (Añejo translates to “old”)

Aged for a minimum of one year in white French oak casks or used bourbon barrels, Añejo tequila is a dark liquor that tends to be smooth and robust. This type of tequila has a nice balance of oak and agave, with undertones like caramel and butterscotch.

Añejo tequilas are typically fore sipping, though they can also be used in heavier drinks such as a Manhattan in place of whiskey.
Translated “old tequila,” it’s usually aged in oak tequila barrels for 1 to 3 years. It’s dark brown in color and you can often taste notes of smoke, caramel, vanilla, and agave. This tequila also goes well with richer food such as steak or chocolate.

Extra Añejo (Translates to “extra aged”)

As you can guess, this tequila is extra old, making for a bolder flavor profile. If you have a bourbon drinker- recommend they try this kind!

To be considered extra añejo, it must be aged over 3 years in a barrel. It is full of wood tannins and has a dark, rich brown color.
This will not have a strong agave flavor, as the oaky notes will take control due to the long aging process. Other notes you may find are smoke and butter. And if you’re a consumer of darker alcohols such as whiskey, this flavor profile will likely appeal more to you than a Blanco or Reposado.

Cristalino

The newest classification of tequila, a Cristalino is an Añejo or Extra Añejo that’s been filtered with charcoal to remove the heavier compounds and colors that find their way into the tequila during the barrel aging process, leaving only smooth flavors. Because of the filtering, the liquid is also usually left crystal clear, instead of the darker colors that aged tequila typically has.

Mezcal

While tequila must be made only from the Weber Blue Agave, mezcal can be made from that plant, or any one of 49 other different agave varieties. So, just as a scotch is whiskey, but whiskey isn’t necessarily scotch, tequila is mezcal, but mezcal isn’t always tequila.

That's all from us for now - thanks for taking a look and thanks to Manager Carolyn for putting this together. Comment below with your favorite tequilas and cocktail recipes!

Cheers,
The Hart Team

7 Obscure Spirits to Upgrade Your Home Bar & Impress Your Guests!

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 18:35:29 GMT

Vodka and Tequila and Gin... oh... my. Sometimes the same old can feel a little humdrum. As much as we love our usual staples, sometimes it's exhilarating to change it up and explore spirits not typically found on the bar menus. Come on this tour of the world's finest with us!

At The Hart Agency, we at times have the pleasure to introduce new and unusual products to consumers. Here are a few of our favorites!

GREAT JONES

Let's start in our own backyard of Manhattan with Great Jones, the first whiskey distillery in Manhattan since the prohibition. You can visit this speakeasy style distillery and take a one hour tour of the facility.

43% ABV | 86 PROOF

◊ 4 years old

◊ Crafted in small batches

◊ Made from 100% New York-grown corn, malted barley, and rye

◊ Aged in American Oak barrels

◊ Perfectly balanced with a vanilla and light pepper finish

What we love: The Art Deco inspired bottle is giving us all the Great Gatsby vibes, and we're ready to celebrate the "roaring 20's" the right way with a beautiful cocktail in a coupe glass.

PERNOD ABSINTHE

Absinthe has a long history, and we suspect many people may have an idea about what it is. Whether you associate it with the misunderstood artist Vincent van Gogh (who like many other artists of the time was said to love Absinthe, but who also cut off his left ear... any correlation?), the hallucinogenic quality, or pop culture references such as seeing the "green fairy" like in the movie Moulin Rouge... there's a lot of correlations people may have.

Popular in France during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the ritual was to enjoy an Absinthe Drip at your local watering hole. A sugar cube is placed on an intricately designed slotted spoon set on a glass with an ounce of Absinthe inside, while a "fountain" slowly drips water over the sugar and into the glass. The bright green spirit becomes light and cloudy.

Back then, one ingredient to this anise liqueur was thujone, which is what was said to have caused the hallucinations. In 1912, the USA banned absinthe, and other countries followed suit around the same time period. It wasn't until 2007 that the ban was lifted, with the levels of thujone monitored.

While we enjoy absinthe in the traditional sense, we prefer to create the modern cocktail that is sure to impress called the Green Beast:

The Green Beast

1 oz. Pernod Absinthe

1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice

1 oz. simple syrup

4 oz. water

Slices of Seedless Cucumber to garnish

Build cocktail by pouring Pernod, then add ingredients in list order and topping with ice.

What we love: This cocktail is light, refreshing, and easy to construct by the glass or batched in a punchbowl. The Anise (some associate with a similar flavor to black licorice) is subtle enough to be a general people pleaser. It's something to enjoy when you're yearning for something different. The absinthe has an appetite suppressant quality, yet pairs perfectly with light dishes such as white fish or appetizers.

RICARD PASTIS DE MARSEILLE

In response to the ban on absinthe, Ricard Pastis de Marseille rose to popularity. This 90 proof anise based spirit has a similar feeling to absinthe, but with a golden amber hue. Similarly, you will need to add water to dilute it. We should add, you would never eat chicken raw. You should never try Pernod or Ricard straight for the same reason. By adding water, you can watch the spirit start to cloud and turn into a pale yellow color. Fans of the popular Netflix series The Queen's Gambit will recognize this cocktail from the scene when Beth meets with Cleo at the hotel bar in France.

Traditionally served with 1 oz. Ricard, 1 oz. Grenadine (optional), and 5 oz. cold water over ice, the pastis is already slightly sweet but grenadine will round out the flavor. We also recommend subbing out the grenadine for almond or mint syrup.

What we love: Ricard leaves a little tingle on your tongue, and we picture enjoying seafood in a beautiful French restaurant on the water. Also an appetite suppressant, pastis pairs perfectly with light fruity desserts such as coconut ice cream, melon sorbet; or is balanced well with a salty olive tapenade on a toasted baguette.

LEBLON CACHACA

Not a fan of anise? We get it. You can still create a unique and refreshing cocktail by looking towards Brazil for inspiration. A popular cocktail called the Caipirinha (pronounced kai-purr-REEN-yah) will give you all the feels. Made with Cachaca, a distilled spirit made with sugarcane juice (as opposed to molasses like you'll find with rum), it will cool you down on these hot summer days.

What we love: It's light, refreshing, and reminds us of a margarita while giving a different enough flavor profile to keep things interesting.

Żubrówka BISON GRASS VODKA

Yes, there is actually a blade of grass in this Polish vodka. You'll notice the color is a pale yellow-green, and the flavor includes grassy, floral notes with hints of nutty vanilla on the finish. Once illegal in the US because the grass was included in the FDA's classification of "substances generally prohibited from direct addition or use as human food," it is now made with Polish rye grain and is available in most liquor stores in New York.

What we love: The most popular way to enjoy Żubrówka is in a Collins glass with apple juice or apple cider. Even those who have left apple juice in the past of their childhood will be astonished at how these two simple ingredients compliment each other and bring about a completely new flavor profile.

ST. GEORGE

We highly recommend you check out the entire St. George portfolio for its unique selection of spirits, but today we're highlighting the Spiced Pear Liqueur. It's perfect for making cocktails and for those of you already looking ahead to fall, gives the warm spice of a ripe pear, cinnamon, and clove. Amazing substitute for the raspberry liqueur in a Kir Royale, add it to your prosecco or sparkling wine for the ideal brunch cocktail. You can also get creative with other martini recipes or keep it simple by sipping on the rocks.

What we love: This company prides itself in American made ingenuity and integrity. Made in a 65,000 square foot ex-aviation hangar, they only use the freshest quality ingredients. Bad harvest? They'll stop production on that particular spirit as opposed to laying out shoddy quality.

TEQUILA KOMOS

Tasting Panel Magazine rated Komos the first and only 100-point score, which is the highest-rated tequila ever. Unlike any other tequila, the Añejo Cristalino is aged for a minimum of 1 year in French oak white wine barrels. Then they use a charcoal filtering process to create the Cristalino expression. By filtering an anejo tequila, the color is removed and the process enhances its fruity and floral characteristics. The outcome is a clear tequila similar to a blanco, but which also retains the taste and aroma of a tequila that has been barrel aged. In this case, the French oak white wine barrels are what set this brand apart, and although we recommend to slowly sip this tequila, we're also in love with their summery Revel Water cocktail:

Revel Water
1.5 oz Añejo Cristalino
1.5 oz fresh-pressed watermelon juice
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
‍Add all ingredients to a shaker of ice and shake. Strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with mint and a slice of watermelon.

What we love : Not only is the juice exquisite, the eye-catching porcelain bottle is a beautiful blue hue that makes a stunning gift or can be repurposed as a flower vase or candle holder.

That's all for now! Let us know your favorites or other brands to submit for the next one blog. You can also check out our social media @hartagency for the most up to date events!

Cheers,

The Hart Team

Paint the Town GREEN! Irish Whiskeys for St. Patrick's Day

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 16:43:42 GMT

We're diving into everything IRISH just in time for your St. Paddy's day celebration!

With the beginning of March, we're feeling slightly warmer weather which has us yearning for spring. St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, so we're going to look at the differences in Irish Whiskeys and your best cocktails to go along with them.

IRISH WHISKEY

Let's start with the basics. To be classified as an Irish Whiskey, it must meet the following requirements:

Made in Ireland
Include Malted Barley
Fermented by Yeast
Distilled at less than 94.8% ABV
The distillate must have an aroma and flavor derived from the materials used
Aged a minimum of 3 years in wood casks
Be bottled at no less than 40% ABV

JAMESON COLD BREW

The die hard Irish wake up and are at the bar by 6:00 am for Kegs & Eggs. So of course we need some caffeine to go along with it. If you've read our blog in the past, you can skip ahead because you know we're smitten with the newest from Jameson , their Limited Edition Cold Brew . Launched about a year ago, "The Coffee Lovers' Irish Whiskey" is the perfect balance of Irish heat paired with the bold richness of coffee. Amazing on the rocks or in a cocktail, the hard work is done for you. But don't be fooled by leprechaun's gold, this is not a pre-made cocktail. It is your classic Jameson infused with Cold Brew Coffee. Made with Arabica beans from Brazil & Columbia; no sugar is added. The taste is full bodied, smooth, and luscious. We love adding Irish Cream or enjoying it as a Brew-Tini : Combine 2 Parts Jameson Cold Brew, 1 Part Cold Brew Coffee, 1/2 Part Simple Syrup, Shake & Strain into a Martini Glass. And if you're still making that quarantine whipped coffee, spike it with Jameson Cold Brew, duh!

JAMESON BLACK BARREL

As you've probably guessed, Jameson is the highest selling Irish Whiskey in the world. But have you met Jameson's sophisticated older brother, Black Barrel? The barrels used to age this whiskey are double charred, bringing about a richer, more complex flavor profile, while providing an even smoother finish. Nutty meets smooth wood, spice, and vanilla, this is perfect as a Jameson Old Fashioned. Add ice to your mixing glass, pour in 2 ounces Jameson Black Barrel, .75 ounce simple syrup, 2 dashes orange bitters. Stir until cold, pour into your rocks glass over a large ice cube or sphere. Slice the rind of an orange, twisting so the oils go into the glass and around the lip of the glass. Garnish with orange peel. As the Irish say, Sláinte!

POWERS IRISH WHISKEY

In 1791, James Powers founded Johns Lane Distillery, creating a Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey using only the heart of the distillate, so more of the heads and tails is discarded than any other Irish Whiskey. Powers Gold is made from malted and unmalted barley using a single copper pot still, then aged in American oak barrels for 2-3 years. This creates a complex whiskey with a crisp warm flavor. You'll find cinnamon and clove spice, apple and pear, vanilla and toasted oak. Try it neat, on the rocks, in coffee, or our favorite: as the Powers Sour . It's refreshing and strong, ideal to compliment this brisk March weather we're enjoying after such a cold February. To make, simply shake up 2 parts Powers Gold, 1/2 part fresh lemon juice, 1/2 part fresh lime juice, 1/2 part simple syrup with ice. Then strain into a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with an orange wedge and Luxardo cherry.

But buyer be aware : fans of the brand will notice a recent change in label and bottle design. We're loving the modern update which still has a timeless feel. It's certainly going to grab your attention on the shelves. Stores may still have the classic bottle until they get an updated inventory, but never fear! Either way you're getting the same wonderful ambrosia inside.

GREEN SPOT

Spot Whiskeys hold an interesting history; the Mitchell Family started as a confectionary and bakery in 1805, even holding the reputation of "Confectioner to Her Majesty." At the time, Jameson's distillery would sell their spirit to bonders who matured them in wine casks. It wasn't until 1887 that the Mitchell Family became reputable for their Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. The barrels were marked with a colored spot of paint to indicate how long they should be aged for - blue for 7 years, green for 10 years, yellow for 12 years, and red for 15 years. Today, Green Spot is blended from whiskeys aged between 7-10 years in new bourbon, refilled bourbon, and sherry casks. This award winning whiskey "is a whiskey you don’t throw around...it has a very, very unique style. It’s very full in the mouth. It’s very mellow." Therefore, we feel it's best to preserve the quality by enjoying it simply with a Spot & Soda - the effervescence of club soda creates a clean compliment to the apple, spice, and oak of Green Spot. Find the recipe here . You'll combine 35 ml Green Spot, 25 ml Apple/Mint Syrup, 5 ml Malic Acid Solution over ice in a Collins glass and fill with Soda Water. However, this whiskey is also incredibly mixable, and perfect for a well crafted cocktail as well. Check out more cocktail ideas on their website .

Famous fans of the brand include Playwright Samuel Beckett, Singer Mick Jagger, and Actor Daniel Day-Lewis. Grab a bottle and see what all the excitement is about!

REDBREAST 12 YEAR

What makes Redbreast unique is they age their 12 Year Old whiskey in both bourbon and sherry casks. You'll notice spice, orchard fruit, and charred wood on the nose and flavor profile that's complex and balanced. The star contributor to this aged whiskey is the sherry steeped wood that's impregnated into the liquid, giving it a subtle redness to the color, which may be part of the reason for the name. The long finish will have you sipping this exquisite whiskey neat in order to cherish every drop.

Redbreast's history began with the wine importer & distillers called Gilbeys in 1857, and by 1875 they held the largest stocks of Irish Whiskey in the world, selling 83,000 cases that year. Using John Jameson & Son's "sole make" to fill their sherry casks, Redbreast was bottled in bond under Gilbeys' Castle Grand label and guaranteed to be at least 6 years old. It wasn't until 1912 that the name Redbreast was first used in advertising. Thought to be the nickname for the red and white labeled 12 Year Old Whiskey, it is said to be attributed to the Chairman of Gilbeys of the time, who was a bird enthusiast. For the serious whiskey enthusiast, this is the ideal bottle for you.

That's all for now - we're hoping that no matter your level of fascination with Irish Whiskey, you've been provided some insight on what to look for on the store shelves. We're excited to pair these with the saltiness of corn beef & cabbage or a nice big Rueben sandwich with a side of french fries! Don your best Kelly green attire, kiss an Irish Lass, do a little jig, and enjoy the day!

Check out Hart Agency's social media for up to date details on events in your area. Be sure to tag us on social media with your favorite Irish Whiskey too!

Erin Go Bragh!

Slainte,

The Hart Team

Hart Agency's Best Wines for Celebrating Valentine's Day Weekend

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:18:52 GMT

Every Valentine's Day, we think about WINE! Perfectly paired with dinner or dessert, it will get you in the mood for romance and we've got plenty of recommendations. Listed by varietal with their ideal food pairings, this lineup will make your shopping trip easy.

JOSH CELLARS PROSECCO

Josh Cellars' portfolio has been one of our staples, and their 2019 partnership with the Pozzi family has had us excited about this Italian sparkling wine since the beginning. Just the right amount of elegant effervesce, Josh Prosecco is light but flavorful. Green apple, pear, and citrus are prominent, with a subtle sweetness to round it out. One of the best things we've ever paired with prosecco is this chicken pot pie . Seriously. The saltiness, umami, and flakey pie crust are an amazing combination with this wine. So dim the lights, cozy up on the couch with a romantic movie, and move dinner to the davenport!

Also delicious with a prosciutto and burrata bruschetta on a slice of charred Italian bread - you can be on theme with Italian night. Make homemade pasta and cannolis for a sweet evening of cooking.

TRIBUTE SAUVIGNON BLANC

Earning 92 Points with both Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel Magazine for their 2019 vintage, Tribute Sauvignon Blanc has all the flavor, balance, and structure you're looking for in a white wine. Tropical citrus of pineapple and grapefruit are complimented by minerality, and the barrel aging rounds out the finish nicely. This will cut through the spice of an Asian dish, or compliment seafood. This Valentine's Day, we picture an intimate indoor picnic with the best sushi in town delivered to your door and a few bottles of Tribute Sauvignon Blanc.

MER SOLEIR SILVER CHARDONNAY

For those who enjoy the complexity of Chardonnay without the buttery finish, try out Mer Soleir Silver Chardonnay. Fermented and aged in concrete and stainless steel tanks, the result is a bright crisp minerality with citrus and unripe stone fruit. A wine like this is amazing with fatty foods such as salmon or other flakey white fish. Another option is something light and flavorful, such as turkey burgers with grilled veggies and a garlic aioli. How romantic would it be to recreate this meal together in the kitchen then enjoy the night together? Remember those dishes can wait for the morning!

FLEURS de PRAIRIE ROSE

French for "Wildflowers", we're loving the vibe that this beautiful bottle gives us, along with the juice inside. Delicate and bright, you'll find fresh strawberries, floral notes, citrus, and herbs balance with an invigorating acidity which brings complexity and structure. Sourced from vineyards in the South of France, the terroir provides ideal growing conditions which result in ripe juicy grapes and a fantastic wine to serve with lighter dishes and desserts such as chicken, fish, grilled veggies, berries, shortbread, or a fruit tart. If you're yearning for a more rich flavor profile in your food, choose soft cheeses or strawberry cheesecake.

LOVE NOIR PINOT NOIR

This elegant bottle says it all right on the label. Can we be any more overt? Known as a light grape, this Pinot Noir still manages to deliver a decadence like no other. Jammy fruit, cherry, and espresso balance nicely, with a soft lingering finish of vanilla. Pair with a salty lemon citrus dish (such as a Lemon Chicken Piccata or Risotto), and you'll notice the flavors enhance for a fuller mouthfeel. Explore the "darker side of wine" with the edgy version of this classic California wine. For dessert, make your own chocolate covered strawberries for a passionate way to begin the ending of your night . Wink wink.

CUPCAKE RED VELVET

Cupcake Red Velvet earned a Gold Metal and 90 Point rating with Sommelier Challenge International, and carries all the rich flavors and sweetness of your favorite crimson cake. You'll pick up the same tasting notes that you would find with the real confectionary treat: cherry, blackberry, chocolate, vanilla, and toasted oak. With 12g/L of residual sugar, this is definitely a bottle for those with a sweet tooth. Blended with Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, we recommend something like a BBQ bacon cheddar cheeseburger. Sweet, tangy, gamey, and rich.

A fun way to end the night is with a dark chocolate fondue or with rich chocolate cupcakes.

LAYER CAKE SHIRAZ

Known for "richly layered wines", they are comprised of grapes from the regions they thrive in. Layer Cake Shiraz hails from South Australia, they use wines from the McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley to achieve this layered taste. Blackberry, dark cherry, and rich chocolate flavors linger with a long finish of warm oak spice. Don't be deceived by the name, however. Unlike cake, this wine can be categorized as "off dry" with bold flavors and a medium acidity which brings a nice harmony to the wine. Incredibly versatile with food, this can be enjoyed with steak, venison, duck, lamb, BBQ chicken, and hard cheeses. The rule for dessert is, you want to wine to be sweeter than the food, so stick with a dark chocolate for this robust wine.

MENAGE A TROIS SILK AND MIDNIGHT

Ménage à Trois was created from blending three grape varietals into one "provocative" blend. Honoring that threesome, they decided on a name that would capture the sensual taste and experimental origin. Ménage à Trois Silk is a soft red blend comprised of 66% Pinot Noir, 18% Malbec, and 16% Petite Sirah. A self proclaimed seductive and soft wine, it was created with silk in mind. Bright red and dark fruits (such as cherry and raspberry), meet sweet spice from French and American oak to create a full bodied wine with a smooth mouthfeel. Sunday Valentine's dinner can be simple with a red wine pot roast and flourless chocolate mug cake . For something completely daring, NYC'ers can head over to Eataly to pick up their popular squid ink pasta. Add roasted red peppers for a beautiful eye catching black and red dish.

THE CALLING ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

We're ending strong with The Calling Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. If you're looking for a little bit of a splurge on this special occasion, you won't be going overboard because this bottle is priced at only $37.00. Aged in French Oak for 18 months, you'll find rounded out tannins while keeping a full rich palate. Blackberry, dark chocolate, black pepper, and oak spice are detected in this concentration of flavors. Enjoy with filet mignon and grilled veggies. For dessert go for a chocolate raspberry tarte cake.

There are so many ways to celebrate Valentine's Day this year. In addition to what we've already listed, we've got a ton more:

Being on a Sunday, you can enjoy the whole weekend with a dreamy weekend away in a rustic cabin or B&B.
Visit a park, go for a hike in the snow, and bring an extra blanket to cuddle on the park bench with a snack and a thermos.
Speaking of snow, real snow bunnies will love hitting the slopes upstate or skating hand in hand at Bryant Park or Central Park.
Have a spa night with a bubble bath and bubbly champagne, cucumber masks, and lastly take turns with giving each other back and foot massages.
For a change of scenery, book a hotel for the night, order room service, stay in your robes all night.
Take a virtual class, whether it's painting, learning about wine, art, or your favorite topic.
Many museums and theatres are doing virtual events. Check them out!

That's all for now! Let us know your favorites, and how you're celebrating this Valentine's Day weekend.

Look out for these wines and many more at our upcoming promotional events. We will be showcasing them live all weekend on our social media pages. Stop in for a bottle and tell them Hart sent you!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

Celebrating Super Bowl LV with Jack & Coke! Plus many more Jack Daniel's recipes

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:29:11 GMT

Jack Daniel's and Coca Cola have always been a harmonious marriage of strong whiskey spice plus sweet refreshing bubbly, and we're stocking up for this Sunday's Super Bowl event. Join us for some history on the brand as well as other products and recipes from Jack Daniel's that are sure to thrill!

BRAND FACTS

Founded in 1866, Jack Daniel's was the first registered distillery in the USA.
Jack first learned to make whiskey in 1863 at the age of 13. It is said that he went to work for a preacher, grocer, and distiller named Dan Call who taught him how to run his distillery.
In 2016 (the 150th Anniversary of the distillery), an article by the New York Times was published, delving further into the history of the brand's beginnings. Never a secret, but not talked about much prior, it is realized that one of Dan Call's slaves named Nearest Green was charged with teaching Jack everything he knew about distilling whiskey. Read the full article here .
The distillery is located in Lynchburg, TN which is a dry town. Although Prohibition ended in 1933, the town is still dry! The product is not able to be sold at stores or restaurants in the county. However the distillery is able to serve samples and sell bottles on their distillery tours.
The mash is a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley and distilled in copper stills. It is then filtered through charcoal which is what originally set Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 apart in quality.
New, charred American White Oak barrels are used to age the whiskey, which rests for about 4 years.
The iconic square bottle was easier to transport and store. The logo & label were created in 1911, the year of Jack Daniel's passing. Some speculate that the black label honors his death.
The first known mention of whiskey and Coca Cola was 1907. The rest is history!

TASTING NOTES - Jack Daniel's Old No. 7

Nose: Light with plenty of nutty sweetness, with hints of dry spice and a touch of smoke.
Palate: Smooth, soft notes of nutty caramel.
Finish: Sweet with toasted oak

JACK & COKE

Jack & Coke is a popular drink for a variety of reasons. Enjoyable for the novice drinker or the whiskey connoisseur alike, it tastes great, is easy to make, is sweet & refreshing, and balances with a variety of foods. We're particularly excited about the fried bar apps we'll be enjoying with it. While it's easy enough to find spinach and artichoke dip or hot wings in the frozen section of your grocery store, we're supporting small businesses this year by patronizing local restaurants for their take out selection.

As far as our favorite Super Bowl cocktail, you may even find premade cocktails in cans at your local liquor store. Continue to look out for events on our social media pages so you can stop in and grab a complimentary sample and swag!

Staff will have proper PPE at tasting events. Please be sure to wear a mask when entering.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE FLAVORS...

If you like changing it up, Jack Daniel's has some of the best flavored whiskeys around. In taste comparisons, Jack stands out above the rest for balance and quality of flavor (you won't find overly sweet, syrupy, or artificial flavors here). Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire is worth the extra few bucks when comparing other popular firey brands... believe us on this one. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey is ideal with lemonade and Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple is delicious with ginger beer in an Apple Mule.

CREATIVE COCKTAILS

There's nothing wrong with adding a dash of sophistication while screaming at your TV screen, so grab your special glasses, your bar set, and fancy it up with some of our seasonal favorites from JD:

WINTER JACK MIMOSA

1 oz. Winter Jack Tennessee Cider

1 oz. Apple Cider

1 oz. Korbel Brut

Serve in flute glass

GENTLEMAN'S MANHATTAN

1.5 oz. Gentleman Jack

.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth

.5 oz. Dry Vermouth

2 Dashes Bitters

Spoonful of cherry syrup & 3 brandied cherries

Add bourbon, vermouths, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir vigorously, then strain into a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with cherries and spoon in syrup.

CINNAMON SMASHED APPLE

1 oz. Tennessee Fire

1 oz. Sour Mix or Lemon-Lime Simple Syrup

Apple Cider

Apple Slices & Cinnamon for garnish

Build cocktail in highball in order of ingredients, over ice. Stir gently and add garnishes.

RASPBERRY LYNCHBURG

2 oz. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7

3/4 oz. Lime Juice

1/4 oz. Simple Syrup

1/2 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

Splash of Sprite

Add all ingredients except Sprite to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball with ice, top with Sprite and garnish with 3 raspberries.

SPICED APPLE JACK

1.5 oz. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7

3/4 oz. Amaretto

2 oz. Apple Juice

Ginger Beer
Build Cocktail in highball glass with ice in order of ingredients. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Photo from the launch of Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple with Hart Agency Girls at Johnny Utah's in NYC, 2018.

That's all for now! We hope you're able to stop in to one of our promotional events and pick up a bottle of your favorite variety of Jack Daniel's. Cause once you go Jack, you never go back! Check out the story section of Hart Agency's FB and Instagram pages for the most up to the minute details.

Let us know your favorite Jack Daniel's recipe! Who are you rooting for this Sunday? Do you just watch for the commercials? Comment down below - we're excited to hear form you.

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

The Best Cocktails Served HOT!

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:37:12 GMT

It's January and we're loving the cold weather here in the Empire State. These cocktail ideas are for anyone who enjoys the chilly outdoors or cozying up on the couch. (So... that covers everyone, right?)

Take a brisk walk & fill up your thermos - these beverages will keep you warm in more ways than one!

One of our favorite things about mixing up hot drinks is there are unending flavor combinations available to you. Sweeten it up with Caramel flavored vodka instead of regular, for example.

We always recommend going to real ingredients when possible because it makes all the difference in taste. But if you want to keep it simple, that works too! It's all about what you have time & energy for. For example, melt real chocolate nibs into warmed milk or water; or simply stir up a packet of hot chocolate mix.

Choose your preferred milk, whether 2%, skim, almond, or oat depending on your taste & diet preferences.

Anyway... let's get to it and we hope you enjoy!

MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE

Add a little spice to your hot chocolate for some extra heat. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and tequila will do just that, and result in a completely different take on your traditional winter drink.

In a saucepan, heat 2 1/2 cups milk with 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne powder. Once it starts to bubble only slightly, remove from heat and add 6 ounces semisweet chocolate (chopped or shavings), 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir until chocolate is melted. Finally, grab your favorite tequila (we love Patron, Avion, El Tesoro, or Olmeca Altos ), and add 2 ounces. Top with whip cream and dust with cinnamon and some chocolate shavings (optional).

DISARONNO HOT COCOA

Sure, you can stick to a vodka and rum to spike your hot chocolate. There's nothing wrong with that, but sometimes we like to get creative with our spirits. Adding 2 ounces Disaronno Amaretto Liqueur to homemade hot cocoa will up the sweetness while adding a rich almond taste.

To make hot cocoa, this time we recommend heating 2 cups of your preferred milk and instead of semi-sweet chocolate (as noted above), use good quality milk chocolate. It rounds our the taste and compliments the Disaronno perfectly!

HOT WHITE RUSSIAN

We're big fans of Kahlua this time of year. Being a coffee rum liqueur, it is sweet and versatile. Plus they have a variety of flavors including French Vanilla, Cinnamon, Hazelnut, Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, and Pumpkin. Grab whatever bottle of Kahlua is your favorite!

Hot White Russian

4 oz. Fresh Hot Coffee

2 oz. Kahlua

2 oz. Whole Milk

1 oz. Vodka

Whipped Cream to top.

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes (avoid boiling). Pour into your glass and top with whipped cream.

JAMESON IRISH COFFEE

One Irish Whiskey stands out as the world's most popular: Jameson. We love Jameson for an Irish Coffee, but now that they've launched the Caskmates Stout and Coffee Brew editions, we've got the opportunity to change it up a bit while staying loyal. The cocoa, hops, and butterscotch flavors of the Casmates Stout compliment the coffee & cream well; while the Coffee Brew enhances it.

Add hot coffee to your glass until it's about 3/4 full, stir in 1 TBSP brown sugar until it dissolves. Add 1 1/2 ounces of Jameson Caskmates Stout or Coffee Brew, and top with whipped heavy cream by pouring carefully with a bar spoon.

SPIKED SALTED CARAMEL COFFEE

Looking for something sweeter and creamier? A Spiked Salted Caramel Coffee will give you that sugar high you're yearning for. So easy and delectable, you'll be tempted to make it part of your daily routine.

Grab a bottle of Ghiradelli Sea Salt Caramel and add 2 tsp to your coffee mug along with 2 ounces vodka (we love Absolut, Tito's, Suntori, and Stoli ). Add a splash of half & half or your preferred milk, top with coffee and stir. Finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of that caramel sauce.

HOT TODDY

Now that we're living in the times when any cold symptom will send us running for a rapid test, a hot toddy will help a sore throat or just warm you up on a cold winter night. So you whether you're feeling under the weather or not, grab bit of honey, lemon, whiskey, and boil up some water. We love Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, or Jim Beam.

Hot Toddy

3/4 Cups Water

1.5 Oz Whiskey

2-3 TSP Honey, to taste

2-3 TSP Lemon Juice, to taste

1 Lemon Round, 1 Cinnamon Stick, Anise for garnish (optional)

HOT BUTTERED RUM

A cold weather classic, Hot Buttered Rum is just the right amount of spice and warmth. We find it's perfect to batch for your group.

Hot Buttered Rum

1 stick (4 tbsp.) unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground nutmeg

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground allspice

Pinch of salt

2 oz. Premium Spiced Rum

6 oz. hot water

Combine 4 tbsp. softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, spices, and salt in a bowl. Stir until incorporated. Then add 1 tbsp. of your mixture to your mug, add spiced rum (we like Sailor Jerry, Pyrat, Kraken, or Bacardi ), and top with hot water. Stir until completely mixed. Any extra of your butter-sugar mix can be sealed in an air tight container and stored in the fridge for later.

HOT CINNAMON APPLE CIDER

Most popular in the fall, Hot Apple Cider is a staple item at festivals and pumpkin patches. That's not to say you can't enjoy it all winter long too! We're adding a bit more heat by using Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire for this recipe.

Hot Cinnamon Apple Cider

4 1/2 oz. apple cider

2 tbsp. orange juice

Cinnamon Sticks

Whole Cloves

Whole Star Anise

8 ounces Tennessee Fire

Add all ingredients except the liquor into a pot on simmer on low heat for about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain into a pitcher (or strain individually into 4 glasses). Add 2 ounces Tennessee Fire to each glass. Stir and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.

MULLED WINE

Mulled Wine is essentially a spiced red wine, served hot. It is typically spiked with cognac or brandy. Our recommendation is Courvoisier VS or VSOP. You'll get incredible quality while beating the prices of other popular cognac brands. When mixing ingredients together, often people don't want to spend the money on high end brands. However we're firm believers that better ingredients equal better taste (and often better for you). For your wine we'd go with Josh Cellars Cabernet or a dry Italian wine like Tenuta Sassoregale Sangiovese.

Mulled Wine

1 bottle Dry Red Wine

¼ cup Courvoisier

¼ cup honey

1-2 oranges, sliced into circles

Cinnamon sticks

Whole Star anise

Whole Cloves

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer (avoid boiling), then lower heat, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes to a few hours. Strain, then serve warm and garnish with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, & star anise.

Thanks for checking out our favorite hot drink recipes! Tell us in the comments which is your favorite, or share your own personal recipe with us. We love hearing from you.

As always, thank you for the support and we're looking forward to a bright & cheerful 2021! Stay warm, friends.

Cheers,
The Hart Team

Ring in 2021 with Hart Agency's Top NYE Wine & Cocktail Recommendations!

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 23:18:19 GMT

There are many New Year's traditions from around the world that promise to bring good luck and prosperity. From eating black-eyed peas to exactly 12 grapes, we're taking a look at those traditions and pairing them with fabulous wines & spirits to celebrate the beginning of 2021.

BLACK EYED PEAS

Popular in many of the Southern States, eating black eyed peas on New Year's Day is thought to bring about prosperity for the new year. Often served with some sort of pork, because pigs root forward when foraging, which represents forward movement. Cabbage or collard greens are served to symbolize green money, and cornbread to symbolize gold.

Best recommendation to serve with this dish is a California Chardonnay and we're loving Sonoma-Cutrer's from Russian River Ranches . With notes of barrel spice, lime, and pear, it compliments the saltiness of the meal while having the structure to support it.

SOUERKRAUT AND BRATWURST

NYE signs of luck in Germany include various versions of prepared sauerkraut, as well as homemade soft pretzels, lentil soup, bratwursts, and pork. A specialty to serve is seafood such as carp.

German food goes best with German beer, so what we recommend to serve with this feast is Hoegaarden White Ale , which is a wheat beer from Belgium. The soft citrus of orange peel with coriander & herbs has incredible drinkability that is fabulous with food. Awesome to balance fried and salty foods, it's our go-to at the beirgarten.

12 GRAPES

A Spanish tradition is to eat 12 grapes while saying each of the 12 months on each strike of the clock at 12:00 on New Year's. Another version is to make 12 wishes.

We're making frozen sugared grapes to add to our Campo Viejo Cava , along with placing a ring in the bottom of our flute glass to represent prosperity. Simply pour a bottle of cava and a few ounces of Absolut Pears Vodka into a bowl with a bag of cleaned grapes. Let them soak for about an hour, then strain. Coat grapes with sugar and freeze. For best results and easy garnishing, put grapes on a toothpick or skewer. Add to your glass for some extra sweetness or serve them on the side. What to do with the strained out cava? Can't go to waste - use it for a winter sangria.

RED UNDERWEAR

Looking for love? Another Spanish tradition is to wear red underwear to ring in the New Year. They must be brand new, and it's said to bring love and passion to you. Yellow underwear brings good luck and green brings fortune. Choose wisely!

We're pairing red underwear with decedent red wine such as Layer Cake Malbec . "Richly layered" like cake, these wines are not necessarily sweet but have some of the same characteristics of the cakes you love. Grab some chocolate cake, Layer Cake Malbec, and a new set of red underwear and cozy up while staying in while you ring in the New Year.

PACK YOUR SUITCASE

A Colombian tradition is to pack your suitcase (lightly) and run as quick as you can around the block, so you will travel in the new year. We're taking this one very seriously, as many of us have only traveled from one side of the house to the other thus far.

After this ritual, we're pouring ourselves a cocktail straight from Ryan Reynolds' own collection, with Aviation American Gin .

The Aviation

1.5 oz Aviation American Gin
0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.25 oz Simple Syrup
1 tsp Crème De Violette

Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with Ice. Shake, then strain into Coupe glass. Garnish with brandied Cherry.

WEAR WHITE

In Brazil, it's customary to wear all white when celebrating the New Year as a representation of peace and prosperity. And since they believe Champagne will keep you energized throughout the whole year, we're matching our white attire with the stunning white label of Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne.

This award winning Champagne is perfectly defined by the cellar master himself,

"The freshness, finesse, and brightness of Brut Premier make it the perfect wine for festive occasions. Its structured texture, richness, and length are distinctly winey. It is a full, complex wine that is both rich and powerful,

whilst remaining a great classic."

— Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master

This wine is comprised of around 40% Pinot noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, then aged in the winery's cellar for three years. This is the ideal Champagne for 2021!

That's all for now! Thank you for taking this ride with us, and we're looking forward to a healthy & prosperous 2021. No matter how you celebrate the end of 2020 and new beginnings, stay safe & happy!

We hope you enjoy and are able to use these ideas to your advantage.

Cheers and Happy New Year!

The Hart Team

Hart Agency's 12 Cocktails of Christmas 2020!

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 01:48:25 GMT

We hope you're visited by many spirits this Christmas Season! Be sure to leave one next to the cookies for Santa too!

You'll find the first half of this list are "Classics", (or a seasonal take on the classics), while the second half are creamy/dessert cocktails. We hope you enjoy both groups as much as we do!

Korbel Kir Royale

Delightfully festive, and incredibly simple!

.25 oz Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

Korbel Dry California Champagne

Raspberries

Pour Chambord into a flute glass, fill glass with Korbel, and add raspberries for garnish.

Woodford French Manhattan

Continuing with our love for Chambord, shake up the classic cocktail with a French twist!

2 oz. Woodford Reserve Bourbon

1 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur

Dash of Bitters

Luxardo Cherry or Raspberry to garnish.

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Top with garnish.

Absolut Pears Martini

1.5 oz. Absolut Pears

.75 oz. simple syrup

.5 oz. lemon juice

.5 oz. spiced pear puree

Pear Slice for garnish

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Top with garnish. Pair with a partridge in a pear tree.

Jack Apple Spritz

1.5 oz. Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple

3 oz. Prosecco

Soda

Pour Jack Apple over ice. Add Prosecco. Top with soda. Garnish with apple slices.

Nolet's White Cranberry Martini

1.5 oz. Nolet's Silver Gin

1 oz. White Cranberry Juice

.5 oz. Lemon Juice

.5 oz. Simple Syrup

Champagne to top

Rosemary & Cranberry Sprig to garnish

Add all ingredients except champagne & garnishes to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into coupe or flute glass. Finish with Champagne and garnish.

Tito's Cranberry Texas Mule

1 oz. Tito's Vodka

1 oz. Cranberry Juice Cocktail

2 oz. Ginger Beer

1 tbsp. lime juice

Lime wedge, fresh cranberries, and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Build cocktail in a copper mule mug with ice. Stir gently and add garnishes.

Rumchata Christmas Cookie

3 oz. Rumchata Horchata Liqueur

1 oz. Pinnacle Cake Vodka

1 oz. Hot Damn

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass with fresh ice. Optional: rim with red & green sprinkles.

Eggnog Martini

1 oz. Vanilla Vodka

1 oz. Disaronno Amaretto

3 oz. Eggnog

Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Sprinkle with McCormick nutmeg.

Absolut Peppermint White Chocolate Martini

1.5 oz. Absolut Vanilia

1.5 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 oz. Creme de Cacao

1 oz. half & half

.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps

White Chocolate Syrup and Crushed Peppermints to garnish

Rim glass with syrup and peppermint. Add ingredients to a shaker with ice, strain into glass & garnish.

Bailey's Apple Chai Pie

1.5 oz. Bailey's Apple Pie

.5 oz. Bullet Bourbon

5-6 oz. Chai Tea

Steep Chai Tea, then add bourbon, followed by Bailey's. Optional: top with whipped cream and apple or cinnamon stick.

Stoli S'mores-tini

Start by rimming your glass with chocolate syrup, as well as adding a drizzle in the glass. Dip the glass in crushed graham crackers.

2 oz. Stoli Vanilla

1 oz. Crème De Cacao

.5 oz. heavy cream

Add to ice and ingredients to shaker, shake vigorously, and strain into glass. Garnish with a few toasted marshmallows.

Patrón Espresso Martini

.75 oz. Patrón XO Cafe

.75 oz. Patrón Silver Tequila

.75 oz. Espresso

Rim your glass using fine sugar & powdered chocolate. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake & strain. Garnish with 3 espresso beans for luck!

That's all for now- we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Let us know your favorites in the comments!

C heers for now,

The Hart Team

The Perfect Cocktails to Pair with Your Favorite Holiday Movie

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 15:47:14 GMT

We love Christmas movies and one of our favorite holiday past times is watching them over and over, especially while wrapping gifts, cooking, and baking. Get cozy on the couch with a movie from this list and the best cocktail to pair it with. But reader beware - we're leaving the Hallmark movies out of this list and sticking to the "classics".

A CHRISTMAS STORY

While there's definitely room for an Ovaltine-themed drink, we're going in a different direction with Ralphie's Pink Nightmare after the costume Aunt Clara gifts Ralphie. Looking for something stronger? Order the delicious You'll Shoot Your Eye Out brought to you by Sazerac & Sourced Cocktails.

Ralphie's Pink Nightmare

2 Ounce Grey Goose Vodka

1/2 Ounce St. Germaine

Strawberries

1/2 Ounce Lemon Juice

1/2 Ounce Simple Syrup

Muddle a few strawberries in a glass, then add other ingredients to a shaker over ice. Shake for about 20-30 seconds and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with strawberry. Bonus points if you choose a pink marshmallow bunny peep as a garnish instead.

NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION

We're holding our holiday standard's as high as Clark Griswold with a Spiked Eggnog. You can even create an authentic experience by serving them in moose antler glassware like in the movie.

Clark & Eddy's Eggnog

3 Cups Eggnog

1/2 Cup Disaranno Amaretto Liqueur

1/4 Cup Bacardi White Rum

Dash of Cinnamon and/or Nutmeg

Combine wet ingredients in a pitcher or punchbowl, pour into glasses, and add spices on top.

HOME ALONE

Kevin's freedom from his family, who he willed to disappear, is celebrated with a chocolate sundae and dirty movies. This has inspired this mischievous milkshake for us adults. “I’M EATING JUNK FOOD AND WATCHING RUBBISH, YOU BETTER COME OUT AND STOP ME!”

Kevin's Spiked Chocolate Peanut Butter Sundae

1 Frozen Banana

2 Tbsp. Peanut Butter

1-2 Scoops Chocolate Ice Cream

2 Ounces Bacardi Spiced Rum

Toppings (see below)

Blend all ingredients, pour into glass, and add whipped cream, chopped peanuts, sprinkles, and a cherry.

On a different note, we also highly recommend Boozy Ice Cream from The Tipsy Scoop , found locally in Brooklyn, NY. They are the creamiest ice creams we've ever had. For those who aren't local, you can find four or six pack pints on Goldbelly, which will deliver to anywhere in the US. Fantastic gift, or splurge on a treat for yourself. Let us know your favorites, we love the Spiked Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream and Mango Margarita Sorbet. Enjoy, ya filthy animal.

ELF

It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since Will Farrell became Buddy the Elf, and to commemorate that we're sticking to "the four main food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and SYRUP!"

Buddy famously adds maple syrup to his spaghetti at dinner, then the next morning creates a balanced breakfast of spaghetti, various syrups including maple and chocolate, M&M's, Marshmallows, Smores Pop-Tarts.

Later in the movie, he makes friend with an ex-felon while working in the mail room of his dad's job, who adds liquor to his coffee. Thinking it's syrup, Buddy joins in, resulting in a hilarious drunken fiasco on the job.

Buddy the Elf's Maple Bourbon Smash

2 Ounces Bourbon

1 Ounce Maple Syrup

1 Ounce Lemon Juice

Combine ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake for about 20 seconds, and pour into a rocks glass with a large sphere ice cube. Garnish with lemon peel.

THE GRINCH

There are now three versions showcasing Dr. Seuss' Grinch character (The original 26 minute cartoon from 1966, the Jim Carey version, and now the 2018 animated movie with Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the title role). No matter which is your top, we're seeing lime green!

The Grinch Sour

1 Ounce Vodka

1 1/2 Ounces Midori

2 Ounces Sweet & Sour Mix

1 1/2 Ounces Fresh Lime Juice

Dash Lemon Lime Seltzer or Sprite

Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Shake all ingredients over ice, top with splash of soda and garnish with cherries.

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER

A children's classic that teaches us there is a place for all of us unique little misfits in the world, we'll be drinking Yukon Cornelius' Peppermint Mine while we watch. If you've ever wondered why he licks his ax in the search for silver & gold, it's because he's actually hoping to strike it rich with a peppermint mine. Apparently the scene explaining this has been cut when aired on TV, but streaming & DVD versions still include it.

Yukon Cornelius' Peppermint Mine

2 Ounces Vanilla Vodka

4 Ounces Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

2 Ounces Half & Half

1/4 Tsp McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract

Simple Syrup (add extra sugar to water, should be 3:2 ratio)

Peppermints, crushed for rim.

Dip rim of martini glass in simple syrup, then into the crushed peppermints. Add the other ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake it up and strain into glass.

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

This is one children's movie our toddlers will watch on REPEAT.

And as cute as that is, we'll be in the kitchen chugging this delicious Melted Snowman Martini and laughing our faces off at both the melted snowmen in our glass and on the screen.

Melted Snowman

2 Ounces Vanilla Vodka

1 Ounce Fireball Whiskey

1 Ounce Rumchatta

1 Ounce Half & Half

Powdered Sugar

Chocolate Chips

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake & pour out into a martini glass. Sprinkle powdered sugar, and add two chocolate chips for the eyes.

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL

If this movie isn't a staple in your Christmas movie watching lineup, you've got to give it a shot. Michael Caine and Kermit the Frog head up this star studded cast (as Scrooge and Bob Cratchit, respectively), including Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickins, and Fozzie Bear as Fozziwig. Beautiful music, humorous quips, and incredible acting by Caine result in this feel good classic.

For this one, we're giving you three spirit choices, just like the ones who visited Scrooge:

Ghost of Christmas Past

The doll-like ghost that appears to Scrooge shows him the sorrow of his lonely past, which made him the way he is today. She's soft and delicate, which is why we love the Elderflower Royale to represent her. In a flute glass, place a sugar cube, fill with 6 ounces of Brut Sparkling Wine, 1 ounce St-Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.

Ghost of Christmas Present

Delightfully cheerful, if you are one to live in the present, we think Great Lakes Christmas Ale is for you. Flavors of honey, cinnamon, and ginger; this ale is so popular it typically sells out. According to them, it pairs well with "roast duck, spiced dessert, and ugly sweaters."

Ghost of Christmas Future

While Absinthe is no longer made with that infamous wormwood that makes one hallucinate and cut their ear off, it still gives us the same thrill of the meeting Grim Reaper-like Ghost of Christmas Future. Showing Scrooge the future should he not change his cold ways, we see the full turnaround of Ebenezer's character. We're going classic with Pernod's Absinthe Drip . Pour 1 1/2 ounces Pernod Absinthe in a glass, place a sugar cube in a spoon, and slowly drip 4 ounces of fresh cold water. This simple cloudy green cocktail is gives a light anise flavor. It's light, refreshing, and will bring you back to life.

NARNIA - THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE

This book-turned-movie by C.S. Lewis has many religious parallels, including the traitor brother named Edward (like Judas), Aslan the Lion who sacrifices himself, is stripped of his mane, and returns from the dead a few days later. Saint Nick himself even appears to help the children by gifting them items that will help them battle the devilish White Witch Jadis.

Influenced by the hot chocolate and Turkish Delights Jadis feeds Edward, we're spiking our hot chocolate for an adult take on one of our favorite seasonal drinks.

Jadis' Spiked Hot Chocolate

2 Cups Milk

3 Tbsp Cocoa Powder

2 Tbsp Sugar

1/4 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Optional - pinch of cinnamon & marshmallows or whip cream for toppings

2 Ounces Bourbon, Rum, or Irish Cream

Heat milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and chocolate chips in a saucepan, stirring frequently (do not let boil). Once the chocolate chips have melted, add your liquor of choice & vanilla extract, stir and serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS CHRONICAL PART 1 & 2

Although not a "Classic", we're sure this one is destined to become one. Starring Kurt Russell as a hot, fit, rocked-out version of Santa Claus, with his real life beau Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, this story tells about the True Believers and a unique take on the history of the man himself.

This is one pair where the sequel is actually just as good as the original. The first movie follows siblings Teddy & Kate Pierce helping Santa find his magical sack of toys to restore Christmas, all while recording it on a hand held camera to prove to the world that Santa exists. Unfortunately for them, Santa confiscates the tape without their knowledge.

In the second movie, True Believer Kate laments spending the holiday in the tropical paradise of Cancun, sipping tropical drinks, and watching her mom's new beau step in place of her deceased father. She should be in the snow with hot cocoa and shopping trips to the mall, after all!

We're using that idea to marry the tropics with classic winter flavors with the Christmas Sangria .

Christmas Sangria

1 Bottle of Dry Red Wine (chilled)

1 Cup Chopped Fresh Pineapple

2/3 Cup Frozen Cranberries

1 Cup Pineapple Juice

1 Cup Cranberry Juice

1 Cup Orange Juice

1 Orange, sliced

1/3 Cup Cointreau or Grand Marnier

2 Tbsp Honey

To finish:

Club Soda

Sugared Cranberries & Rosemary Sprigs, for garnish

Add all ingredients to a pitcher, stir well, and chill for a minimum of 2 hours. Add to glass with ice, top off with a splash of club soda, and garnish.

JINGLE JANGLE

Another instant classic with rave reviews, is Jingle Jangle . A once-cheerful toymaker (Forest Whitaker) is betrayed by his apprentice (Michael Key of Key & Peele), and decades later overcomes that defeat when he is reconnected with his granddaughter and astringed daughter. The dancing, lively toys (one voiced by Ricky Martin), and inventions inspires us to craft a Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate .

Frozen Mexican Hot Chocolate

3 Ounces Dark Chocolate, Chopped

2 Tbsp Sugar

2 1/2 Tbsp Hot Chocolate Mix

1/2 Tsp Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper

1 1/2 Cups Milk of Choice

Start by melting chocolate down, then add 1/2 cup milk, sugar, hot chocolate mix, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Once stirred, let cool and place in blender with the rest of the milk and 2-3 cups of ice. Blend and pour into glass, topping with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

Now, we know what you're thinking - we missed a TON. It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Charlie Brown Christmas, Love Actually, Die Hard ... the list goes on. Let us know your favorite movie, and what you drink while watching it. You never know, you may be featured in the next blog!

Between watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, wrapping presents, and spiking our favorite hot drinks, we're thoroughly enjoying the holiday season thus far. We hope you are too! Thanks for reading, and we love reading your comments.

Have a happy & safe holiday season!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

Hart Agency's 2020 Holiday Gift Guide!

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 20:37:56 GMT

Well folks, it's December and this year we're trilled to launch our second annual Hart Agency Holiday Gift Guide!!! We've got gifts for everyone (and yes we do mean EVERYONE) on your holiday gift list. Maybe even you. Treat yourself!

We are excited to share this list with you. Whenever possible we opted for handmade to support artists, tradespersons, and small businesses. You'll find we've divided it into 3 categories: Classic, Modern, and Engraved Spirits .

Prices are accurate at time of publishing and include affiliate links.

Ready? Buckle up cause we're going fast & furious with this one.

Classic: Elegance Meets Rustic Charm

BEZRAT RED WINE GLASSES

We adore these hand blown, hand painted wine glasses. They are a piece of art themselves, so showcase them somewhere they'll shine when they're not in use. Why have simple, normal glasses when you can drink out of a crafted beautiful statement piece? Find them here at $39.95 per set.

SKY FISH STAINLESS STEEL WINE GLASSES

For a bit more gothic glam, these stainless steel wine glasses are etched with an intricate baroque design. Find them in black or rose gold. We were amazed to see you can collect a full bar set. They will become a talking point for all of your future get-togethers. A pair of black wine glasses can be found by clicking here for $39.99 per pair.

CUSTOM MARBLE SERVING TRAY; NEW YORK

One thing Hart Agency knows is New York! As the state's premier marketing agency, we hold a ton of New York pride. Celebrate yours too with a custom marble cheese board to pair with your favorite wine. Choose from three colors and option to add a laser engraving for a personal touch (additional $9.99). They've provided four templates or you can create your own. With three sizes, you're covered for anyone you may want to gift on your list. Have it made for you today by clicking here . Prices start at $47.49.

PERSONALIZED BOTTLE OPENER WITH CAP CATCHER

For the beer connoisseur in your life, we can see this being a farmhouse chic addition to your home. They can be mounted on the wall or freestanding, the personalized monogram adds the final touch of charm that will make this a special gift they'll be sure to remember. Be quick if you want them in time for Christmas! Order yours here for $29.99.

MEXICAN HAND BLOWN GLASS

We prefer enjoying margaritas the authentic way - amazing tequila, fresh ingredients, rimmed with salt, and in a beautiful hand blown set of Margarita glasses from Mexico. These are sturdy and their colorful confetti design is just right for your fiesta. They take us back to the days of vacations and dining at our favorite Mexican spots. Until you plan your next adventure, you can sip in style from the comfort of your own casa. We're picturing summer 2021 complete with backyard patio dinners and Taco Tuesdays with these babies. At 16 ounces, you won't be disappointed. Click here to snatch a set of four for $58.99.

BEACH THEMED WINE GLASS & ITALIAN OLIVE WOOD CUTTING BOARD (Ocean Blue)

Missing the beach? We are too! Gift a beautiful beach themed set by pairing these stemless wine glasses with an Italian cutting board/cheese server. It's made with the wood of an olive tree and resin to give you a drift wood meets water feel. We're surrounding ourselves with all things that speak happiness to our soul. And wine, cheese, and the water do just that!

Get you beach themed wine glass here For $25 each (hurry while they last), and your Ocean Blue Cutting Board here for $59.99.

SUNFLORA PICNIC BACKBACK FOR 4

For the nature lover or active couple, this picnic bag fits everything you need including a bottle of wine and a blanket to sit on. What we love - its neutral patterns will suit anyone's taste, and there are 4 colors to choose from. The backpack makes your hike easier and much more realistic, as opposed to the traditional picnic basket (as cute as that may be).

Find yours for $84.99 (after coupon) here .

HANDMADE WINE SERVING TRAY/WOOD WINE CADDY

For the wine enthusiast or host who already has everything, this elegant handmade wine & cheese serving caddy is ideal for impressing both the recipient of this gift as well as their guests. The food tray and legs are walnut, and you can choose from four different types of wood to customize the look. It'll accommodate most long stem wine glasses and bottles of wine up to 3.25 inches in diameter. You're looking for an office gift for your boss? This is a statement that marries beauty and functionality. You'll feel like you're at a winery while enjoying the comfort of your back yard. Start your order today by clicking here . Prices start at $190.00.

Modern: Fun & Trending

SCHITTS CREEK COASTER SET

For the Schitts Creek fan, these coasters are a delight. Complete everyone's favorite quotes, you can be "into the wine and not the label" while protecting the table from your stemless wine glass full of fruit wine or zhampagne. And if you aren't getting these references, jump on this bandwagon and watch this show already! Purchase your set for $30 here .

HANUKKAH WINE LABELS

Grab your favorite wines and peel back these amusing Hanukkah labels for a fun on-theme addition to your festival of lights celebration. Find a wine that pairs with gourmet chocolate and go all out. Splurge a little. We all deserve it. Add to your cart by clicking here .

"SAVAGE" by Megan the Stallion INSPIRED GLASS SET

For that savage friend in your life, get a laugh with this trio of "Classy, Bougie, Ratchet" drinking glasses. "Classy" coffee mug, "Bougie" stemless wine glass, and "Ratchet" shot glass. Your choice of color, but gold or rose gold seem to be the most popular. Order on Etsy by clicking here. The set of three is just $22.00 and they've been selling like hot cakes.

Got a custom order in mind? Reach out with your ideas and Four Twelve Creations will make it happen. We also love their custom tumblers. Keeps your water (or cocktail?) cold for hours. Check out their Facebook or Instagram pages for more inspiration on personalized gifts.

RUM & COKE MUG

This mug feels... hilariously appropriate for this year. If you're looking for a white elephant gift or just know someone who really likes Bacaradi & Coke, they'll get a kick out of it. For the crafty friend trying to do DIY projects at home but just gave up and poured out a cocktail, we're with you girl. Grab something to commemorate that moment by clicking here . You'll find other designs as well. Each mug is just $12.99.

Engraved Spirits

As many of you probably know, Hart Agency hosts promotional marketing events that center around one of our favorite things... alcohol! So you can imagine our delight at the time of year that gift giving includes personalizing a bottle for someone special. We'll take you through the promotions that feature engravings and hand drawn calligraphy, so look out for an event near you! We'll continue updating our social media pages with added events.

PATRON

Patron will be offering complimentary engravings on bottles! Most events will be sampling from the Gran Patron, Roca Patron , and Classic "Core" Patron Lines . Let us know your favorites!

12/8 from 3:00-6:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany NY 12205)

12/9 from 12:00-3:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany NY 12205)

12/10 from 5:00-8:00 at Smith's Colonie Wine & Liquor (1701 Central Ave. Albany NY)

12/11 from 12:00-3:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/11 from 4:00-7:00 at Purdy's All Season Wine & Liquor (70-72 Congress St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866)

12/12 from 4:00-7:00 at Wheatly Hills Discount Liquors (193 Post Ave. Westbury, NY 11590)

12/12 from 4:00-7:00 at Premium Wine & Spirits (7980 Transit Rd. Williamsville, NY 14221)

12/12 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Bottle Bargains (1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY 11768)

12/17 from 4:00-7:00 at Cappy's Warehouse Win & Spirits (670 Merrick Rd. Lynbrook, NY 11580)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Seaholm's Wine & Liquor (134 Wall St. Huntington, NY 11743)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Hampton (850 County Rd. 39, Southampton, NY 11968)

12/18 from 5:00-8:00 at Preet Liquors (1035 Little Britain Rd. #3, New Windsor, NY 12553)

12/19 from 3:00-6:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/19 from 3:00-6:00 at Star Liquors of Monroe (475 Route 17M, Monroe, NY 10950)

12/19 from 4:00-7:00 at Liquor City USA (965 F Richmond Ave. Staten Island, NY 10314)

12/19 from 5:00-8:00 at Wine & Liquor Discount Warehouse (8 Joyce Rd. New Rochelle, NY 10801)

12/21 from 5:00-8:00 at Route 9 Liquors/My Wine & Spirits (1895 South Rd. Poughkeepsie, NY)

12/22 from 12:00-3:00 at Terrace Liquors (876 E. Connetquot Ave. Islip Terrace, NY 11752)

12/22 from 3:00-6:00 at Shamrock Liquors (3565 Rte 9W, Highland, NY 12528)

12/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values (734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY 11804)

12/23 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Buys (350 Glenhead Rd. Glen Head, NY 11545)

12/30 from 4:00-7:00 at Cappy's Warehouse Wine & Spirits (670 Merrick Rd. Lynbrook, NY 11580)

BEAM/SUNTORY

Beam Suntory is the supplier that brings you everything from Jim Beam to Basil Hayden's. This year, they're offering complimentary engravings on bottles of Maker's Mark & Knob Creek , as well as The House of Suntory . If you aren't purchasing Suntory's products regularly, they need to get yourself to one of these events to sample and learn about these exquisite products. We know you'll love them as much as we do and you'll be surprised at how affordable they are for the quality you're getting. Look out for gift sets too!

KNOB CREEK & MAKER'S MARK

12/11 from 3:00-6:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205)

12/12 from 12:00-3:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205)

12/12 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's Wine & Spirits (221 Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, NY 11514)

12/12 from 3:00-6:00 at J&J Spirit Shop (199 Railroad Ave. Sayville, NY 11782)

12/15 from 4:00-7:00 at Poons Liquor (1671 Islip Ave. Central Islip, NY 11722)

12/15 from 4:00-7:00 at King Liquor (727 Suffolk Ave. Brentwood, NY 11717)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values (734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY 11804)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Liquor & Wine Warehouse of South Brooklyn (3090 Ocean Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11235)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse (9 Halfmoon Crossing Blvd. Clifton Park, NY)

12/19 from 2:00-5:00 at Bottles & Cases (99 E. Main St. Huntington, NY 11743)

12/19 from 6:00-9:00 at On The Rocks Wine & Liquor (890 4th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232)

12/20 from 12:00-3:00 at Bottle Buys (350 Glenhead Rd. Glen Head, NY 11545)

12/20 from 1:00-4:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/22 from 5:00-8:00 at Halcyon Liquors (52 Glen Cove Rd. Roslyn Heights, NY 11577)

12/23 from 3:30-6:30 at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse (9 Halfmoon Crossing Rd. Clifton Park, NY)

12/23 from 5:00-8:00 at Beverage Lover's Warehouse/Liquor & Wine Warehouse of Valley Stream (22 W. Circle Dr. Valley Stream, NY 11581)

12/24 from 12:00-3:00 at Bottle Bargains (1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY 11768)

SUNTORY

12/11 from 4:00-7:00 at Holbrook Liquors (125 Beacon Dr. Holbrook, NY 11741)

12/11 from 4:00-7:00 at Ryann's Wines (1897 Front St. East Meadow, NY 11554)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Stew Leonard's Wine & Spirits (221 Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, NY 11514)

12/19 from 5:00-8:00 at Pike's Wine & Liquor (645 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY)

12/20 from 1:00-4:00 at Bottle Hampton (850 County Rd. 39, Southampton, NY 11968)

12/24 from 4:00-7:00 at Westchester Wine Warehouse (53 Tarrytown Rd. White Plains, NY 10607)

BROWN-FORMAN

Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, and Herradura Tequila are the featured lineup for the Brown-Forman tastings this year. Every bottle purchased includes a complimentary engraving. Be sure to look for gift sets too. You can find beautiful boxes complete with tasting glasses. These makes a fabulous, well thought out gift for the whiskey or tequila lover. *Events may have only bourbon, only Herradura, or a combination of both. Check our social media for specifics.

12/11 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Bargains (1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY 11768)

12/11 from 4:00-7:00 at Wheatley Hills Discount Liquor (193 Post Ave. Westbury, NY 11590)

12/11 from 6:00-9:00 at New Union Wine & Liquors (440 Union Blvd. West Islip, NY 11795)

12/12 from 1:00-4:00 at Westbury Liquors (1250 Old Country Rd. Westbury, NY 11590)

12/12 from 2:00-5:00 at Long Island City Liquors/KH&H Costco (32-50 Vernon Blvd. Long Island City, NY 11106)

12/12 from 2:00-5:00 at Brooklyn Liquors Costco (976 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232)

12/12 from 4:00-700 at Terrace Liquors (876 E. Connetquot Ave. Islip Terrace, NY 11752)

12/13 from 1:00-4:00 at Holbrook Liquors (125 Beacon Dr. Holbrook, NY 11741)

12/13 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's (210 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale, NY 11735)

12/17 from 4:00-7:00 at Chardonnay Wine Inc. (7001 Amboy Rd. Staten Island, NY 10307)

12/17 from 5:00-8:00 at Grand Cru Wine & Spirits (570 11th Ave. 555 West 42nd St. New York, NY 10036)

12/18 from 12:00-3:30 at Bottle Values (734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY 11804)

12/18 from 3:00-6:00 at AH Liquor @ Costco (605 Rockaway Turnpike, Lawrence, NY 11559)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Wine & Liquor Discount Warehouse (8 Joyce Rd. New Rochelle, NY 10801)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Ryann's Wines (1897 Front St. East Meadow, NY 11554)

12/19 from 12:00-3:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/19 from 1:00-4:00 at HB Liquors @ Costco (20 Stew Leonard Dr. Yonkers, NY 10710)

12/19 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Hampton (850 Country Rd. 39, Southampton, NY 11968)

12/19 from 5:00-8:00 at Bottles & Cases (99 E. Main St. Huntington, Ny 11743)

12/20 from 12:00-3:00 at Cappy's Warehouse Wine & Spirits (670 Merrick Rd. Lynbrook, NY 11580)

12/20 from 1:00-3:00 at Wheatley Hills Discount Liquor (193 Post Ave. Westbury, NY 11590)

12/20 from 1:00-4:00 at Bottle Buys (350 Glenhead Rd. Glen Head, NY 11545)

12/20 from 2:00-5:00 at Wine & Liquor Superstore (815 Hutchinson River Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10465)

12/21 from 12:00-3:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/22 from 3:00-6:00 at Long Beach Plaza Liquors (45 E. Park Ave. Long Beach, NY 11561)

12/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Stew Leonard's (1 Stew Leonard Dr. Store 2, Yonkers, NY 10710)

12/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Stew Leonard's (221 Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, NY 11514)

12/23 from 12:00-3:00 at EHP Liquor/Costco (1774 Old Country Rd. Riverhead, NY 11901)

12/23 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values (734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY 11804)

12/23 from 5:00-800 at Eastchester Liquor & Wine (1720 Eastchester Rd. Bronx, NY 10461)

12/23 from 5:00-8:00 at Beverage Lovers Warehouse/Liquor & Wine Warehouse of Valley Stream (22 W. Circle Dr. Valley Stream, NY 11581)

12/24 from 3:00-6:00 at Liquor City USA (965 F Richmond Ave. Staten Island, NY 10314)

12/27 from 3:00-6:00 at Wine & Liquor Superstore (815 Hutchinson River Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10465)

12/28 from 4:00-7:00 at Net Cost (3161 Amboy Rd. Staten Island, NY 10306)

PERNOD RICARD USA

Pernod Ricard is behind many of the brands you know and love including Jameson, Absolut, Malibu, Glenlivet, and Chivas. This year they're treating you to tasting events with some products you may not be quite as familiar with (or hopefully you are!). Complimentary engravings are included on a bottle purchase of Jameson Black Barrel , Jefferson's Ocean , Jefferson's Reserve , Martell Blue Swift , and Avion Extra Anejo . These splendid bottles will impress those on your list who will enjoy the white glove treatment on their original favorites. Know someone who loves Jameson? They'll appreciate the smooth sophistication of Jameson Black Barrel.

12/10 from 3:00-6:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205)

12/10 from 5:00-8:00 at The Manor House Cellar (676 6th Ave. New York, NY 10010)

12/11 from 12:00-3:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor (1440 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205)

12/11from 4:00-7:00 at Aqua Vitae Wine & Liquors (597 Nesconset Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788)

12/12 from 2:00-6:00 at Purdy's All Season Wine & Liquor (70-72 Congress St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866)

12/12 from3:00-6:00 at Syosset Wine Corp (40 Cold Spring Rd. Syosset, NY 11791)

12/12 from 4:00-7:00 at Markay Wines & Spirits (4600 Nesconset Hwy. #B, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776)

12/12 from 6:00-8:00 at Liquor Cabinet Inc. (111-07 Atlantic Ave. Richmond Hill, NY 11418)

12/13 from 12:30-3:30 at Rt. 30 Wine & Liquor (4930 Route 30. Amsterdam, NY 12010)

12/16 from 3:00-6:00 at The Wine Guy (220 West Main St. Smithtown, NY 11787)

12/16 from 5:00-8:00 at Smith's Colonie Wine & Liquor (1701 Central Ave. Albany, NY)

12/17 from 4:00-7:00 at Route 9 Liquors/My Wine & Spirits (1895 South Rd. Poughkeepsie, NY)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Bargains (1033 Fort Salogna Rd. Northport, NY 11768)

12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Siliato's Liquors (327 Route 25 A. Miller Place, NY 11764)

12/19 from 1:00-6:00 at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse (9 Half Moon Crossing Blvd. Clifton Park, NY)

12/20 form 12:30-3:30 at Port to Port Wine & Spirits 9395 H Ft. Salagna Rd. Rt 2, Northport, NY 11768)

12/20 from 1:00-4:00 at Westchester Wine Warehouse (53 Tarrytown Rd. White Plains, NY 10607)

12/20 from 3:00-6:00 at Bottles & Cases (99 E. Main St. Huntington, NY 11743)

12/21 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values (734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY 11804)

12/26 from 5:00-8:00 at Phoenix Liquor & Wine Warehouse (99-25 Horace Harding, Corona, NY 11368)

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS

COURVOISIER XO

Catch the last two Calligraphy events of the season while you can. A calligrapher will be available to hand letter any personalized message you choose.

12/17 from 5:00-8:00 at Liquor & Wine Warehouse of South Brooklyn (3090 Ocean Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11235)

12/18 from 1:00-4:00 at Liquor & Wine Warehouse of South Brooklyn (3090 Ocean Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11235)

That completes our list for this year, but check back for updates. We'll be posting recipes in the next blog, so you'll want to keep them in mind when shopping. We hope you enjoy, and have a safe & festive holiday season.

Let us know your favorites, what you're buying this season, and any suggestions. We love to hear from you!

Until next time, cheers!

The Hart Team

New Wine & Spirits Launched in 2020 to Enjoy with Thanksgiving Dinner!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 22:21:44 GMT

This year we're grateful for family, friends, and the new products launched in 2020! So no matter how you're celebrating Thanksgiving Dinner (whether with family, friends, your "isolation bubble", or via a zoom call), you can have a fun conversation piece while being the one of first to sample these contemporary brands. And of course if you're looking ahead for holiday gifts, this list is full of thoughtful and attention grabbing presents as well.

WINES

19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red - The partnership of 19 Crimes with "Snoop Lion", formerly/also known as Snoop Dogg, has brought a California Red Blend that's as bold as the man it's named after, yet incredibly drinkable. They've wisely named it " Snoop Cali Red ", so you'll recognize the name of the rapper regardless of if you're familiar with his 2012 name change or not. Either way, it looks like he's given up "gin and juice" for red wine.

Another interesting fact is this is the first California wine in the 19 Crimes portfolio, with the brand originally hailing from Australia. The full bodied blend will have the structure needed to pair with a hearty meal on Thanksgiving, and is also a people pleaser for any wine drinker you're sharing a meal with.

[yellow tail] Pure Bright - Known for their easy drinking, approachable wines from Australia - you'll recognize the kangaroo on the label in an instant. We've always admired the fun marketing of [yellow tail] and the way it makes us want to connect with our community of friends. Friendsgiving, anyone? Newest in the line up is their Pure Bright collection, which boasts 80 calories per serving but still packs a full flavor profile. The three white varietals available are Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. An awesome option for the casual drinker or fitness guru that doesn't want to overdo it, but is still craving the taste of wine to balance out the stuffing.

Cupcake Light Hearted - This vineyard has a special place in our heart thanks to the sweet confectionary twist it has on its wine's names and descriptions. With wines such as Red Velvet , Black Forest , and Angel Food , you can see why we get excited over Cupcake Wines. But just because they're named after desserts doesn't mean they're inherently sweet. They're noted to be rich, silky, with flavors of berry, chocolate, mocha and a lingering intense finish (for example). The same words you may use to describe your favorite cupcake as well as your favorite wine. You see what they did there? These are also ideal wines for cocktails and spritzes, so check out their website for more ideas. Now, you can grab a bottle for the more "lighthearted" moments in life, whether you want to wind down after a brisk hike or jog without feeling the guilt, drive down to a sunny state to rent an airbnb on the beach during your holiday break, or bust out a bottle early for brunch, this line also has 80 calories per serving without cutting corners with taste. Our picks for Thanksgiving are their Rose and Pinot Noir, but they have a total of 5 varietals in the Light Hearted portfolio to sample.

VODKA & GIN

Svedka Pure Infusions - Always one of the first on the market to introduce innovative flavor combinations, Svedka has delivered once again with their Pure Infusions . Made with natural flavors and winning combinations, these are all natural and made with zero sugar. Flavors include Strawberry Guava, Ginger Lime (perfect for a Skinny Mule), and Dragonfruit Melon . Young and lively, this brand is a staple for making delightfully fruity creations.

Plume & Petal - For those looking for something on the lighter side to balance Thanksgiving dinner, Plume & Petal is refreshing and sophisticated. Delicate flavors are infused along with real honey, resulting in a bottle that's 40 proof, 83 calories per serving, and made with no artificial sweeteners. An ideal gift for your friend who loves brunch, these are "like a splash of fresh air" as a spritz with club soda, or batched up in a punch. At the moment, flavors include Cucumber Splash , Peach Wave , and Lemon Drift . Another fabulous winter cocktail is their Pink Flamingo with 2 parts Plume & Petal Lemon Drift, 1 part Chambord Raspberry Liqueur, and 1 part lemon juice shaken up over ice and strained into a coupe glass. Garnish with raspberries and let the refinement of this delicious cocktail flow over you.

Hanson Organic Vodkas - When a vodka company starts producing hand sanitizer during the pandemic and sends out the first batch to first responders, you know they're good people. This family owned distillery is in the heart of Sonoma, so it's no surprise that Hanson Organic Vodka is grape based. Of course we know from the name that it's organic, but it's also gluten free and non-GMO. Turns out, to make vodka from grapes, you first have to make wine. No easy feat, and that's why you aren't seeing another product on the market like this. But the end result is pretty phenomenal, with great tasting vodka. In addition to the original, they've got six flavors: Mandarin, Ginger, Habanero, Cucumber, Limited Edition Espresso, and Limited Edition Boysenberry. We're sure you'll become a lifelong fan of this artisanal brand.

Gray Whale Gin - This small batch gin celebrates the journey of the Grey Whale , migrating 12,000 miles every year along the Pacific Coastline. Their botanicals are harvested from the same locations the grey whale passes. They include sustainably sourced ingredients either from organically grown farms, or else harvested in the wild. Their juniper comes from Big Sur, their limes are from Baja, CA; they incorporate fir trees harvested out of Sonoma, and sea kelp brought in from the Mendocino Coast, to name a few. The taste ends on a delicate & creamy note thanks to the almonds of California's central valley. All ingredients contribute to making a completely unique, bright, and complex gin that has unending mixing possibilities. Look for that stunning Tiffany Blue bottle on the shelf and set sail to a bartender's paradise.

WHISKEYS

The Busker - The only Irish Whiskey making the list today, this one is as unique as they come. Single Grain, Single Malt, and Single Pot Still are blended to make the trifecta of flavor combinations in The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth Whiskey . Aged and finished in three different casks: Bourbon, Marsala, & Sherry; this spirit has us feeling holy. Indulge with a bottle of each of their Singles as well, and take some time enjoying your very own flight at home. They encourage you to enjoy The Busker they way you like it - neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Of course we're smitten with the sultry spice of ginger beer this time of year, so a great option is the Busk & Ginger (1 part Busker, 2 parts ginger beer, squeeze of lime over ice in a highball), but we also love the idea of adding that tartness of a Busker Paloma to pair with our turkey dinner. It will give you the same sweet acidity of that cranberry sauce. Simply substitute grapefruit soda for the ginger beer, and freshly slapped mint for the lime. Enjoy!

Blackened American Whiskey - Brought to you by the band Metallica and the late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell , this whiskey is like no other. A blend of premium aged bourbons and ryes, finished in black brandy casks and "the earth shattering music of Metallica." Yes, you can read that again. How cool is that?! The sweetness of the bourbon balances with the spice of rye, which is also enhanced by the resting in charred ex-brandy barrels to bring about a smooth apricot on the finish. Thanks to the sonic enhancement of Metallica's music being imploded into the cask, the liquid can penetrate the wood further to pick up the finishing characteristics that enhance the flavors. Any fan of the brand would die for a bottle, and now while they last you can purchase a limited edition S&M2 Batch 106 bottle which features Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony's S&M2 playlist. Don't wait on this one folks.

Redemption Rye Rum Cask - If Redemption Whiskey isn't one of your go-to brands by now, you're missing out. Their award winning lineup of bourbons and ryes ring in at around $28-32 a bottle in New York State. Rye Whiskey was once one of the most prominent spirits in the nation, but the prohibition halted production which led to a decline in popularity. Redemption Rye is honoring that heritage by... ahem... redeeming their place among whiskey enthusiasts with a nod to the pre-prohibition style bottle and time-celebrated juice. Redemption has recently launched their Rum Cask Finish bottles which marries the sweetness of the sugar-cane based spirit in tropical harmony with the brown-bread spice that is Rye. For something unparalleled, Redemption is where it's at.

Makers Mark 101 Limited Release - This 101 proof version of the timeless whiskey has previously only been available to VIPs at the distillery, but for a limited time you can get your hands on your own bottle to share with your honored guests. Or maybe not. This may be one you hide in the back of the liquor cabinet for yourself. We're definitely not judging you if that's the case. The taste is bolder, stronger, sweet and spicy, with that same finish you know and love from the Maker's Mark 90 Proof. Thanks to co-founder Margie Samuels (the first female to be inducted to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame), the 101 Release carries the same red wax top that initially grabbed the attention of shoppers. High end bourbon fans will want to sip this one all Thanksgiving day long.

DESSERT

SQRLL PB WHISKEY - If you aren't familiar with Peanut Butter Whiskey yet, we insist you add this to your shopping list. SQRLL PB Whiskey will become a staple in your liquor cabinet for any peanut butter fans. Add it to a hot coffee or a mocha latte, mix with a chocolate liqueur (or chocolate flavored whiskey... read on for Ballotin) and sip on the rocks for a drinkable Reese's cup cocktail, or do a twist on the classic PB&J sandwich by mixing with a raspberry liqueur like Chambord or St. George's. Best served as a chilled shot or on the rocks, this is the silver lining we've been needing in 2020!

Ballotin Flavored Whiskeys - With flavors so decedent, you may want to skip the chocolate pie and move straight on to Ballotin Flavored Whiskeys. Flavors include Original Chocolate, Bourbon Ball, Caramel Turtle, Chocolate Mint, and Chocolate Cherry Cream (which won 2019's SIPS Awards for Consumer's Choice). Of course amazing for dessert cocktails, but we're also admiring the creativity of crafting classic cocktails with these new flavor combinations. Examples include a Chocolate Mint Julep, Cherry Russian, and Ballotin Chocolate Old Fashioned.

Kraken Roast Coffee - There's a reason restaurants offer coffee at the end of a meal, and once you've had that tryptophan-packed turkey (the naturally occurring nutrient that makes you feel sleepy), you'll be begging for Kraken's new Roast Coffee . Legend states that the leader of the Giant Squid attacks rum bearing ships of the Caribbean. Now, it's target has moved on to spill its ink on the coffee bean carrying ships of today. It's dark, rich, smooth, and "like revenge, best served cold". Add to your iced cold brew or enjoy as a chilled shot. Shake up a Coffee Martini, or make a White Russian. There's more than one way to hunt the mysterious Kraken.

Disaronno Velvet - The top shelf Italian Amaretto has taken its classic flavor profile of almond and stone fruit to create a deliciously creamy version of the original liqueur with Disaronno Velvet . Launched this past summer, simply serve over ice in a rocks glass. It's the best way to end the evening. For those wanting a bit more oomph, we recommend The Godfather: 1 part Disaronno Amaretto and 2 parts whiskey poured over a large ice cube or ice sphere in a rocks glass, then garnish with an orange twist. Saluti!

That's all for now! Let us know which one you're most excited to try. Another important thing to note: many of these are Limited Edition or have a limited release, so be sure to pick up a bottle or two ASAP. One for you, one for a gift. You won't regret it.

Let us know your inventive cocktail recipes using these brands. We'd love to hear from you in the comments down below, and you may be featured in the next blog!

Coming up next will be seasonal cocktails served HOT. Stay warm. Stay safe, friends.

Cheers for now,
The Hart Team

The Best Halloween Cocktails & Bar Sets of 2020

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:48:21 GMT

This year has us feeling EXTRA, so we're taking you on a mixology journey and investing in a new Halloween themed bar set & decorations. BECAUSE IT MAKES US HAPPY, THAT'S WHY!

We're celebrating Halloween a little differently this year, but that's not going to stop us. Take the time to craft drinks by hand at home, and treat yourself to some beautiful upgrades to your bar while you're at it. We're learning to get creative and enjoy the little things that make us smile, like COCKTAILS and ONLINE SHOPPING!

Prices are accurate at the time of publication and subject to change.

Espolón Tequila

A tequila based upon paying homage to Mexican culture, enjoyed on la dia de las Muertos (The Day of the Dead)? What better combo can you come up with? This religious celebration honors deceased family members by constructing an alter in remembrance of those lost. It is believed that the souls of the departed are able to return to visit their living family. Celebrations include eating, drinking, and dancing while also praying and offering up their favorite foods that they can enjoy while visiting (Yes, we watched Disney's Coco , but we've done a bit of research on the subject too).

You'll cherish collecting each age statement and finding their "spirit animal" (all puns intended), Ramón the Rooster, on the various labels while picking up the different tasting notes of each mark. Roosters symbolize national pride and "stirring up trouble". You'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Mexican people if you delve into Espolón's site .

This year, we're serving up The Afterlife Cocktail and pouring it into these beautiful hand painted Sugar Skull stemmed glasses .

The Afterlife

Rim glass with salt and/or tamarind

1 1/2 ounces Espolón Tequila

1/2 ounce lime juice

3 ounces ginger beer

Splash of crème de cassis

Build all ingredients in your glass. Add ice, garnish with lime wedge, and enjoy. Salud!

Bacardi Superior

Looking to get that sweet candy fix in liquid form? Bacardi Rum is already subtly sweet on the finish thanks to being a spirit made of sugar cane; so add that lime green Midori for The Bacardi Goblin. Bacardi is incredible for mixing, so browse through their website for other ideas. They even have a dedicated Halloween Theme cocktail section!

The Bacardi Goblin

3 parts Bacardi Superior Rum

1 part Midori

1 part Real Coco

1 part fresh lime juice

4 parts pineapple juice

Shake with ice. Strain into a coupe or martini glass, rimmed with orange sugar.

As you mixologists know, any cocktail with juice should be shaken, not stirred. We found this gunmetal black bar set that will look stunning on your bar. Grab it quick, it's on sale for $79.99, down from $119.99. If you're looking ahead, it's masculine and refined, making the perfect holiday gift for the man in your life.

Jack Daniel's

Jack Daniel's has always done it right, but when it comes to their Tennessee Apple, we're talking about bringing it to another level here. The crisp sweet taste is so balanced with the original Old No. 7 that it's incomparable to any other apple flavored whiskey on the market. It truly tastes like APPLE. Not overly sweet or syrupy like you'll sometimes find with other brands. We love the Apple Fizz, which is simple and refreshing. For a spooky Halloween glow, grab some edible shimmer and you'll stir up something comparable to a poisoned apple potion or the full moon we're expecting this Saturday.

Jack Apple Fizz

2 ounces Jack Apple

3/4 ounce lemon juice

Pour over ice into a highball glass

Top with club soda

Add lemon slice for garnish

We're stunned that this set of Waterford Highball glasses are only $48.75, down from $100. If you're looking to upgrade your set or are gifting, shop now while they last.

The Glenlivet 12 Year

The Glenlivet has deemed this month "Scotchtober" and we're here for it. They've partnered with Sourced Craft Cocktails to bring you an at-home bartending kit curated by local mixologists, which is ideal for everything from celebrating Halloween to Thanksgiving. We're eyeing the Black Cherry Old Fashioned which includes tart cherries and premium bitters. The kit also comes with a jigger for measuring, a bottle of the fresh ingredients, a menu with instructions, & Sourced branded cups. But let's be honest, we're looking to step it up and are featuring our 12 Year Old Scotch in a ghoulish decanter with matching rocks glasses, a la Jack Skellington.

Pricing ranges bases on the size of the kit, so grab the 12 cocktail kit for just $8.99 per drink. You can find the Skull Decanter set here for just $57.95 We also love the version with a pour spout for $74.95.

Jägermeister

If the last time you've had Jägermeister was in college, it's time to give it another chance. Hailing from Germany, this herbal liqueur is a blend of 56 different botanicals. Not only is it bold and complex, all those botanicals are good for you. Believe us on this one. Most people enjoy as a chilled shot, but we're more creative than that. This season, we're loving the Jägermeister Hunter's Tea.

Jägermeister Hunter's Tea

1.5 ounces Jäger

1.5 ounces black tea

.75 ounce lemon juice

.5 ounce maple syrup

Combine ingredients in a rocks glass with ice, garnish with a lemon twist.

We're customizing this cocktail with a more on-theme stemware that's a lot less boring than the typical rocks glass. Find it here . Prost!

Sailor Jerry

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum was created in honor of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins , the father of old-school tattoos. His story is fascinating, with every bit of his life in rebellion from the norm. He fought against the stigma of tattoos at the time, as well as copycat artists. He was in the Navy, had a shop in Hawaii, a radio talk show, a love for sailing, drove a Harley and a canary yellow Thunderbird, wrote poetry... the list goes on. You'll recognize his tattooing style immediately, with swallows, nautical stars, anchors, ships, and the classic "Mom" heart tattoo.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum brings the tropical taste of Hawaii along with the feel of a vintage pinup girl tattoo. We adore the idea of bringing these elements to your Halloween celebration with the decedent Savage Pumpkin Shake.

Savage Pumpkin Shake

1 1/2 parts Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum or Sailor Jerry Savage Apple

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup ice

1 tbsp. canned pumpkin

Mix ingredients in a blender until smooth, pour into glass and top with whipped cream & a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Fans of the man and the brand will love knowing that there's plenty of signage and merch out there, but our favorites include bar signs , a decanter & glass set , and Sailor Jerry rocks glasses .

That's all for now! Thanks for checking us out and comment below with your go-to Halloween libations that you'll be shaking up this weekend. We hope you're inspired and are looking forward to seeing your creations! Tag us on social media @hartagency and you may get a feature on our story!

Cheers, witches!

The Hart Team

Our Favorite Halloween-Themed Wines!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:01:01 GMT

This has been a crazy year for everyone, and as the weather gets a bit more chilly, we can't hold in our excitement for HALLOWEEN! With just a few weeks 'til one of our favorite holidays, we're busting out our laptops to bring you our top spooky themed wines this season. After all, we're here for the BOOOOO's!

We're grabbing our sweaters and bundling up with these awesome red wines now that it's finally SWEATER WEATHER! Check out the fabulous white and rosé varietals these brands offer as well, but for today we're focusing on everything from the light Pinot Noir to the big bold Zinfandel grapes.

19 Crimes

We're going to go ahead and assume if you've been into any sort of wine shop or liquor store, you've seen 19 Crimes . But what a lot of people don't know is the theme of this wine is steeped in history and is a great conversation piece. If you explore their website , you can spend hours learning about the real life prisoners as well as these Australian wines themselves.

Starting in 1787, British criminals were sentenced to "Punshiment by Transportation" to Australia. The 19 Crimes are available for viewing on the website and each cork lists a different crime, so you'll have fun collecting them as you sample through their entire collection (not all in one day, of course!). Our favorite crimes include #5 Impersonating an Egyptian , #13 Assaulting, Cutting, or Burning Clothes , and #17 Watermen Carrying Too Many Passengers on the Thames, If Any Drowned . Added to the fun, you can download the Living Wine Labels app, focus your phone's camera on the prisoner's image, and experience their stories straight from their own mouths as the bottles come to life before your eyes.

Newest to the line is 19 Crimes Snoop Dog's California Red , which relates Snoop's defiant, bold character to the quality and nature of these wines. Other varietals include The Punishment Pinot Noir, The Warden Red Blend, The Banished Red Blend, Uprising Rum Barrel-Aged Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon; among others.

The Velvet Devil

Brought to you by Charles Smith, former rock-band manager turned two-time award winner of "Winemaker of the Year", The Velvet Devil was created as a rebuttal to the movie Sideways and its anti-Merlot depictions. Timeless design stands out on the shelf, and what Halloween night is complete without the Devil himself? The taste is, well, velvety! Ideal for any red wine lover, the sultry Washington State Merlot has earned itself 90 Points with Wine Enthusiast as well as "Best Buy" and "Top 100" awards.

We also enjoy the story of how Smith came into winemaking: Despite growing up in California just an hour from wine country, he didn't find interest in wine until living in Europe while appreciating the rock & roll lifestyle that included restaurant-ing with clients. In 1999, during a trip to California, he was convinced by a winemaker to follow his passion and start creating his own great wines.

Gnarly Head

There's something eerie about old gnarled vines that just makes you think graveyard . Stunning yet spooky, the label of Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin screams Halloween and is perfect for your table.

The Winemakers who created this wine sought out the century old Zinfandel vines of Lodi, California; and were surprised at the amount of ripe fruit yielded. They took it upon themselves to produce the boldest Zinfandel possible. Luscious berries are enhanced with spice, pepper, and soft vanilla. Personally, we're pairing it with the gobs of chocolate we'll be buying but it is also perfect with steak or red sauce dishes all year round.

With 9 others in the portfolio, this isn't just a fall brand. You can find something for every season or mood as well.

Tenet The Pundit

Brought to you by Chateau Ste Michelle Estates , this serious little owl is exactly the friend we need right now. Glaring at anyone who gets too close, you can enjoy this Syrah from Washington State social-distance style. CSM partnered with Rhône winemaker Michael Gassier to take advantage of the optimal terroir for this grape. Syrah comprises 90% of the juice, with 4% Grenache, 4% Mourvèdre, & 2% Viognier to blend it out. Aged for 15 months in oak, you'll find the complexity of deep raspberry jam, earthy undertones, and a silky smooth finish. The Pundit typically retails around $25.

Chateau Ste Michelle is also celebrating 25 years of their Artist Series , which partners with a different artist each year to make a uniquely beautiful label. The 2017 vintages also feature an owl on the label, and you'll find this luxurious collector's bottle for around $65 each on wine shop shelves. They even have a 3-Bottle Giftbox. We encourage you to gift one to yourself because after a year like this, you deserve it.

Apothic

Apothic is known for their easy drinking red blend, and over the years have added to their portfolio. The label's contrast of red brambles with stark black background has always taken us on a journey to an abandoned château, à la a Beauty & the Beast style castle. Just take a glance through their Instagram and you'll see our meaning. We look forward to opening a bottle of their Apothic Dark every Halloween Season, but now they've upped their game with Inferno , Crush , and their newest - Cabernet . Apothic even has a Sparkling Red and for coffee lovers, try their Brew which combines the flavors of red wine with rich coffee. Personally, we like this one slightly chilled.

You won't regret grabbing a couple bottles with a few friends and doing a side by side wine tasting to compare the nuances each of these blends bring to the table. Cozy up at the fire pit and make a night out of it! If you're doing a social distance get together, set out their single serve bottles of red blend and space your patio chairs 6 feet apart for a safe and enjoyable reprieve.

7 Moons

Werewolves rejoice! We're howling at the seven phases of the moon with 7 Moons Red Blend and 7 Moons Dark Side Red Blend . October 2020 is delivering 2 full moons this month (the 1st and Halloween night!), and what better way to celebrate than with a wine blended with 7 varietals of grapes honoring just that? You'll find Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Malbec, & Grenache. Both wines consist of the same seven grapes, but their ratios are different to give you a completely new taste profile.

Incredibly versatile, this is an easy people-pleaser that pairs with virtually any dish. Described on their website as having, "aromas of chocolate-covered cherries, baking spices, and vanilla bean. Flavors of strawberry preserves, cherry cola, and milk chocolate follow through to a smooth, fruit-forward, lingering finish." Sounds like this wine will also compliment our Halloween candy quite nicely.

Freakshow

Winemakers & brothers Michael and David Phillips are the 5th generation growers behind the name Michael David. Together with Michael's children, Michael David Winery ushers in this fun and fantastical line of wines with their Freakshow collection. While everyone's dressing up, the bizarre circus freaks lend itself to an old-school costume party feel. Grab your strong man suit and fake dumbbells, have your girlfriend don her leotard for the trapeze act, and pair up with these wines to complete the theme.

Retailing around $20 a bottle, their portfolio includes a Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, Red Blend, and Zinfandel. The Chardonnay and Cabernet are even available in convenient 4 pack cans, which we love when we only want to enjoy one glass with dinner and don't want the commitment of an entire bottle. We love that the descriptions of these wines are on point with the topic at hand; take for instance their Cabernet: "Prepare to experience the brawn and finesse of the strongest man on Earth! Freakshow Cabernet sets the stage with aromas of Bing cherry, fig, strawberry jam and a hint of baking spice. He is larger-than-life, medium in body and showcases flavors of bright red fruits, toasted hazelnut and clove with a fruit-forward, lingering finish." Perfection!

That's all for now - thanks for checking us out! Drop a comment below with YOUR favorite Halloween-themed wine.

For up to date info on events and promotions, visit our social media pages @hartagencyny.com. We look forward to seeing you soon and are excited to be working hard for you again.

Cheers,

The Hart Team

The Best Fall Cocktails of 2020

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 23:19:15 GMT

Whether you're ordering takeout, dining "out" in a socially-distanced patio setting, or crafting cocktails of your own, we've got recommendations for every fall flavor you can think of. Cause it's OCTOBER, y'all!

Frozen PSL with house-made whipped cream? Sign us up! The perfect balance of fall spice that will cool you off on these 75 degree days. Available at The Bonnie in Astoria.

Pumpkin

The King of the season. Shake up a Pumpkin Spiced Martini that even the Sanderson Sisters can appreciate. Combine 2 ounces Pumpkin Vodka, 1 ounce Dark Rum, 1/2 ounce cream or milk, 2 tbsp. pumpkin puree, 1 ounce maple or simple syrup, and 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract to a shaker with ice. Shake like a leaf and pour into a chilled martini glass.

For something simpler, Bailey's has a killer Pumpkin Spiced Irish Cream that you can add to your coffee or use as a substitute to milk in any creamy drink. Or spike that Pumpkin Spiced Latte from the mermaid herself so you can enjoy that zoom call with your cozy sweater and WITHOUT any suspicion from your boss. Vodka or Rum does the trick nicely.

Our Recommendations-

Pumpkin Vodka: Crop Organic Spiced Pumpkin Vodka, Pinnacle Pumpkin Spice, Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie

Dark Rum: The Kraken, Gosling's, Cruzan, Bacardi, Ron Barcelo

Chai

Unpopular opinion: Not everyone likes Pumpkin. GASP. We know. But it's okay. Some people still want that fall spicy sweetness, and the Chai Tea White Russian is the ideal balance. There are various ways you can go about this cocktail, but our favorite involves some time and planning:

Infuse your vodka with a few chai tea bags for a minimum of 2 hours, then discard the tea bags. For every 8 ounces, we used 3 tea bags. Once that's ready, layer 2 ounces of your Chai infused vodka and 1 ounce Kahlua in a rocks glass over ice. Add 2 ounces cream or milk of your choice. For a richer, creamier taste, use cream. You can also try oat or almond milk, or go without for a Black Russian if you don't like cream based drinks.

Our Recommendations-

Vodka: Our/New York Vodka, Grey Goose, Absolut, Haku, Chopin, Stoli

Liqueur: Everyone knows the only way to make a White Russian is with Kahlua. But did you know they have a wide variety of flavors? So if you'd rather flavor your White Russian up with something else, they have *pumpkin spice*! We also really enjoy their Mocha, Peppermint Mocha, and Hazelnut flavors.

Cinnamon

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey is excellent for shots - we all know this. That's why we at Hart Agency have dedicated an entire day of the week to it - (Don't tell us you haven't heard of Fireball Fridays?!)

But have you tried the delicacy that is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot ? It's incredibly simple and creamy. Mix one part Fireball with one part Rumchatta Rum Liqueur, shake with ice, strain into a shot glass, and you're good to go! It's balanced and delicious. If you're feeling fancy, add a cinnamon sugar rim first (caramel or maple syrup work best). You can also sip on a full sized cocktail, which makes a perfect after dinner drink to wind down.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cocktail

3 ounces Rumchatta

1 ounce Stoli Vanilla

1/2 ounce Fireball Whiskey

Cinnamon Sugar Rim

Caramel Apple

One of our favorite fall snacks is a caramel apple. This weekend, elevate your brunch game with a Caramel Apple Mimosa . It's incredibly easy, despite how fancy it appears.

Simply dunk the rim in decedent caramel (add cinnamon sugar rim if you'd like). Layer about 1 part apple cider, 1 part vanilla vodka, and top it off with 2 parts Korbel Brut or any dry sparkling wine. Garnish with fresh green apple slices. Cheers!

Our Recommendations-

Sparkling: Korbel Brut, LaMarca Prosecco, Mionetto Prosecco, Josh Cellars Prosecco, etc.

Vanilla Vodka: Absolut Vanilla, Stoli Vanil

Pear

Create a twist on your favorite classic with a Spiced Pear Moscow Mule. You'll need to prep the simple syrup by adding one cup of sugar to one cup of pear juice; spicing it up with cinnamon sticks, pear slices, and a dash of nutmeg; simmering in a pot for 2-5 minutes until sugar dissolves and it cooks down. Next strain the spices and fruit out with a colander, let cool, and store in the fridge in a mason jar.

Once you're ready to mix it up, add one ounce of your spiced pear simple syrup to 2 ounces of your favorite vodka to a shaker with ice and shake it up. Strain into a mule mug, squeeze in half a lime, and top off with a quality ginger beer and ice.

Our Recommendations-

Vodka: Our/New York Vodka, Haku Vodka, Absolut, Grey Goose, Chopin, Svedka

Ginger Beer: Goslings, Fever Tree

Fall Sangria

Sangria season doesn't end with summer. Small changes will go a long way for a refreshing and seasonal cocktail that we lovingly like to call the "Fruit Salad".

Our Fall Sangria is like a Pick Your Own Adventure game:

Grab a bottle of wine. For a Red Wine Fall Sangria, Cabernet works perfectly. If you prefer White Wine Fall Sangria, go with a white blend or something that's dry and crisp such as a Sauvignon Blanc.
1 1/2 cups Apple Cider
1/2 cup apple or pear brandy. Or do 1/4 cup of each!
1/4 cup simple syrup. Use less if you'd prefer it not so sweet. Feel free to infuse your syrup with cinnamon to enhance.
Add spices and chopped fruit. Green & red apples, pears, oranges, nutmeg, cinnamon... all great options.
Optional: add a can of club soda right before serving to cut the sweetness.

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and let sit in the fridge. Cut up some fresh fruit to garnish, pour, and enjoy!

Maple

Grab your best bottle of bourbon and use a simple substitute for an old classic with a Maple Old Fashioned. Now by this point, we should all know that better ingredients equals a better cocktail. Therefore you can't buy a bottle of "Butter Flavored" Pancake Syrup from Dollar General. Sorry. We're talking about a genuine bottle of MAPLE syrup from one of those states like Vermont or Ohio. Trust us on this one.

To make this cocktail, it's as easy as substituting your sugar cube for a bar spoon of maple syrup:

Combine 2 dashes Angostura bitters with maple syrup and a bar spoon of water in a chilled rocks glass. Pour in 2 ounces bourbon with a large ice cube, and stir for approximately 30 seconds. Add orange twist. Another option is to skip a step and go straight for the maple flavored bourbon. Yes it does exist. You're welcome.

Our Recommendations-

Bourbon: Woodford Reserve, Knob Creek, Maker's Mark, or any sipping bourbon or rye

Maple Bourbon: Knob Creek Smoked Maple, Jim Beam Maple

It's still Frozen Season!

We've noticed many restaurants serving up frozen versions of our favorite fall flavors, so check them out if you're in the area:

The Bonnie Bar (Astoria): Frozen Pumpkin Spiced [Spiked] Coffee with house-made Whipped Cream

Kilobravo (Brooklyn): Chocolate Moonshine Frosty. Yes, just like the place with "Old Fashioned" don't-cut-corners hamburgers, but with BOOZE!

Oliver's (Astoria): Frozen Sangria - Fresh pressed NY Apple Cider, mixed fruits, Brandy, and Cinnamon

The Refuge (Melville): Smashing Pumpkin - Cinnamon Sugar Rim, Pumpkin Whipped Cream, Frozen Tequila/Rumchatta/Vanilla Cocktail

We hope you enjoy, and this list can open up your mind to creative ideas of mixology. Feel free to tag us or comment below with your own recipes and creations.

Check out our social media for more events as well as cocktails we're serving up. @hartagency

Ta ta for now!

Cheers,

The Hart Team

How Hart Agency Is Going To Market During COVID-19

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 18:02:34 GMT

As Hart Agency continues doing tastings and events, we're reviewing our protocol and educational materials on how we will be properly executing promotions at this time. We guarantee to host fun, educational events while providing comfort to consumers who partake.

Every staff member working will have completed Hart Agency's COVID-19 Certification Course, and will be given additional materials such as signage, face shields, and hand sanitizer.

New Pick-Up Procedures

For staff picking up promotional materials at the Hart Office, they must:

· Call the office or text your Hart Manager to let them know you are there

· Wait outside in their vehicle until they are notified by the manager that they are ready for you to enter

· MASK REQUIRED inside building at all times

· Temperature will be taken and recorded

· Sign Daily Check In Paper

· Sign COVID-19 consent form

New Tasting Procedures

During tastings and promotions, our staff can expect to:

Wear a face mask and/or shield during the event
Provide hand sanitizer on table, tray, or station, for consumers; as well use it themselves frequently
Interact with one customer at a time
Regulate social distancing as best possible
Place samples on the table for customer to take (no hand to hand contact)
Instruct customers to dispose of plastic cups in garbage can
If wearing gloves, change with any contact or cross contamination
Avoid touching personal items (phone, etc.) as much as possible
Post Hart Agency's social distancing sign, along with tasting permit.

Anyone who has traveled to a "hotspot" location or are showing symptoms of Covid-19 should quarantine for 14 days and NOT accept any event offers. (Please check frequently for an updated list of these locations).

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

Fever
Shortness of Breath
Extreme Exhaustion
Dry Cough
Diarrhea & Vomiting
Muscle Pain
Loss of Sense of Smell and/or Taste
60% of cases have no symptoms at all, so it is imperative for us to be diligent with proper handling procedures and sanitation during events to establish a safe environment for all.

Our customers expect us to live up to the safety standards set by the State of New York. By demonstrating our knowledge of infection control and ensuring proper precautions are taken, we are confident in providing informed, dynamic events that consumers are sure to enjoy! In fact, the feedback and data from our summer promotions indicate that people are eager to participate and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

As always, we look forward to the success of each brand we represent. We are excited for that partnership in bringing unique exposure direct to consumers. As we come into the holiday season, we are gearing up with education and enthusiasm, so we can end this year on a high note! (For Pete's sake!)

That's all for now! Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing everyone in person again, even if we still need to be masked up. We'll be "smizing" at you from six feet away.

Be sure to check out our social media @hartagency for up to date events and promotions! Next blog, we'll be looking at Fall and Halloween themed drink options. Comment below with other topics you'd like to see or seasonal cocktail suggestions. We also love shouting out local restaurants doing fun promotions - let us know your favorites!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

Looking to Develop a New Skill? Take This Time to Learn About Wine!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 16:51:05 GMT

As New York State begins to phase back into reopening, some of us are still waiting for their place of business to reopen. Others may not be back to full time hours. Or maybe you're looking for a outlet or distraction after work. Any way you dice it, what better time to expand your wine & spirits knowledge? We've compiled some fabulous resources for every level of learning.

When first educating yourself on wine & spirits, it can be intimidating to start because there is such a vast amount of facts available. Begin with the basics and expand from there.

Cristie Norman Wine Course

Described as "A Driver’s Ed Course for Wine for the total beginner" , sommelier and wine expert Cristie Norman has compiled a thorough and fun online course. Broken up into easy to follow sections and quizzes for each grouping, you get a lot of knowledge quickly. Each module has fill in the blank notes provided, and if you opt for the Lifetime Membership ($299.99), you can go back and revisit as much as you want.

You can also go for the Regular Membership ($149.99) which expires after you pass the final exam. During the stay at home order, Cristie is gracious enough to offer her Regular Membership at half price, and industry folks still out of work can take the course for free but will not receive the official certificate at the end of the program. Still, its a great way to start learning, brush up on your knowledge, or dive deeper into various wines and the regions they come from. Check out her website for more, and you'll find you can inquire about the specials she's offering there.

Women of the Vine & Spirits

We recommend you look into what Woman of the Vine & Spirits has to offer, because they are always providing resources for every industry topic you can imagine. We love tha t you can partake in webinars, take advantage of job boards, attend events, and have access to scholarships f or continued learning. Individual membership is $150 annual dues, with corporate membership available to companies interested. Perhaps the most valuable, their assets result in a community of like minded individuals and networking opportunities.

We can't stress enough the value of their webinars , led by a variety of professionals in the beverage industry. You are emailed weekly with a list of topics you can join. Additionally, for those of you motivated to apply quickly, their scholarship deadline is June 30th. (EEK YES WE KNOW, GET ON IT!) Depending on your level of knowledge and situation, you can look into Student, Continuing Education, or Professional & Leadership Development. Looking for WSET Certification? They provide scholarship opportunities for that too (we'll talk more about that next). If you're going for the gold with a Master Sommelier Certification, they haven't forgotten about you either.

No matter which you apply to, it appears you'll need to complete an essay, fill out the application, and provide two letters of recommendation. There's still time if you're interested! Look at the foundation page for more.

WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust)

Easily one of the most recognizable certifications available, WSET provides "globally recognized education and qualification" in wine, spirits, and sake. There are many course levels depending on your interest and knowledge, with a tier of fees increasing with each intensified course. Their site is comprehensive and easy to use, but essentially you'll choose your area of study, find an Approved Programme Provider and choose dates based on their schedule courses. An example is to select 3 full day weekend classes, or 8 three hour evening sessions. If you feel confident enough to sip and learn on your own, you can also do online training.

For most with more than basic knowledge, we recommend you start with Level 2 in Wine. However their newest offering is a Level 4 Award in Wine! Master Sommelier here we come!

Cornell Diversity & Inclusion Program

We're going to take you in a different direction here and talk about Cornell's Online Diversity & Inclusion Program . Recommended for team managers, supervisors, executives, or anyone "interested in creating an inclusive and supportive culture that promotes equal opportunities and treatment of employees."

You'll be challenged with concepts you may face in on-the-job circumstances, and learn about improving employee & customer engagement, countering unconscious bias, and cultivating an inclusive environment. After completing the 8 weeks worth of online classes in 4 sessions, you'll be presented with a Diversity & Inclusion Certificate. They estimate you'll spend 3-5 hours per week on this work study. Program cost is $3600 or $950/mo for 4 months, however if you pay upfront you can qualify for 30% off - be sure to inquire about this option before you sign up. Take it from the Nard Dog and go Big Red! If Michael Scott had this opportunity, Diversity Day would have been much different!

Thanks for checking us out, and we hope this helps get ideas flowing on how to expand your knowledge from every angle. Comment below with other resources you've used.

Hart Agency is excited to get back to work in Phases 3 & 4 of New York's opening, so look out for more on our social media pages. We're looking forward to seeing everyone again with summertime libations!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

Racial Equality: A Letter from Hart Agency President, Keith Hart

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:43:28 GMT

At a time when conversations surrounding equality and systematic change are at a high point in our country, Hart Agency reiterates its zero tolerance of racism in a letter from Owner & President, Keith Hart.

The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd have reignited the anger and sadness our country feels toward the injustice felt by the Black Community, as well as people of color in general. We recognize this as an incredible movement, and look forward to the learning it provides. We are using this time to reiterate Hart Agency's Values to our customers and team members.

Company Goals, Values & Beliefs

Our goal at the Hart Agency, Inc. is simple: extraordinary product quality and customer service. We accomplish this by

observing a common set of values and by partnering with organizations that have the finest reputation for quality. There are no shortcuts; we believe that our goals are accomplished only with real commitment from every employee.

Our values and beliefs require that we:

Treat every employee fairly, providing opportunities to enhance the means by which we improve our service.
Treat employees and colleagues with respect; the Hart Agency, Inc. does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
Encourage all managers and supervisors to involve employees in creative problem solving when problems arise, an

important part of dealing with them is understanding how to avoid them in the future.

Provide consistent leadership.
Maintain an open-door policy that encourages interaction and discussion.
Provided effective and efficient corrective action to ensure complete customer satisfaction and avoid recurrence of any issues.
Deliver competitive, outstanding service to our customers and partner with vendors who share that goal.
Make “do it right the first time” our team attitude to ensure continued growth and prosperity.

A Letter from the President:

Good Afternoon,

During recent events, protests over police brutality and other injustices against people of color have broken out in hundreds of cities in the US and internationally. The Hart Agency continues to stand for racial equality and will always have a zero tolerance for racism in the workplace. The bottom line is all forms of racism and discrimination must be eradicated.

Our workforce of more than 900 team members is a reflection of the diverse communities that we do promotions with across New York state. Growing up in a community filled with diversity (Bayside, Queens) I have recognized there were and still are many racial injustices that are faced by people of color everyday, and had always done what I could to fight against it. I recognize that there are real fears that the Black Community face daily and that they have been ignored by many in society for too long. The Hart Agency understands that under the surface, there are strong feelings of fear, frustration, mistrust, and hurt within; but please know that your Hart Family is listening, we value all our employees, and want you to know we stand with you.

We are committed to promoting not only products but a culture that supports diversity, inclusion, and workplace equity. A culture where every team member is treated with dignity and respect. A culture where every team member feels welcomed, valued, and heard. We live our mission and our values. Through the support of being allies, we seek to build relationships in all communities based on trust, consistency, and accountability through listening, supporting, and advocating on their behalf.

What makes the Hart Agency so unique, is not that we’re New York based, but that we represent and work with the diverse communities of all of New York. We are proud, we stand united while celebrating our differences, and drive for positive change in our Hart Family.

Sincerely,

Keith Hart

President, Keith Hart Agency

Chairman, Long Island Hospitality Ball

Real Talk

Although Hart Agency's Values have always aligned with equality and diversity, we realize there is more work to do. We need to communicate to address the issues and promote change. We welcome our staff to bring up concerns they feel and any suggestions on how we can better support them and grow. We commit to having hard conversations with ourselves in an effort to self-reflect and move forward towards lasting change. We thank you for the information you are providing to us, and again, we stand with you.

Cheers,

The Hart Agency Team

15 of New York's Best Cocktail & Wine Specials To-Go!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Wed, 20 May 2020 17:09:36 GMT

Restaurants & Bars are getting creative with their to-go menus, including cocktail kits and bottle service for your isolation group... and we're HERE FOR IT! Since the SLA has loosened up regulations during the stay-at-home order, we're featuring a list of some fun local spots throughout New York State that have incredible menus & are open for take out and/or delivery. Check them out - listed alphabetically by city.

From Concord Hill's Instagram: "These cocktails only need to be six feet apart if they're being drunk by different people!" ⁠A range of cocktails available at their location in Williamsburg. Photo by General Manager Gina Buck.

City Line Bar & Grill | Albany, NY

At City Line, to-go cocktails are $9, and we're loving their isolation-themed libations including the "We're All Screwed-Driver", "Stay the Fizz Home" , and "Kentucky Cure" , among others. And have you tried ordering a family style meal yet? It is so easy, convenient, and FUN (especially for those of us sick of doing dishes and cooking three meals a day). City Line has a fabulous selection for your 4 course meal which feeds four. Family Meals include salad, appetizer, entree, and dessert.

Their full menu is available for delivery & take out everyday from 11:30-8:30.

Gift Card Specials

Beer 4 Packs $12 (or a surprise mixed-pack for only $10)

Half Off Bottles of Wine (excludes Stags' Leap)

518-504-1200

Concord Hill | Brooklyn NY (Williamsburg)

Concord Hill focuses on fresh ingredients to make classic dishes "prepared at fine dining standards" in a casual atmosphere. Since they're not able to serve you in their fresh, clean space; take home a meal with a drink by calling in or ordering directly on their websit e. " The Ring the Alarm" or "Cucurrucucu Paloma" are ideal to sip on while enjoying their Wild Maine Lobster Roll with grilled corn & fries. Other popular menu items include Paprika Butter Chicken, Dry-Aged Burger, and Basque Cheesecake (with a fermented blackberry sauce.... we're drooling over here!). We recommend this spot especially if you're wanting to celebrate something memorable like a birthday or anniversary. In addition, they're gearing up for a Memorial Weekend Special - see below for more.

Delivery & Pickup Tuesday-Sunday, 12pm-10pm

15% OFF all alcoholic beverages when you place your order via phone at 347-463-9322 !

30% OFF select wines Tuesday-Sunday!

Memorial Day Home Barbecue Kit $45/person: Burgers, sausages, shish kebabs, sides, fixin’s, drinks and more – call for more information and to pre-order yours.

347-463-9322

Elsa Bar & Ramona Bar | Brooklyn, NY

What more enjoyable mental escape than grabbing a bottle of Frozen Watermelon Rose or adult spiked juice pouch and heading over to Cadman Plaza Park for a relaxing stroll. Bring a blanket and sit on the lawn, soaking up the sun. With unique options like the "Vivian Darkbloom" (Charcoal Mezcal, Pineapple, Mint, Falernum, Lime, Bitters) and the "Hotel Danger" (Peach Mezcal, Chipotle Agave, Lemon, Aperol), your taste buds will be dancing.

Order ahead at Elsa; to submit order click here .

Ramona available for walk-up service.

Open Thursday - Sunday 3:00-7:00PM

Cashless service only.

The Cellar Wine & Martini Bar | Corning, NY

For the wine lovers, we're recommending The Cellar where everything is made in-house from scratch, and brings you fusion cuisine along with their hand selected wine list to pair perfectly with your meal. They update their menu frequently and have been the recipients of Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence every year from 2012-2019. If you live in the area, this is a no brain-er folks.

They offer small plates as well as entrees, and have included specials such as half off select bottles of wine, pints of cocktails and caraffes of sangria.

Days of operation are Tuesday - Saturday.

Call in orders begin at 3:00 with pick up starting at 5:00 pm. Final order is 7:45.

Credit card purchase only please.

607-377-5552

Flight West Wine & Whiskey Bar | Greece, NY

Flight West has just announced their "Cask & Crew Meal Deal" for First Responders & Front Line Workers. Beginning this Thursday, May 21st, front line workers will be able to get a free Bahn Mi Sandwich with the purchase of their Smoked Orange Cask & Crew Double Oaked Manhattan .

Their current take out menu includes flatbread, coconut shrimp, wings, lobster mac & cheese, tuna tar tare, and burgers; among others. Check their Facebook page for nightly and weekend specials.

Delivery & Pickup Monday-Thursday 4PM-10PM, Friday & Saturday 4PM - Close.

585-417-5332

Curly's Grille | Lackawanna, NY

Curly's has a rainbow of summer cocktails available, packaged in mason jars for easy travel home. We love that there is something for everyone, whether you're looking to spice up your life with a Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita made with Milagros tequila; something simple, sweet, and summery like the Curly's Hard Lemonade , with fresh lemonade and Deep Eddy Lemon; or a fruity and complex cocktail like the Bourbon Thyme Jam with Redemption Bourbon, St. Germain, and blackberry jam. And of course there's the Quarantine Blues , with Figenza Fig Vodka, Violet Liquor, & Lavender Bitters.

In addition, they're offering a $20 bonus when you purchase $100 in gift cards, so pair your cocktail with something off the menu. From jerk chicken to Thai noodles, bolognese to seafood... have fun matching up tasting notes to compliment or enhance each flavor.

Open Wednesdays - Saturdays 4:00PM-8:00PM

716-824-9716

Bull & Bear Roadhouse | Liverpool, NY

Looking to quench that roadhouse craving? Bull & Bear has you starting the night off right with their Quarentine Combo, complete with a half gallon of your choice of the Classic or Prickly Pear Margarita plus an XXL Nacho Kit (avoid soggy nachos by building and layering at home) . They've got all the brisket, poutine, gravy, cornbread, pulled pork, & barbecue you can handle. End the night with a decadent Number 5 Peanut Butter Pie, made in house with an Oreo crust.

They also have locations in East Syracuse and Fayetteville, and when you purchase a $25 gift card, you'll earn $5 toward your next meal upon reopening.

Delivery and Curbside Pickup available at all locations 11:30AM-8:00PM. Order online or check out their website for location phone numbers.

Parker & Quinn | Manhattan, NY

Parker & Quinn in Midtown has EVERYTHING you could ever need. Top shelf margarita kits, 6 pack bottles of wine, individual bottles of wine & liquor, cocktails in single serve portions or big batches, and alcohol flights.

They update their food & drink specials daily on their social media pages, but the basics are you can get a meal and drink for two people at $39.

Their recent promotions have included Patron Margarita kits for Cinco de Mayo as well as Pasta & Wine dinners for Mother's Day, so we're excited to see what they'll be launching this weekend for Memorial Day. Check out their Instagram for the most up to date news.

Delivery within a 30 block radius of the restaurant ( https://order.igchospitality.com/menu/ , however you're welcome to inquire about large orders out of delivery range: info@IGChospitality.com.

Hours are 11:30AM-8:00PM Monday - Saturday.

The Boat Yard Waterfront Bar & Grill | Massapequa, NY

Missing the beach? The next warm sunny day should be reserved for The Boat Yard. Soak it up at Tobay Beach and grab a cocktail to-go as you practice safe social distancing by tailgating out the hatchback of your car in the parking lot. You won't regret having one of their specialty cocktails or frozen drinks in hand and enjoying the scenery. Change of atmosphere is good for your mindset, and listening to the water is calming as can be. You'll feel like you're on vacation! In fact, on of our favorites on the menu is "The Vacation" : Absolut Vodka, Peach Schnapps, pineapple, cranberry, orange juices + grenadine.

Open daily (weather permitting) 12:00-8:00 PM

Non-residents should indicate they are patronizing a local restaurant for take out, if needed.

516.324.8474

Michaelangelo's Wine Bar | Massapequa Park, NY

You can still have your Patriotic themed feast this Memorial Weekend since Michaelangelo's is determined to make that happen for you. Firecracker Pitchers are popping (V odka, Coconut Rum, Blue Curaçao, strawberry, and pineapple) , and there will be an outdoor distance dance party at pickup this weekend, complete with sangria and red-white-&-blue jello shots.

OR instead of hotdogs and burgers - mix it up, upgrade your normal grilled fare, and let them do the work with selections of Bruschetta, Mozzarella Bites, Flatbreads, and Cheese Boards.

They'll be serving you all weekend 1:00-5:00PM.

Text all orders to 718-500-0916

K Pacho | New Hyde Park, NY

Build your own taco bar? Check. "Para La Familia" meal for 4? Check. Themed cocktails on the go? Check. Friday Happy Hour? Check. Daily Cocktail Specials? Check. Plus, their curbside pickup has the atmosphere of the social distance block party we're all yearning for these days. Clearly, K Pacho has everything you need.

Grab a "Zoom Zoom" (Orange Vodka, Pineapple Juice, Red Bull), for a pick me up before your next Zoom work meeting... shhh we won't tell! They've also got the "Bored in the House" , "Cabin Fever" , and "Locked Down" cocktails you'll need to have on hand for your next virtual happy hour with friends or family.

And lastly but most importantly... K Pacho is collaborating with The Refuge to deliver "Grub for Scrubs" - dropping off meals to front line workers in local hospitals. To donate, contact jessica@kpacho.com.

516-358-2222

The Betterman Distilling Co. - Patchogue Bar Crawl | Patchogue, NY

We know Long Islanders know how to do it RIGHT! The Betterman Distilling Co. has partnered with Patchogue's finest joints for a Virtual Bar Crawl on Saturdays. Yes, you read that right. So popular, spots have been selling out so book in advance. You can opt for a 1:00-5:00pm time slot, 5:00-9:00 time slot, or go all day! With four restaurants making a food & drink delivery drop offs every hour, kids meal & kids craft add-ons, contact-less delivery & tipping, they've thought of everything. Participating restaurants include: Fulton's Gate, That Meetball Place, Perabell Food Bar, The Cheese Patch, Village Idiot Pub, Tap Room, Bobbique, RHUM, Arooga's, Rudi's, BrickHouse Brewery, and Great South Bar.

An example includes Option A:

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders & Fries with 1934 Bourbon & Cola from Fulton's
Mozzarella Sticks & Jester Juice from Village Idiot
Midnight Pizza, House Lager, Surprise Craft Beer from Great South Bar
Perogies, Strawberry Margarita, Pretzel, Cigar City, Dog 90, White Zin, & Berry Sangria from Arooga's

Disclaimer from the website:

Must live within 4 miles of Patchogue Theater to participate.
Due to the difficulty in coordinating this event and the volume of deliveries (plus the physical human restraints of our amazing delivery drivers), we will not be able to substitute one restaurant for another, and we're not able to do deliveries in a particular order. You may receive a dessert delivery before appetizers, but who ever said you can't have dessert before dinner?

We think that's more fun anyway! Check out their website for more.

Don't forget to support these local restaurant s even when it isn't Bar Crawl day too!

The Night Owl | Saratoga Springs, NY

When Art Deco meets 80's Dance Party, this speak easy has something interesting to share. They offer bottle service to-go, which starts at $40 per bottle and serves about 5-6. Drive thru service or "Booty Shaking Patio Pickup" hours are Saturdays from 6:00-9:00, with live DJ streaming on their social media accounts.

Four summer cocktails are offered, and you'll want to try them all. Select the Sailor's Delight (Vodka, Lime, Vanilla Liqueur, Ginger, Guava Soda), La Sandia (Tequila, Watermelon, Lime, St. Germain, Dehydrated Watermelon Garnish), Jungle Bird (Dark Rum, Lime, Pineapple, Campari, Umbrella), and Espresso Martini (Vodka, Death Wish Cold Brew, Limoncello, Vanilla Liqueur, St. Lawrence Empire Cream).

For something more simple, Bottle Service includes Tito's, Saint Lawrence, and Casamigos with mixers.

Check out their websit e and pre-order via venmo @saratoganightowl with your selection in the comments.

Champion Sports Grille | Southport, NY

Okay people. This is not a drill. Champion has Boozy Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey MILKSHAKES . Yes we know. Also on the menu - Strawberry Shortcake Shakes made with cake vodka, Pina Coladas, Strawberry Daquaris, Beer Pitchers, & Mixed Drinks.

In addition, their full menu is available so you can enjoy your milkshake with favorites like Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip , Shrimp Basket , burgers, or their Open Face Strip Steak Sandwich .

Hours of operation fluctuate but are typically M-Th 11:00-2:00 & 4:00-8:00, Fri 11:00-8:00, Sat 3:00-8:00, Sun 1:00-8:00. Checkout their Facebook page for up to date changes.

To order, call in: 607-773-1141

Julie's Pizzeria & Restaurant | Springfield, NY

Pining for delicious homemade Italian food? Julie's is dishing up vegetarian lasagna with the choice of either marinara or alfredo sauces. We say why not both? Pair with a bottle of Josh Cellars and you've got your cozy night in all taken care of.

With $8 par baked frozen pizzas, BOGO spaghetti dinners, and 6 packs of beer for $12, you can do one stop shopping. Savor your spaghetti and lasagna tonight while saving the frozen pizza for next Tuesday when the kids' schooling and that pile of laundry has driven you too crazy to cook.

Open 11:00AM-8:00PM - Hours may differ so verify before ordering.

718-592-2545

We included a variety of neighborhoods for you, but be sure to check out your own favorite spots and see if they have specials. Support local business, and we encourage you to order straight from the restaurant when possible (as opposed to going through third party delivery sites). At this time it's important to contribute directly to small business owners and TIP well! They're working hard for you while adding extra precautions to ensure safety while getting creative.

We're also finding that as opposed to "sitting on" high end product, some places are offering discounts or specials on top shelf items. Ask when you call in! You may be happy you did.

Remember in order to pick up alcoholic beverages to go, food purchase is required. Comment below with other restaurants doing specials this season - we want to hear from you!

Looking forward to seeing you all again, but until then - stay safe.

Cheers for now & have a Happy Memorial Weekend!

The Hart Team

Cinco de Mayo Isolation Celebration with Hart Agency!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Tue, 05 May 2020 15:22:02 GMT

For most of us, Cinco de Mayo is a fun way to enjoy Mexican cuisine & margaritas with friends. This year, we'll be looking at the history of the holiday, our favorite tequila brands, and ways to celebrate at home. Cause when Cinco de Mayo lands on Taco Tuesday, what better way to enjoy your day than with tinga & margs?

History & Culture

Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for "Fifth of May", commemorates the day of Mexico's victory over the French at the Battle of the Puebla in 1862.

Currently, the day is celebrated in Mexico with reenactments, parades, dancing, food, & drinks; however it is mostly celebrated in the city the battle took place. Popular dishes include chicken tinga, mole poblano (a dish that includes both chiles and chocolate), & agua fresca.

Local Promotions & Events

Look to your favorite local Mexican restaurant for promotions & curbside pickup. Many are offering margaritas by the pitcher, party packs, and zoom dance parties.

For example, Long Islanders can check out K Pacho for a "Virtual Fiesta" with DJ Scuba live on Facebook from 5:00-8:00 pm tonight.

Tequila!

Some of our favorite tequila brands are hosting virtual events and providing unique content this Cinco de Mayo! You can enjoy relaxing in the comfort of your home while sipping a delicious, fresh cocktail and expanding your mixology skills.

Patron Tequila features easy to make margarita recipes, tropical zoom backgrounds for your virtual happy hour, how-to videos, and live Instagram Bartending today from 5:00-10:00pm EST.

1800 Tequila is participating an Instagram concert with Lauren Jaureaui at 9pm EST on her story. For every view, 1800 will donate $1 to @musicforrelief, a nonprofit committed to supporting music professionals affected by COVID-19. Other artists will be featured throughout the month, so follow 1800 on Instagram for more.

El Jimador Tequila created a Cinco Bingo board, so you and your friends can compete for 5 in a row. Winner buys guac when brunch resumes!

Altos Tequila is doing a Worldwide Bartending Challenge, where you can watch 26 Bartenders from around the world create sustainable margaritas. Challenge your friends to create the most unique margarita or paloma today too! You can also use this opportunity to paint the bottle to use as a flower vase or add some festive cheer. They have a video on Instagram to give you inspiration!

Creative Celebrating

While we find new fun ways to celebrate while staying safe, our personal favorite is virtual happy hour while creating our own cocktails, and trying to find unique ingredients in the pantry to do a fun twist on the old classic.

Some tips:

Infuse your favorite tequila with jalapenos for a spicy kick. Balance with something light like cucumbers.
Craft a pink lemonade champagne margarita. Don't be afraid to include other spirits.
Flavor with pineapple juice (or your favorite juice) for a fruity compliment to the citrus of the tequila. Or you can muddle fruit at the bottom of your glass instead.
Grab the tomato juice & hot sauce to make a Bloody Maria. Perfect if you're starting your day early.
Got grapefruit soda? Add tequila for a simple and clean Paloma.
Bust out the blender for a frozen take on any of these options!

Let us know your celebration plans in the comments below. We'd love to see your creative cocktails and any promotions you know about in New York State. Are you getting takeout, or mixing it up in the kitchen? Tag us on social media so we can celebrate in spirit with you! - @hartagency

As always thanks for reading, stay safe, and have fun! We look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Salud!

The Hart Team

Honoring Kentucky Derby with Mint Juleps!

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Fri, 01 May 2020 17:35:35 GMT

The Kentucky Derby is typically the first Saturday in May, but this year has been pushed to September 5th, 2020. Regardless, Hart Agency will be dawning our hats & fascinators with a fresh Mint Julep to celebrate in spirit while we wait for the new date this fall! Read on for facts, a brief history, watch party ideas, and cocktail suggestions.

Derby History

Starting in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United States. Known as "The Run for the Roses", the event has an interesting origin. It all started when the grandson of William Clark (of the Lewis & Clark duo), Meriwether Lewis Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England, and became pals with the French Jockey Club. Inspired, he wanted to bring a "spectacle horse racing event" back to the States. With the help of his uncles, John & Henry Churchill, who gave him the land he needed to build a racetrack, Clark founded the Louisville Jockey Club. From there, the racing enthusiasts raised the funds to build a permanent track in Louisville, KY, and sponsor the first Kentucky Derby on May 17th, 1875. Approximately 10,000 people were in attendance, with 15 Thoroughbred horses competing for the title in a mile & a half race, with Aristides as the winner.

Over the years, the Derby has adapted and developed to what it is today. Known as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports", we love to enjoy watching the races with Kentucky Bourbon in hand.

Old Forester

The Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Old Forester Mint Julep ! Enjoy this refreshing cocktail, perfect for spring, from the comfort of your home while educating yourself through a virtual tour of the distilleries and derby history, or set up a virtual zoom party with friends. If you can, make your life easier and grab a couple bottles of the premium bottled Old Forester Mint Julep . Simply pack a copper derby cup or Collins glass with crushed ice and fill with this premium bottled cocktail, add a few slapped mints, insert straw, and enjoy.

For those who are more hands on, start with a bottle of Old Forester 86 Proof (or any one of your favorite Old Forester varieties), and make one the old fashioned way:

Build the cocktail by adding 4-5 mint leaves to the bottom of the glass. Pour in 1/2 ounce simple syrup, 2 1/2 ounces Old Forester. Muddle the mint, then add crushed ice. Stir thoroughly, top with more ice, and extra mint sprigs for garnish.

In the spirit of the race, Old Forester will be hosting a virtual "Kentucky Turtle Derby" with you guessed it - a turtle race! See it 7:00 pm EST on Old Forester's YouTube Channel.

Woodford Reserve

As Presenting Sponsor , look out for the 2020 Commemorative Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bottles , which include a striking watercolor painting by Louisville artist and former Atlanta Braves Baseball Player Richard Sullivan.

At the Derby, Juleps are typically around $15. However, high rollers can purchase a deluxe Mint Julep for $2500, which includes a handcrafted gold cup etched by a local jeweler, VIP experience at the track, & red carpet walk. What makes it all taste better? Not only the honey sweetener, but the knowledge that proceeds will be going to charity.

For those of us not able to make that sort of donation at this uncertain time, opt instead to get a bottle of Woodford Reserve and make your own Julep at home. The best way to do that? Tune into Woodford Reserve and Churchill Downs' social media pages tomorrow (Saturday, May 2nd, 2020) for specialized Derby content. You'll also find instruction direct from Master Distiller Chris Morris & Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall on stories & recipes (including mocktails!), at 2:00 pm EST , followed by a global toast at 3:00 pm EST on the Woodford Reserve YouTube Channel. Then tune in to NBC's re-airing of the 2015 Kentucky Derby from 3:00pm - 6:00, showcasing American Pharaoh's legendary Triple Crown run.

Another refreshing spring cocktail often enjoyed on Derby Day is the Woodford Spire , so get your ingredients now and be ready to craft your cocktail!

1 1/2 ounces Woodford Reserve

2 ounces lemonade

1 ounce cranberry juice

Add ingredients to glass and stir. Pour over crushed ice, and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Looking for additional interactive ways to enjoy the Derby? Check out www.KentuckyDerby.com to choose your favorite horse to win the virtual race. You can also make a charitable donation to COVID-19 Relief Efforts on their page, which Churchill Downs has pledged to match up to $1 million dollars. Together, we can raise up to $2 million dollars and make a difference in this pandemic.

We hope you are inspired, and thank you for reading! Please tag us on social media @hartagency showcasing your Derby attire and bourbon of choice. We look forward to toasting with you!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#KYDERBYATHOME #WOODFORDRESERVE #OLDFORESTER #MINTJULEP #OLDFORESTERMINTJULEP #STAYATHOMEORDER #STAYHOME #STAYSAFE #CELEBRATE #ZOOMMEETING #ZOOM #FACETIME #DERBY #KENTUCKYDERBY #DERBYATHOME #BOURBON #WHISKEY #WHISKY #DONATION #CHURCHILLDOWNS #WOODFORDSPIRE #SPIRE #HARTAGENCY #HARTTEAM #HARTMODEL #COCKTAIL #CRUSHEDICE #KENTUCKY #NEWYORK

COVID-19 Update from Hart Agency

leah@hartagencyny.com (LEAH GUIDARELLI) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:16:35 GMT

A message from Keith Hart, President of Hart Agency, regarding COVID-19:

March 22, 2020*

Good Afternoon:

First and foremost, our “Hart’s” go out to anyone who’s been impacted by the virus either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are with you and your families during these uncertain times. Now more than ever, we can all appreciate the importance of coming together to protect our community in times of need. It's hard to navigate the unknown, but as we continue to better understand how the spread of COVID-19 we want to do all we can to keep our customers, employees, and local communities safe.

Together, we are facing a truly unprecedented situation. You may already know that the COVID-19 pandemic is posing unique difficulties for businesses of multiple industries including our own. We want to first let our clients and community know that Hart Agency doing its part to prevent the spread of the virus.

As we are doing our best to navigate through this challenging national crisis, the safety and well-being our employees is our top priority. Currently, we’re diligently following guidance and best practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as our local government and state agencies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With that noted, we have decided that it is best to temporally shut down the Hart Agency until deemed safe for employees, clients and customers by the government. We understand that all of us will be impacted financially. Thus, we will continue to review the situation each week and assess our best course of action for all sampling activations currently scheduled for the weeks to come. In the meantime, we’d like to encourage the postponement to futures dates vs. cancelling and our team will be happy to reach out to retailers, as you need.

We will continue to keep you updated and provide new information, and do everything we can to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the entire Hart Agency family. And as we do, we will stand united and will come back even stronger for future business.

Thank you for being part of the Hart Agency family. Let’s all continue to stay safe and take care of each other.

Keith Hart

President, Keith Hart Agency

Chairman, Long Island Hospitality Ball

*Letter initially sent out on March 22nd. We decided to publish it here for clients & staff to view as well.

All You Need to Know About Whiskey

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 20:42:23 GMT

March 3rd is Irish Whiskey Day, March 17th is St. Patrick's Day, March 24th is National Cocktail Day, and March 27th is International Whisk(e)y day. What better way to celebrate than talking about everything Whiskey!

We are going to provide you with nearly everything you need to know about whiskey terms and what they mean. As this spirit has become more popular, the category has expanded. You'll find new age statements, non-traditional barrel aging, and flavored options on the market as well as the classics you already know and love. We're hoping you can use this as a 101 Guide, as well as find out what is new on store shelves this year. Even the expert mixologist may expand their knowledge, and since Hart Agency is the premier marketing agency of New York State we're the first to know about new products and trends!

Step One: Knowing the difference of Whisky vs. Whiskey spellings -

Step Two: Knowing the types of whiskeys. Some countries have regulations for their productions. This is where it gets more complicated so we'll keep it simple, starting with American:

Bourbon:

Made from at least 51% corn. Typically the remainder is a combination of rye, malted barley, and wheat.
Minimum 40% ABV/80 Proof
Must be aged in new charred oak barrels
Made in the USA

Sour Mash: A portion of whiskey from each production is held back and added to the next batch, which keeps consistency from batch to batch. A well known example is Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.

American Whiskey: Whiskey that does not qualify as a bourbon for one reason or another would be called this. Rye Whiskeys can fall under this category because they are made with 51% rye instead of corn. Rye Whiskeys have been growing in popularity lately, one new brand from Maryland is Sagamore Spirit.

Flavored Whiskeys: Flavored whiskeys have been around for a while; one of the first and arguably most well known is Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. More have been released in the last few years including new takes on the old staples - Jack Daniel's (Honey, Fire, and the new Tennessee Apple), and Jim Beam (Red Stag Black Cherry, Maple, Peach, & Vanilla to name a few...) - as well as some newer brands being introduced such as Cask & Crew (try their Walnut Toffee, Ginger Spice, or Orange Roasted flavors) and Bird Dog (too many flavors to list but some unique ones are Praline, Chocolate, and Jalapeno Honey), and Brown Sugar Bourbon. And of course we have to mention the newest craze! Peanut butter whiskey: Skrewball, Sheepdog, & PB&W.

Taste Profiles: Corn generally has a sweet finish, and while bourbons & whiskeys are strong, they are often complex. The barrel aging contributes to the taste, smoothness, and color.

Popular Brands: Outside of what we've already listed, we do many events for Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Maker's Mark, Basil Hayden, Bookers, Redemption, Bib & Tucker, Clyde Mays, Whistle Pig, and many others!

Irish Whiskey

Irish Whiskey must be distilled and aged in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, and aged for a minimum of 3 years in wooden casks.

There are 3 main styles of Irish Whiskey:

Single Malt - comes from malted barley from a single distillery
Blended - comprised of a blend of two or more distillates
Single Grain - comes from grains of a single distillery

New trends: Brands are recently modifying the flavors by getting creative with aging. For example, Jameson released their Caskmates line, which takes their classic brand and ages in post- Stout and IPA barrels, which contributes to the smoothness and complexity of the taste. Their newest addition is the Cold Brew , which is Jameson infused with Cold Brew Coffee. Just in time for Kegs & Eggs on St. Paddy's day.

Taste profiles: T ypically, blended whiskeys are smoother and softer on the palate. Irish Whiskeys are generally incredibly smooth yet less sweet than bourbons. Great for sipping or creating a cocktail.

Popular Brands: Jameson, Bushmill's, Knappogue Castle, Power's, Slane, Teeling, Redbreast, Green Spot, The Irishman, Middleton, Tullamore Dew

Scotch Whisky:

To be classified as a Scotch Whisky , it must be distilled & matured in Scotland, and be matured in oak barrels for at least 3 years.

Labeling Terms:

Malt Whisky - made from malted barley.
Single Malt Whisky - the product of ONE distillation process. This is made by taking whiskies of varying ages from ONE distillery and mixing them together.
Blended Whisky - the product of TWO of more distillations.

Regions & Taste Profiles: The regions where the Scotch is sourced contributes greatly to the taste and body.

Highlands - Peat balances fruit. Lots of variety in Highland Scotches because it is the largest region. It's a bit difficult to describe because there is so much variety.
I slay - Pronounced "Eye-Luh". Smokey, rich, bold & full on peat. Some examples are Laphroaig & Ardbeg .
Speyside - less peat, more nutty/fruit notes, light/not super heavy. Great for beginners looking for an introduction to Scotch. A few well known examples are The Glenlivet & The Glenfiddich.
Lowlands - soft, medium bodied.

When sampling Scotch, it's important to hold the scotch in your mouth for a moment to appreciate the developing flavors rather than take the sample like a shot. However, that can probably be said for sampling most wines & spirits!

Step Three: How to enjoy them!

Neat: No ice. Served room temperature.
On the rocks: Served with ice.
Up: Shaken or stirred with ice and strained into a martini glass.

Building a cocktail:

STIR COCKTAILS THAT ONLY HAVE SPIRITS

Shaking your beverage adds air molecules between the liquid molecules it is also known as “bruising the liquor.” Stirring allows you to quickly cool the liquid while adding minimal air to the drink.

Old Fashioned
Martini
Manhattan

SHAKE ANYTHING WITH FRUIT JUICE

Anything with fruit juice gets shaken. Shaking vigorously whips the cocktail together creating more volume.

Note: Add soda and carbonated ingredients ONLY after shaking or it will explode!

Margarita
Rum Punch
Whiskey Sour

Feel free to get creative with new cocktails. There's no reason you can't make a cocktail with a nice Scotch, just because it's typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks. The beauty is, as long as you like it there's no wrong answer!

That's all from us for now. Hope this helps you get ready for March's Whiskey Holidays! Hart Agency will be doing promotions for these products in the coming weeks, so look out for live updates on our social media pages. @hartagency

Thank you for reading & happy crafting!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#bourbon #americanwhiskey #rye #flavoredwhiskey #screwball #makersmark #jimbeam #jackdaniels #bookers #bakers #basilhayden #pbandw #middleton #bushmills #redbreast #knappoguecastle #laphroaig #glenfiddich #shakenorstirred #jamesbond #thebelvanie #cocktail #jameson #jamesonirishwhiskey #jamesoncoldbrew #coldbrew #coldbrewcoffee #glenlivet #theglenlivet #scotch #promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #food #foodpairing #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #foodandwine #samples #sampling #tagus #followus #neat #ontherocks #rocks #up #martini #manhattan #oldfashioned #whiskeysour #whiskey #whisky

New Products Coming to You This Spring from Pernod Ricard!

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 00:40:30 GMT

New & exciting things are being launched on the market from one of our favorite suppliers: Pernod Ricard!

You are probably very familiar with Pernod Ricard's portfolio but may not even realize it; some of their most popular brands include Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, The Glenlivet Scotch, Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Malibu Rum, and many more! We've got the inside scoop on new product launches coming to you soon!

ABSOLUT JUICE EDITIONS

If you haven't gotten your hands on the newest from Absolut, the Juice Editions , run-don't-walk to your nearest liquor store. What makes them different from their flavored vodkas is that they're made with 5% juice, giving them a pretty colored hue and natural taste. Our favorite way to enjoy is their Spritz , which can be batched in a pitcher for entertaining a group, or portion it out as you go:

1 part Absolut Juice of your choice

1 part Campo Viejo Brut Cava (or other sparkling wine)

1 part Club Soda

Garnish with appropriate fruit (strawberries or green apples)

Take it from Lizzo if you don't trust us. The Absolut Juice Editions also make a great Mule, if you're looking for little more zip in your cocktail.

Anyway... Strawberry and Apple are getting a new little brother... Pear & Elderflower ! It's like the gender reveal party you ACTUALLY want to see.

Absolut Juice Pear & Elderflower Edition is juicy, fruity, and rich yet sweet. Best with club soda, and only 96 calories per cocktail. It checks all the boxes in the Better-For-You category. Lower ABV and nothing artificial about them, it's going to become a new go-to for your bar.

We're also hearing rumors that they're expanding their Absolut to include Canned Juice Editions!

MALIBU RUM

We know you love Malibu Rum: the glorious combination of Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur. For those of you feeling the winter blues, transcend back into summer with the newest from Malibu: Malibu Strawberry! We're amazed by the versatility of cocktails you can create with this sweet & flavorful rum. Of course there's the classic Strawberry Daiquiri (frozen or on the rocks), but also try it as a twist on your favorite cocktails: Strawberry Mojito , Strawberry Bay Breeze , Strawberry Spritz , Strawberry Lemonade, or mixed with coconut water for a refreshing and health-conscious treat.

Hart Agency's In-House Mixologist Jake recommends a Strawberry Cobbler :

Muddle fresh strawberries & basil in a Collins glass, add ice, top with 1 ounce Malibu Strawberry & 3 ounces Campo Viejo Cava Brut or Rose. Use a swizzle stick to pull up the fruit & flavor of the fruit that's on the bottom. Enjoy!

JAMESON IRISH WHISKEY

Brought to you by the people who make best Irish Whiskey on the planet, look out for the newest on your watering hole's back bar: Jameson Cold Brew ! Introducing the self proclaimed "Coffee Lovers' Whiskey" , this tastes like the Jameson you know & love; combined with the rich, nutty taste of coffee. It's not necessarily what you'd expect - if you're thinking you're going to get an Irish Coffee in a bottle, think again. This tastes like whiskey but with a complex yet smooth finish of coffee without being overpowering. So yes, we agree: this is definitely the Coffee Lovers' Whiskey. Get it while you can - it's a Limited Edition release so you'll want to stock up. Be sure to get enough for next month's Paddy's Day celebration and an extra bottle or two to spare.

Best to enjoy on the rocks, with cola, or as a Brew-tini : Combine 2 parts Jameson Cold Brew, 1 part cold brew coffee, and 1/2 part simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake & strain into a martini glass with 3 coffee beans for garnish. It's the perfect alternative to an espresso martini without the hassle of actually brewing something!

NATIONAL KAHLUA DAY

In case you don't know, today (February 27th) is National Kahlua Day ! Dudes everywhere rejoice by celebrating with a classic White Russian - 1 Part Kahlua, 1 Part Absolut Vodka, & 1 Part Heavy Cream.

We're loving that Kahlua as a variety of fun flavors so you can mix it up if you'd like. Look out for the following on store shelves: Salted Caramel, Chili Chocolate, Mint Mocha, Vanilla, Pumpkin , & Especial Dark Roast Coffee . Seriously the amount of cocktail-creating-options are endless, so you'll want to have a bottle of each on hand for whenever the mood strikes your fancy.

We also appreciate that they have their Ready to Drink line & canned Espresso Martinis in case you're wanting to change it up from the typical canned hard seltzers, while getting your coffee fix. Ideal for hosting brunch with friends.

THE GLENLIVET

Lastly, we can't let the cat out of the bag yet but we can tell you that there is a new and unique product coming to the market from Glenlivet ! Scotch lovers, look out for something tropical coming soon. Wink, wink.

That's all from us for now! Hope you're able to find these in your local stores, and please comment below with your cocktail ideas for these premier products! Of course you know Hart Agency will be doing promotions for these products coming up, so look out for live updates on our social media pages. @hartagency

Thank you for reading. Let us know what blog topics & Youtube videos you're interested in seeing from us - Comment below! We're gearing up for Paddy's Day next!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#pernodricard #absolut #absolutvodka #absolutjuice #juiceeditions #lizzo #absolutjuiceeditions #malibu #malibustrawberry #strawberry #cocktail #jameson #jamesonirishwhiskey #jamesoncoldbrew #coldbrew #coldbrewcoffee #kahlua #nationalkahluaday #coffeeliquer #glenlivet #theglenlivet #scotch #vodka #liqueur #liquor #rum #coconut #coconutrum #promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #food #foodpairing #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #foodandwine #samples #sampling #tagus #followus

Think Pink! Valentine's Day Wine & Spirit Recommendations

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 22:15:37 GMT

Looking for the perfect wine for your Valentine's Day dinner? Want to stay on theme with pretty cocktails for your Galentine's celebration? Hart Agency is here to guide you with our favorite pink-hued libations just in time for Cupid's arrow to strike!

MIONETTO

Dazzle her with sparkles! Mionetto's Rosé Extra Dry makes a fabulous addition to your Valentine's Day dinner, or choose to gift a bottle to your loved one. The refined label and design will showcase your heartfelt sentiment. W ith a beautiful coral color, fine yet bright bubbles compliment the strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes while still remaining balanced. Fantastic pairing with anything from appetizers to dessert.

Known for their Prosecco , master winemaker Francesco Mionetto founded the winery in 1887, establishing the production method of Prosecco from the Valdobbiadene region. The House of Mionetto has brought about innovated techniques throughout the years, while preserving the traditions of the region in order to set them apart from other wineries. You can trust this classic brand for this meaningful holiday.

UNSHACKLED

Brought to you by The Prisoner Wine Co. , this line of wines stands out on its own as a staple for any wine lover. Data from the events we've executed has been overwhelming in the positive response to the Unshackled Rosé , despite it not being "Rosé Season". Fortunately we're just in time for our favorite rosé drinking holiday!

Winemaker Chrissy Wittman uses a combination of Direct to Press and Saignée methods in creating this rosé. What does that mean? Direct to Press refers to allowing the skins to have contact with the juice for a limited amount of time before being pressed right away to remove the skins. While Saignée refers to pulling the juice from a red wine that has just started fermentation. Saignée contributes to adding the light pink color while creating a richer tasting wine. You will pick up notes of grapefruit & lemon citrus, strawberry, & melon. Refreshing & crisp, we're hoping you'll start the night unshackled and end it shackled. Wink, wink.

BABE ROSÉ

For your Galentine's Celebration, what's more appropriate than sharing Babe Rosé with your babes?

What's Galentine's Day , you ask? " Oh, it's just best day of the year. Every February 13th my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas ." - Leslie Knope, Parks & Rec. We have Leslie (played by Amy Poehler) to thank for just another excuse to get the girlfriends together!

Brought to you by social media influencer The Fat Jewish , this bubbly rosé is as perfectly basic as it gets. The beautiful slim cans are awesome to enjoy with brunch or a cozy night in watching romantic comedies. Slightly bubbly, it's well balanced with a strawberry & citrus finish.

NEW AMSTERDAM

Already established to New Yorker's as our go-to affordable vodka, we're excited that they're launching a new product to their line: New Amsterdam Watermelon. Create a pretty pink cocktail by adding 1 part NAM Watermelon, 2 parts lemonade, and a splash of cranberry juice to a Collins glass (or batch in a pitcher). Garnish with lemon, cucumber, and a slice of watermelon. Light and refreshing, this is fun to enjoy with your gals or your beau.

Another great option is the New Amsterdam Pink Whitney which is the traditional NAM Vodka infused with Pink Lemonade. Easy cocktails include adding club soda or lemon-lime soda over ice. Garnish with a lemon & serve!

PUERTO de INDIAS

Luscius strawberry balances herbatious juniper for something completely unique in the Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin . This Spanish gin is wonderful with a premium tonic, sliced strawberries & lime wheels, and a squeeze of lime for an exhilarating and sweet cocktail.

They also offer a classic gin, and for those with a black heart in an anti-valentine's day spirit, try their Pure Black Edition . You will get the taste of citrus from lemon peel, grapefruit, and orange. It's soft and floral with a subtle vanilla finish, perhaps something to warm your heart?

TEQUILA ROSE

For those who enjoy sweet & creamy cocktails, what could be more perfect for Valentine's Day than Tequila Rose's Chocolate Covered Strawberry Martini ?

Add 2 ounces Tequila Rose, 1 ounce 360 Double Chocolate Vodka, and 1 ounce strawberry puree to a shaker with ice & shake. Drizzle martini glass with chocolate syrup and strain. Garnish with a strawberry & serve! This cocktail is also fabulous blended, just use frozen strawberries instead of the strawberry puree & ice.

Plus why melt chocolate and wait for the strawberries to set when you can get your chocolate covered strawberries in liquid form and have a little buzz to boot? Sooo good!

JÄGERMEISTER

We decided to leave you with something different from the pink for our final suggestion: for those of you who enjoy coffee with dessert, opt for the new Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee. The traditional Jägermeister is a liqueur comprised of 56 botanicals, and their Cold Brew brings together the original with bold cold brew coffee. Best served ice cold as either a shot or sip in a snifter. Perfect to pair with your chocolate mousse cake, the intense Arabic beans and cocoa finish will enhance your dessert beautifully.

Hope you enjoy! Of course you know Hart Agency will be doing promotions for these products (we have lots this weekend!), so look out for live updates on our social media pages. Be sure to tag us with a picture of you and your Valentine or Galentines! @hartagency

As always, thank you for reading. Let us know what topics & Youtube videos you're interested in seeing from us - Comment below!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#valentine #valentinesday #promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #food #foodpairing #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #foodandwine #samples #sampling #jager #jagermeister #coldbrewcoffee #shackled #rose #mionetto #tequilarose #chocolatecoveredstrawberry #chocolatecoveredstrawberrymartini #newamsterdamvodka #newamsterdamwatermelon #newamsterdamwatermelonvodka #puertodeindias #babe #baberose #baberosewithbubbles #galentine #galentines #galentinesday #tagus #followus

New Products Coming to You from Constellation Brands!

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 21:48:58 GMT

Hart Agency is the first to be in the know about product launches from our clients. This week we've got insights from Constallation Brands! We're sure you're familiar with most of their products, but be sure to look out for the NEWEST on the shelves and in menus throughout New York!

KIM CRAWFORD

One of the most popular Sauvignon Blancs on the market is Kim Crawford. From New Zealand where the Sauvignon Blanc grape is known to thrive, this wine has the classic flavors of citrus, grapefruit, melon, and herbs. Fruity and crisp with a lingering finish, this pairs perfectly with oysters & seafood, salads, light dishes, or balanced with spicy Asian food.

If you're looking for something a soft yet distinctive, try another one of our favorites from Kim Crawford: their Rosé ! You'll find rich notes of fruits such as strawberry & watermelon. Perfect for this week's Valentine's dinner, it's fabulous paired with light appetizers and desserts.

We're excited they are introducing both of these wines in convenient CANS ! Canned products are increasingly popular, with everything to malt beverages to pre-made cocktails & wine available on the market. The same juice that you'll find in the bottle will be available as a 250ml can, sold individually or in a 2 pack unit. We love the easy accessibility of the elegant & discreet slim packaging. Ideal for rooftop gatherings, parties, drinking poolside, casual get-together's, or any time you want a single serve portion ready to go!

7 MOONS

7 Moons Wines are comprised of seven different grape varietals that are integrated into a delicious and easy drinking line of wines. I nspired by the phases of the moon; Syrah, Petite Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Malbec, & Grenache blend together in perfect harmony.

From these grapes they have created the Red Blend which has notes of rich fruit such as cherries & strawberries, along with chocolate & baking spices to create a lingering finish that pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. You really can drink this with any meal!

From there, they created a Dark Red Blend by using the same 7 grapes to create an even bolder red. Caramel, berry, & brown sugar flavors come together in a rich, smooth finish. Enhance the flavors of a heavy meal with this wine, while still retaining a drink-ability that can be enjoyed for the entire night.

Their newest blend, once again using the same 7 grapes, is the 7 Moons Rosé. Rosés are made with red grapes while resting the skin in the juice for a small amount of time to get that beautiful pale pink color and refreshing quality of a white wine. Notes of strawberry, white peach, grapefruit, melon, and watermelon marry together for a wine that is excellent for any event. Fans of 7 Moons will be thrilled to have something new for Rosé Season, while staying loyal to a brand already know and love.

WOODBRIDGE by Robert Mondavi

Another current trend on the market is "Spirit Aged Wines", or SAW for short. We're cautious to use the term "trend" because this popular way of aging wines looks like it's here to stay. The wines are rested in used bourbon, tequila, rum, and brandy barrels which contribute nuance to the already flavorful wines.

Constellation has its line of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Spirit Aged Wines, and now they're introducing the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Barrel-Aged Wine Collection . Let us tell you, the response our brand ambassadors had to sampling these wines was overwhelmingly positive. We wish you could have been in the room with us to experience it.

The Chardonnay is aged in Rum Barrels, with characteristics of tropical fruit, warm spice, and a creaminess that balances the citrus of the grapes. You get hints of coconut and a sweet rum finish that will have any "non-chardonnay" drinker changing their tune.

The Red Blend and Cabernet are both aged in Bourbon Barrels, which create lingering, bold finishes in both wines. The Red Blend carries flavors of dark berries, plums, and vanilla - incredibly drinkable and fantastic for everyone from the novice wine drinker to the experienced wine enthusiast; while the Cabernet has structure balanced by blackberries, chocolate, and cinnamon. Great for someone who is looking for a little more "oomph" with a slightly dryer finish.

Another great perk? These wines ring in at 13.5% ABV thanks to the spirit aging, so a little goes a long way if you're looking to wind down after a hard day's work.

COOPER & THIEF

Another leader in the Spirit Aged Wines category is Cooper & Thief , with three delicious wines currently in their portfolio: the Sauvignon Blanc which is aged in Tequila Barrels, Red Blend aged in Bourbon Barrels, and Cabernet aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels. The winery's slogan is "Born from Mischief", which is bred from the concept of breaking away from stuffy custom to create a new & innovative way of celebrating wine.

Their name says a lot too: a "Cooper" refers to a tradesman who makes wooden barrels by hand, and a "Thief" is the tool used to extract a taste from those barrels.

New to the collection is the Cooper & Thief Pinot Noir , which is aged in Brandy Barrels . The 2018 is the first vintage to be available, and since it was a good year for harvest with plentiful rainfall, the grapes were able to mature in a way that resulted in rich flavor. Composed of 82% Pinot Noir, this wine is blended with 4% Petite Sirah & 4% Petit Verdot to create structure and balance. The Brandy Barrels add spice & an oak-y finish to the already jammy quality of the grapes. The wine is bright and intricate without being overly formal. It also packs a punch at 16% ABV, so it's great to enjoy with a variety of foods for balance.

Where do they get their Barrels? Part of their mischief is they won't tell us! But we do love to guess.... Let us know if you can pick up the notes of a specific brand when you try it. We'd love to hear from you in the comments below.

At this time, y ou can only find this in a select number of stores. Check out their website for store & restaurant locations, which will update as it is more widely available. We're sure this will become a go-to for many wine drinkers & will soon be available in virtually every retail store.

We're excited to be able to introduce the newest to our fans, and are thankful to Constellation Brands for the opportunity to share with you. Hart Agency will be doing promotions for these wines coming up, so look out for live updates on our social media pages.

By the way, all of these wines are great for your Valentine's Day Dinner! Be sure to tag us on social media with a picture of your favorite Constellation Brand product that you and your sweetheart (or Galentine) are enjoying! @hartagency

As always, thank you for visiting our blog! Let us know what topics & Youtube videos you're interested in seeing from us - Comment below!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#kimcrawford #sauvignonblanc #rose #robertmondavi #woodbridge #spiritagedwines #saw #cabernet #redblend #pinotnoir #cooperandthief #sevenmoons #7moons #promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #food #foodpairing #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #foodandwine #winebasics #samples #sampling

Hart Agency Company Culture

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 19:46:15 GMT

As New York’s Premier Marketing Agency, you may be interested to know about the Hart Agency way of life and what makes us stand out from the rest!

We strive to bring the best to each event we execute. We are aware that we are not only representing the brand itself but we are also providing excellent quality of service to each account. How do we do that? By hiring friendly, knowledgeable, and outgoing professionals who are ready to engage with the clientele.

Trainings

One thing you will hear time and again from our accounts, Hart staff are highly educated. We invite our suppliers to hold training events as frequently as they feel fit, which is usually 1-2 times per year (per supplier). Sometimes we learn about one brand, while other times we do a “taste and tour” of a few portfolios that are the focus of the season. Typically, we host them in our Hart Agency offices, and occasionally we are treated at a restaurant along with light appetizers to pair with the samplings.

Regardless, this liquor-to-lips learning method provides opportunity for our Consumer Educators at any level. We cater the training to suit the specific program with the appropriate person for that event. So whether they’re an experienced bartender or just starting out, they can learn both successful sales techniques as well as product knowledge specialized for their learning needs. It's also a great chance for brand ambassadors to hang out & get to know each other in the down time of the lectures.

New Hires

Upon being hired, our Consumer Educators are trained to the Hart standard. Regardless of if it's their first event ever, or if they've worked as a Brand Ambassador before, they walk in with confidence to deliver our specific expectations.

We provide everyone with a standard training guide, a starter kit of supplies needed, a profile on our reporting website, and one-on-one shadow shift with one of our veteran staff. They are also given access to our Call Center, where they can listen in to training calls to expand their product knowledge and sales strategy on their own time. This is particularly useful if their schedule is not conducive to attending every training class we have offer.

Holiday Parties & Events

Our industry connections often result in invitations for our staff and their guests to enjoy parties in the area. Perks can include waived cover fees, open bar, and VIP access. We've been involved in everything from Halloween and Christmas parties, to new product launches & charity galas. Local celebrities such as Skeery Jones & Ghandi from Z100's Elvis Duran Show , Team Boom Cups , and celebrity DJs are often the hosts.

Our pride of the year is the Long Island Hospitality Ball , hosted by The Baldwin Family and benefiting the Carol M. Baldwin Foundation . Hart Agency Owner Keith Hart is a Chairman of the LIHB Committee, and Hart Agency is involved in every step of the process for planning and executing the event. Hart staff may have the opportunity to volunteer to work this charity benefit which raises money for a worthy cause.

Referral Program

Some of our best hires are referred by our current staff or clients. Hart Agency hosts seasonal “Hiring Happy Hour” events. Staff bring candidates to the event to meet our management team in a social setting, while having the opportunity to mingle with new people. This informal environment is a way for us to treat our current staff while providing a relaxed setting for interviews to prospective candidates.

Outside of that, we offer incentive bonuses to our staff if the person they referred is hired and works for one season consistently. Interested applicants can list who referred them in their application and note it during the interview.

Types of Events

Check out our website for a full list of services we offer to our clients, but most of what we do are ON and OFF Premise events.

On Premise events include samplings at bars, restaurants, sporting venues, country clubs, trade shows, and any specialty events.

Off Premise events include samplings at liquor stores & wine shops. We offer additional services for these events which suppliers can choose to utilize, including engravings and calligraphy directly on the bottles, which makes for a great gift!

Sommelier & Mixologist Bartenders - Some programs require an enhanced level of knowledge and skill, therefore we have certified Sommeliers & Mixologists on staff for such events.

Every promotion we execute involves educating the consumers on the brand, while encouraging sales . Whether they're taking a bottle home or drinking cocktails at the bar, we help customers open up their minds to drinks they may have not tried before; at times creating lifelong loyalty for our brands!

Hart Agency offers a fun & flexible working environment with competitive wages, opportunities for incentive bonuses, and potential for growth. Interested in working with us? Apply here . You can also find this link at the bottom of the Contact page and your application will be forward to the manager in your area. They'll reach out to qualified candidates to schedule an interview.

We are always accepting applications but remember our business ebbs and flows. Typically, our busiest times of year include:

Spring Holidays - Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, St. Paddy's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby

Winter Holidays - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's

That's all for now! As always, thanks for reading and we hope to hear from you!

Remember to look for Hart Agency on social media for the current wine tastings, events, and parties in your area. We are always updating @hartagency on Facebook & Instagram.

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #hartgirl #hartagencygirl #hartagencmodel #sommelier #mixologist #newhire #blog #event #tasting #wine #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #winetasting #winepairing #foodandwine #sales #education #training #party #boomcups #livedj #z100 #samples #winesamples #sampling #wineclass

The Best Beers for your Superbowl Party, 2020 Edition!

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 21:53:59 GMT

Why go for the usual brew when you can pair something more unique with your pizza & wings?

There's such a wide array of beers & types that it can feel overwhelming shopping in the grocery or convenience store. Always in the know with new products and popular brands, Hart Agency is here to guide you through some fantastic options for enjoying the game (AND commercials!)....

Sierra Nevada: Limited Edition "40th Hoppy Anniversary"

6.0% ABV

Available in a limited number of stores & bars in New York, this Spring Seasonal Ale is perfect for the hops lover. This 40th Anniversary edition pays homage to the classic West Coast IPA with bold flavors, in the same style home-brewer (at the time) Ken Grossman created the original. Since it blends the taste of pine with citrus and ends with a slight caramel finish, we think the hops' bitterness is perfect to balance the spice of that buffalo chicken dip your sister-in-law always brings that is instantly devoured by everyone at the party!

Yeungling: America's First Brewery

4.5% ABV

We love the history of the brand, and that it's still family owned and operated. Established in 1829, they've survived through Prohibition and have expanded to meet the demand in the last decade. Their newest, the Golden Pilsner, is a delight you'll want to try. A balance of malt & hop, it's crisp and the best for quenching your thirst. Great with lighter dishes or to balance the creaminess of your spinach and artichoke dip, this is their "interpretation of an outstanding, modern pilsner."

Additionally, at only 140 calories per serving, Yeungling Traditional Lager is our go-to if you're in it for the long haul of watching from the couch for the full four hours. It won't leave you feeling bloated & pairs well with grilled meats, fried food, and spicy food, so it checks every box for your Football viewing enjoyment! The taste is well-balanced with a subtle sweetness that is delightful with food.

Hoegaarden White: Original Belgian Wheated Beer

4.9% ABV

This recipe was inspired by the Monks of Hoegaarden: they explored blending botanicals with traditional wheat beer. Citrus balances with coriander, bringing about a complexity that pairs with a variety of foods. Nice with a cheesy crab dip, spring rolls with sweet & sour sauce, cocktail meatballs, and wings (go for the teryaki, lemon pepper, Parmesan garlic, Thai curry, or zesty Asian sauces). We love the versatility this Belgian Beer provides for your game day banquet. Remember to pronounce like the village it's named after: who-garden!

So good, why stop there? Hoegaarden is a great option for Beer Cheese Dip, so you can drink and eat and dip and drink.... Heat up some SuperPretzel Super Soft Bites , or make your own fresh with Pillsbury's own recipe .

Hoegaarden Beer Cheese Dip:

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup Hoegaarden (or other lager)

8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Create a roux by adding butter and flour to a pot and whisking over medium heat. Add the four spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in Hoegaarden until it is the consistency similar to a gravy. You can always add a bit more beer if it seems too thick. Add cheese and stir until melted. Enjoy!

Blue Point: Blueberry Ale

4.5 % ABV

We love Blue Point because it comes to you direct from our backyard, Long Island! They carry a variety of beers you can enjoy all year round, as well as some seasonal options. We really have a hard time deciding on our favorite, but for Super Bowl Sunday we're feeling their Blueberry Ale. Not like your typical fruit-forward beer, the Blueberry Ale is crisp, balanced, and refreshing. Perfect to balance any heavy or salty party foods.

Plus! Take it from the people who know Sangria is not just a summertime drink - Blue Point makes a fantastic Blueberry Beer Sangria to beat the winter blues!

1 cup Blueberry Juice

2 ounces Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

2 ounces Simple Syrup

4 ounces Brandy or Pisco

24 ounces Blue Point Blueberry Ale

Stir ingredients into a pitcher, add Lemon wheel for garnish, along with fresh or frozen blueberries and a bit of basil. Add ice & enjoy!

Corona Premier

4.0% ABV

Looking to mix it up as far as light beers go? Corona Premier is a premium, low carb, light option that has a crisp, smooth taste. Noted as Corona's "Most Drinkable" cerveza, it's only 90 calories so you can load up on chips & guac & salsa & tacos & why limit yourself to just Mexican food if you're drinking a Mexican beer?! Burgers & wings & pizza... the list goes on! Corona Premier's refreshing & refined, so you can drink it with any component of your Super Bowl feast.

Heineken 0.0

0.0% ABV

We'll set the scenario: you enjoy the taste of beer but not interested in the alcohol. You (or a friend) are proudly recovered. You're the designated driver for the night. You want the ritual of drinking without the hangover. So many reasons to list.... Now you can hang with the best of them with Heineken 0.0; their new non-alcoholic beer.

They start with natural beer ingredients, brew & ferment with their "unique A-yeast", then gently remove the alcohol which is then blended to give it a fruity and subtle malt taste. Perfect for your game day sliders & apps without the Monday morning headache!

Hart Agency will be doing promotions for these brands coming up, so look out for live updates on our social media pages. Take a photo with your favorite beer & food spread on game day, post on social media, and tag @hartagency!

As always, thank you for visiting our page. Let us know what new blog topics you're interested in seeing from us! Valentine's Day is just around the corner... can you guess the topic for that week? Comment below!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#superbowl #gameday #beer #wheatedbeer #ipa #lager #ale #brew #brewery #promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #food #foodpairing #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #foodandwine #winebasics #samples #sampling

Wine Basics for Beginners

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 15:31:23 GMT

While many people enjoy drinking wine themselves, they may feel intimidated by what seems (at times) like the stuffy culture & particular etiquette that goes along with the world of wine. We’re here to break down some of that allusion with helpful tips & know-how for those beginning their journey of learning.

Although we know wine represents the important things in life: quality time with friends & family, relaxation, letting loose, pairing with a nice meal, celebrations, brunch…. We also realize there is relevance to knowledge and presentation.

Where to Start: Read the Label.

The front of the bottle will let you know the following four things:

Winery – Their Name. Often, it’s named after the family who created it. Other times there are fun backstories so it's great to explore. They can be conversation starters for your next get-together or party.

Region – Location. Certain places and climates are better for growing grapes than others. And individual varietals may do exceptionally well in a specific region. For example, Argentina is known for Malbec whereas New Zealand is known for Sauvignon Blanc.

Extra Credit: Impress by using the term Terrior (pronounced t-air–w-are); “the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.”

Varietal – Type of grape. Some popular ones include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.

Blends – these are created by blending the juice from multiple varietals, so you can pick up characteristics from the different grapes. The combination often balances out the extreme qualities of one grape. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and dry, so blending with other grapes will soften the taste of the Cab. Each White or Red Blend is comprised of a different percentage of grapes. Some wineries will disclose these ratios and what grapes go into it, while others do not. In that case, we like to refer to their mix of ingredients as a “trade secret” for only the winemaker to know!

Roses- Some do not realize, rose’s are often a blend of red grapes. The color of red wine comes from the skin sitting in the juice. With Roses, the skins rest for a small amount of time to give it their pink hues. Roses can also range from tasting sweet to dry, depending on the blend of grapes they use.

Vintage – Year the wine was made. The weather during a certain year may yield better fruit than other years. If there was heavy rain one year followed by a drought the next, the year with rain would result in larger fruit and/or a bigger harvest. If it was a poor growing year, they may not be able to produce as much wine. Some wines are non-vintage, meaning they don't specify what year the wine was released.

Corks & Screw Tops & Cages, Oh My!

Wine is now packaged in a variety of ways, from the traditional corks all the way to boxes to buy in bulk. It's great to know the differences which can help you (or a customer) decide how much to purchase for a specific event.

Corks - Most wines come with the traditional cork (either natural or synthetic), so you'll need to know how to open a bottle of wine. One thing to remember is to use a knife to cut the top of the foil before putting the screw into the cork. If you stab it right in there and pull out the cork, the foil will tear resulting in a not-so-professional look. Plus there's a big chance the wine will splatter as you pour it out, making a mess of everything.

Skrewpull Corkscrew - The simple design includes the metal curled wand and a wooden handle. Because it takes a bit of arm strength, these are not as popular as other models.

Wine Key (aka Waiter's Corkscrew) - This version is usually easier to maneuver due to an added lever, often includes a foil cutter, and folds up like a Swiss Army knife. Portable and affordable, this is our go-to recommendation. It may take a couple tries for newbies to get the hang of, but once you learn it's as easy as riding a bike!

1. Place the fold out knife under the lip of the bottle and cut along the edge to remove foil.

2. Line up the corkscrew in center of the cork and twist until the curl is most of the way into the cork.

3. Place the first " step" of the lever onto the lip of the bottle.

4. Lift handle until cork is halfway out.

5. Place the second step on the lip, pulling until the cork is almost out.

6. Use your hand to pull the cork all the way out.

Winged Corkscrew - Also a popular option, this is probably the easiest on our list because it has two levers that allow you to have more cushion with positioning the screw into the cork and less energy used. However it isn't as small and portable, and is not recommended for wine that has been aged.

Screw Top - Previously associated with inexpensive wine, we find that false stereotype no longer applies in most people's minds. There are many quality brands that offer twist off caps which are convenient and ensures freshness. Put simply, you won't need to remember your wine key, and you won't get stuck with a spoiled bottle from a faulty cork. Optimal for an outdoor venue or your overnight hotel stay... but you can enjoy wine from a screw top any day of the week!

Cages - The proper term is Muselet (French for muzzle), but for our use the importance is knowing how to open a bottle of Champagne or Sparkling Wine. We definitely recommend against the Sabrage method (using a sword - It almost never works. Don't try it. But you can find some funny videos with a quick search)

Again, opening a bottle with a cage is pretty simple once you know what you're doing, but with everything the more you practice the easier it will come to you.

1. Make sure your bottle is chilled. A pro tip is to use ice and water to speed up the process.

2. Find the tab that allows you to open the foil, and peel away.

3. Use a cloth dinner napkin or towel; it adds an additional layer of security in the event that the cork flies out of the bottle from all that pressurized energy.

4. Twist the tab of the cage 6 times and loosen the wiring. Use your thumb to keep pressure on the top of the bottle.

5. Some professionals recommend leaving the cage on for added safety. If you do take off the cage, be sure to remove it quickly and keep pressure on the cork with your thumb.

6. Keep pressing on the cork (you see a theme here), twist the bottle slowly from the bottom until you feel the cork come out of the bottle. Contrary to what you see in the movies, it's more impressive to have a soft "psst" sound rather than a loud pop. Plus you don't want to waste that precious juice!

7. Wipe the lip of the bottle before pouring.

Cans & Tetras - These are fun & portable, perfect for your outdoor events, poolside wine drinking, or parties where you don't want to do a lot of dishes afterwards. Cans are usually sold individually or in 4-6 packs. Tetras are like grown up juice boxes! No tools necessary of course. Another great option is to grab these if you like to have one glass of wine with dinner without opening a whole bottle. Also nice for portion control if you're counting calories! Often associated with beach outings & summertime, don't be fooled. You can drink these all year round!

Recommended Brands: Babe, Crafter's Union, Dark Horse, Bonterra, Ava Grace, Sofia Coppola, Barefoot, The Pinot Project

Boxes - We find these perfect for two reasons:

Awesome for parties, you will typically get 3-4 bottles priced much less than if you were to buy the same product in bottle form. Plus they're better for the environment because there's less packaging than bottles or cans.

Secondly, if you're the type of person who enjoys one glass of wine with dinner or to wind down after a long day, but don't want to commit to an entire bottle, boxes are a fantastic option. Most stay fresh for at least a month up to a month & a half.

Recommended Brands: Barefoot, Bota Box, Black Box, Estancia

Opening is easy!

1. Tear the serrated circle which is located at the front bottom of the box.

2. Pull out the tap and place it into the opening.

3. Fold the extra cardboard back into place.

4. Peel off the foil.

5. Pour and enjoy!

Sampling in Order

If you're sampling multiple wines in one sitting, be sure to taste in order of lightest bodied to fullest bodied. Some tips:

-White before Red

-Dry before Sweet

-Young before Old

Here is a example of how to order white wines:

Reisling

Pinot Grigio

Sauvignon Blanc

Viognier

Chardonnay

Moscato

Here is a example of how to order red wines:

Beujoulias

Pinot Noir

Chianti

Zinfandel

Merlot

Malbec

Shiraz

Cabernet Sauvignon

Think of it this way - if you start with the boldest, you won't truly taste the lighter bodied wine. If you drank heavy cream, it would coat your palate and you wouldn't pick up the notes of the skim milk. If you had something very sweet first, the sugar would linger in your mouth and the dry wine wouldn't shine.

One thing we probably shouldn't have to say but will (because yes we've seen rookies time and again make this mistake) - white wines should be served at 49-55 degrees, while red wines should be 62-68 degrees. So we should not see red wines in ice buckets unless it is a sweet red wine.

Food Pairings

We love that you can be creative with your pairings. Some tried and true tips are safe places to start, but don't be afraid to break the traditional rules based on what you like. We'll give you some guidance so you can experiment with various options:

1. You can opt to either go for a contrasting pairing (wine and food have opposite characteristics), or else complimentary pairing (wine and food are in harmony because wine amplifying the flavors of the food).

2. The wine should have the same intensity as the food, so a light dish can pair well with a light wine. This explains why generally red wines go well with red meats or hearty bold dishes, while white wines go with chicken, fish, and salad.

3. Some people choose to have wine that is more acidic than the food, while others prefer wine that is sweeter than the food.

4. You want to consider that it is better to pair the wine with the sauce, rather than the meat, if applicable.

5. Generally red wines are better for complimentary pairings; while whites, roses, and sparkling wines are suited for contrasting pairings. Also, bitter wines (reds), balance out fatty dishes.

What does that mean in actuality? You can choose a citrus-y wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to enhance a spicy Thai dish, or pick a sweet wine like a Moscato to balance that same heat. A zesty Pinot Grigio can balance a rich Alfredo pasta, or a buttery Chardonnay can add to the creaminess of the flavors.

So you can really make a case for any combination, but at least you'll now be able to know why they go well together.

As far as taste profiles and varietals, you probably already have an idea of what you like, which is great! But it’s also nice to explore other brands from regions you may have not necessarily sampled before. We hope this gives you a good sense of where to start. Look out for wine tastings, classes, and training events in your area to really be able to dive in.

That's all for now! As always, thanks for reading and let us know what new blog topics you're interested in - comment below!

Remember to look for Hart Agency on social media for the current wine tastings in your area. We are always updating @hartagency on Facebook & Instagram.

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #wine #champagne #food #vintage #varietal #winery #region #sparkling #drink #drinkme #drinkup #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #winetasting #winepairing #foodandwine #winebasics #winekey #corkscrew #samples #winesamples #sampling #wineclass

The Best Sparkling Wines for Ringing in the New Year

Sat, 28 Dec 2019 17:46:55 GMT

As we all know, New Year's Eve is for celebrating with Champagne & Sparkling Wine! There are many popular brands out there, but we're here to list some of our favorites for leaping into the Modern Roaring 20's. What's even better? These all ring in under $40 in New York!

BAREFOOT BUBBLY

As the Official Bubbly of New Year's Eve Times Square, it's only fitting we start with Barefoot ! They have a variety of sparkling options so whether you prefer sweet or dry, there is something for everyone. They average at $10 per bottle for their bubbly line so it's splendid for if you're wanting to grab a few just for the toast at midnight, or a couple cases if you are planning on drinking bubbly all night long. For those who prefer a dryer palate, the Brut Cuvee Champagne or Extra Dry Champagne are great options. For the sweet tooth, go for the Pink Moscato, Moscato Spumante, or search for one of their fruit infusions.

They also carry flat wines "On Tap" which is a 3 Liter box that stays fresh for 30 days so you can enjoy for the next month (if there's any left after your big bash). Spritzer cans are another nice option for the perfect portion per person.

KORBEL

Known as America's favorite "California Champagne", Korbe l Brut is our go-to to pair with Chambord Raspberry Liqueur. It's created in the Champagne Method, which means it's fermented in the same bottle it's served in. This creates a delicate, balanced taste with endless bubbles and a medium-dry finish.

Chambord creates harmony with this sparkling wine by adding a touch of sweetness. We like to garnish this pretty pink Kir Royale with fresh berries for some festive cheer. Also excellent for mimosas, or toast on its own. Korbel carries an assortment of other varietals for every mood or taste preference so be sure to explore their whole portfolio!

LA MARCA

As far as prosecco goes, La Marca is truly the best quality for the price. A delicate blend of effervescence and minerality, you'll find citrus and grapefruit give way to honey, making it a fabulous addition to any spritz or cocktail. This bottle has a smooth, fruity finish which makes it the easiest sparkling for pleasing a crowd this New Year's!

Looking for something special to sip on while "feeling the fizz"? We're loving their Blushing Bubbles for a delightful & memorable cocktail:

1½ oz. La Marca

1½ oz. Coconut Vodka

¾ oz. lime juice

¾ oz. simple syrup

6 dashes bitters

MEIOMI

For the every-day sparkling wine drinker, Meiomi Sparkling Wine has an incredible character and drinkability. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are blended to make the ideal balance of elegance with a firm structure. Green apple and citrus shine through, with a refreshing minerality to ease the finish. Perfect for oysters and sushi, as well as a warm brie or a berry tart. We find this to be a fantastic option for pairing with your NYE apps, dinner, and dessert due to its versatility. This doesn't have the subtle sweetness that some brands do, so it's perfect for someone who prefers dryer wines.

MUMM NAPA

An exemplary Napa Valley Brut with a twist! Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige is a unique blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Meunier. This combination gives way to the strong flavors of citrus, red apple, and a hint of vanilla. The finish is rich and lingering, with notes of gingerbread for a true holiday feel. We love that this bottle has the impression of an extravagant champagne for a fraction of the price. Perfect for ringing in the new year!

CHAMPAGNE NICOLAS FEUILLATTE

Encapsulating the entirety of the Champagne region, their Reserve Exclusive Brut begins with pear & apricot, and finishes with a round texture and lasting finish. As a true champagne, it has a wonderful range, from pairing exquisitely with hors d’oeuvres to finishing the meal with a delicate dessert.

For those not versed in the french language, pronunciation is key when asking for this bottle at your retailer, but it's easy once you learn it! Say it with us: Nick - oh - la / Foy - yacht.

LAURENT-PERRIER

We are fascinated by the history of this Champagne house. Originally founded in 1812, Cellar Master Eugène Laurent inherited the estate, but after his untimely death his widow Mathilde Emilie Perrier renamed it Laurent-Perrier and expanded it. Their daughter ran it during the first World War while her two sons fought in it. The House Laurent-Perrier was sold in 1939 to Marie-Louise de Nonancourt and later her son became owner, but not before starting as apprentice and doing all of the various jobs at some point during his career, learning every aspect of production.

Today, Cellar Master Michel Fauconnet is "responsible for the wine from vinification to bottling." The passion behind this brand translates to a marriage of new and old techniques, including the traditional single vineyard vinification to create the perfect blend of grapes and the modern use of stainless steel tanks for the initial fermentation. This results in the purity, elegance, character, and consistency that you find in their La Cuvèe Champagne Brut . This timeless brand is perfect for celebrating, and what better way to do that than to pair with a midnight kiss this New Year's?

That's all for now! As always, thanks for reading and let us know which are your favorites on this list. What are your go-to Champagne brands not listed and tell us why you love them- comment below!

Remember to look for Hart Agency on social media for the current events in your area. We are always updating @hartagency on Facebook & Instagram.

Have a happy and safe New Year's from all of us at Hart Agency!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #wine #champagne #sparkling #glitter #drink #drinkme #drinkup #italian #prosecco #napavalley #napa #california #champangeregion #france #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #jubilee #celebration #celebrate #party #holiday #holidayparty #holidaydrinks #holidaywine #nye #newyearseve #timessquare #barefoot #korbel #chambord #lamarca #mummnapa #nicholasfeuillatte #laurentperrier #champagnehouse #roaringtwenties

Delicious Red Wines for Every Holiday Budget

Sat, 21 Dec 2019 16:26:16 GMT

Forgot someone on your list? You know wine is always the answer! Because with only a few days until Christmas, we recognize you'll want a quick, enjoyable, and appropriate gift. Whether you're budgeting after all that Black Friday shopping or looking to impress with extravagance, we have delicious options for every price point!

Remember last year when you were invited to your in-law's neighbor's party at last minute? And that one time when your aunt showed up Christmas Day and you didn't have a gift for her to open? Or when your cousin Ed brought his family but nothing else and you ran out of eggnog, Clark? (Nightmare moment!) No need to panic. Grab a couple extra bottles & gift bags to have on hand just in case - because you probably didn't get your child's teacher anything yet. Or your hairdresser... or your BOSS!!

Regardless, those extra bottles won't go to waste -- you can always drink them in January if there's any left over.

$10-12: LOUIS JADOT

Louis Jadot is America's #1 French wine for a reason. These wines from Burgundy are a balance of "tradition and technology" to bring out the purity of the varietal. We are amazed that these easy-drinking wines price at $10-12.

Their packaging is elegant and refined, and we think it will look festive on your Christmas table. If you're shopping for someone and are unsure their taste preference, these will please a wide variety of wine drinkers.

Their Beaujolais is 100% Gamay and is aged with semi-carbonic maceration to "bring more tannins and structure to the wine." This process results in a bold, juicy taste with a slightly peppery finish. Prices around $9-10 in NYC.

Their Beaujolais Villages is also 100% Gamay but is created in a more traditional style of vinification which results in a medium-bodied wine that has a balanced, fruit-forward taste of strawberries. cherries & spice. Pairs well with light dishes such as appetizers & poultry. You'll find this bottle around $12 on the shelf.

You can also find more in their portfolio at slightly higher prices which range from $16-22, including the white wine lover:

Louis Jadot Macon-Villages - $16.29

Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse - $20.87

Louis Jadot Pinot Noir - $21.79

$15-20: FRANCIS COPPOLA

People love a good story, and what better talking point than to gift them a bottle from Francis Coppola himself's winery? This is a great option for The Godfather fan or movie buff, but the beautiful packaging and quality taste is a guaranteed great fit for anyone on your list.

Their Diamond Collection Claret has a stunning black label with gold netting & font that will leave an impression of charm & sophistication. The wine itself is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, made in a Bordeaux style. The term "Claret" refers to a British term to describe Cabernet-based wines, but you will also find this bottle has Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc blended to create a smooth and luscious wine with flavors of berry, plum, and anise. The Claret averages around $16.50 in New York.

Their Director's Cut Cabernet Sauvignon is also blended with Malbec and Cabernet Franc which adds complexity to the taste profile. It's aged for 15 months in French and American Oak barrels, providing notes of blackberries, cherries, minerals, and cocoa. The winery recommends that the Director's Cut is best enjoyed after a few years of aging, so this is an approachable price point to give to the wine enthusiast who appreciates that some things are worth the wait. However it can also be enjoyed right away after a few hours of decanting. This bottle typically sells for around $18-19.

$20-25: CAMPO VIEJO

For the Spanish wine lover, Campo Viejo is a fantastic option. These wines are created by three female winemakers, so if you're looking to support a brand that backs women in the industry, this is it. Chief Winemaker is Elena Adell, who has been making wine since 1985, is the granddaughter of wine growers, and studied Agricultural Science. With that experience comes the knowledge of how to create fantastic wines. It takes 5 years to create their Gran Reserva due to aging in oak barrels, which adds a velvety smoothness to the taste. You'll find notes of dark fruit, chocolate, tobacco, and coffee which pairs well with dark meat, roasts, and blue cheese.

This bottle also has a stylish netting and their dark gold label will leave the impression that it's valued at much higher than its $22 price point.

$35: RUFFINO

This Italian Chianti is only created when the vintage produces the quality grapes necessary. When they do make the Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro , the grapes are harvested by hand, then aged in oak, stainless steel, and concrete vats for 3 years (a full year longer than what is required by Italian laws). Before releasing each vintage, they let it rest in the bottle for some time so that you open an exquisite wine that has structure and balance. Taste profile includes blackberry, cherry, plum, and spice. Any Italian family will know the name Ruffino and the quality behind the brand.

Clearly gold is a theme for us, and this label gleams with a pure gilt unlike any other bottle and is sure to impress. Ranked 95 Points by The Tasting Panel, this bottle sells for about $35 in your wine shop.

$45: THORN

Alright, alright, we'll steer away from the gold labels from here on out -

From Napa Valley, Thorn is a blend of primarily Merlot grapes sourced from small, choice vineyards, along with Syrah, Malbec, and Petite Sirah. This wine has a full body with a juicy finish, and notes of mocha, vanilla, dark cherry, and a bit of toastiness. Aged in French and Hungarian oak barrels, 35% of which is new oak, resulting in its rich character.

We love this description of their wine from their website, which also perfectly explains the artwork and concept behind the brand: "You don’t know what it wants and you’ve underestimated its character. But you can feel it watching your every move. A cunning presence lingers, like a thorn in your side. It isn’t going anywhere."

We can't help but think of the edgy animal lover for this bottle (you know the type), but really the wine will stand for itself and excite any wine enthusiast in your life. At $45 per bottle, the recipient will be in awe of such a nice gift.

$55: CUTTINGS

On point with the holiday theme, think of the cuttings from your Christmas tree! Their name is actually inspired from the "age-old method of using cuttings from idyllic sites for the propagation of new vines." This Cabernet is blended with Petit Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel which results in structure and depth. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, the taste has an intense flavor of roasted coffee, brown spice, wild berries, vanilla, and black currant.

Winner of Best in Class in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, this bottle is simple yet striking, and the glass itself has the extra weight to protect the ambrosia inside. Save this for someone on your list that you're looking to thrill or really show gratitude to; this will ring in at $55 in most wine stores in Metro New York.

Hope you enjoy, and that this provides some guidance or direction for those intimidated by all the bottles on the shelf. Pull up this list in the store for an easy and quick shopping trip. Remember if you're stocking up, ask your retailer if they provide a discount for a case -- most do!

Let us know what your favorite go-to wine is in the comments, and be sure to look for Hart Agency on social media for the most up-to-date posts about events in your area! @hartagency on Facebook & Instagram.

Have a happy and safe Christmas & Hanukkah from all of us at Hart Agency!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #wine #drink #drinkme #drinkup #claret #cabernet #redwine #chianti #redblend #redredwine #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #jubilee #celebration #celebrate #party #holiday #holidayparty #holidaydrinks #holidaywine #christmas #hanukkah

GIN-gle all the way! Holiday Gin Suggestions from The Hart Agency

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 23:06:47 GMT

Your guide to our favorite gins this season, and the best holiday cocktails to make with them!

What's amazing about Gin is it's infused with various botanicals, so every brand is unique in taste. We're here to showcase the differences, and provide a perfect cocktail pairing for your seasonal party.

ST. GEORGE TERROIR

Bursting with pine, we love St. George's Terroir Gin. American made in a former naval air station, they use California Douglas Fir & Bay Laurel to infuse their gin with an intense & bold flavor.

Perfect for Christmas time, c reate an amazing Cranberry Punch by adding 1 part Terroir, 2 parts natural cranberry juice, 1/2 part simple syrup, and a squeeze of lemon over ice. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries & a sprig of rosemary to enhance its already piney splendor. At just $33 per bottle, it's great for batching in a punch bowl or serving as you go.

AVIATION

We stand behind the gin that Ryan Reynolds owns! Aviation is smooth, delicious, and flavorful; you'll find subtle flavors of juniper, coriander, lavender, sarsaparilla, cardamom, anise, and sweet orange peel. Priced at around $26 per bottle, and well balanced in taste, this is one of our go-to's for every weekend or pleasing a crowd.

For your holiday party, we love the simplicity and elegance of their take on a Gimlet with The Southside Cocktail:

2 ounces Aviation Gin

3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice

6 mint leaves

3/4 ounce simple syrup

Garnish with a lemon peel & serve up in a martini glass

SUNTORY ROKU

We adore this Japanese gin because not only is it infused with eight classic botanicals, they also include 6 "uniquely Japanese" botanicals that result in a soft, round, and floral taste. The beautiful bottle is shaped like a hexagon and includes a raised design of each botanical in ode to the unique six. Those include the Sakura flower, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea, Sansho pepper, Sakura leaf, and Gyokuro tea. In order to get the perfect taste, they harvest each of these during their peak time of ripeness, so it takes a full year to produce. Despite that, Roku prices around $30-35 per bottle.

Roku deserves to shine, so it's the perfect Gin & Tonic . Make it festive with 6 slices of fresh ginger and be sure to go for a quality tonic like Fever Tree.

DRUMSHANBO GUNPOWDER IRISH

This gin is both "slow distilled by hand in medieval copper pots", and vapor infused with a total of 8 botanicals including oriental grapefruit. Their concept is about the innovation of bringing unrelated things together for the first time through the test of curiosity, so appropriately enough their mascot is a Jackalope, a mythological animal that is a mix of a jackrabbit and an antelope.

Taste-wise, you'll note tea, citrus, light pepper - it all comes together in a freshness that is just stunning. In homage to their theme, our unusual holiday cocktail recommendation is their Curious Jackalope :

2 parts Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin

1 part fresh lime juice

1 part fresh grapefruit juice

1/2 part simple syrup

Shake & serve in a rocks glass with an over-sized ice cube. Garnish with mint leaves & a generous slice of deep red grapefruit.

It's refreshing, sophisticated, and different, so why not enjoy at a holiday party? It's around $35 per bottle and stands out on the shelf with its beautiful vibrant blue bottle.

NOLET'S SILVER DRY

Ranked 98 Points by Cigar & Spirits Magazine, this gin is vibrant like none other, likely in part due to its high proof of 92.2. Go for the gold at your soiree with a Nolet Martini , but we recommend using Dolan's Blanc Vermouth de Chambre. Why? The blanc vermouth is "dry like white vermouth but sweet like red vermouth". Use two parts Nolet & one part Dolan's, shake with ice & serve up in a martini glass, then garnish with an orange twist (or lemon twist if you prefer). Since Nolet's is already floral & fruit forward, the blanc vermouth will be the perfect compliment.

Look for the deep emerald green bottle with the striking silver top, priced around $44 per bottle.

HENDRICK'S

What gin list would be complete without Hendrick's? And we're going mad over their Jubilee Punch , which is 1 1/2 parts Hendrick's, 1/3 part Maraschino liqueur, 1/2 part lemon juice, 1/2 part elderflower cordial, and 3 parts apple cidar. Mix in a punch bowl and serve with floating cranberries.

It's perfect to get you in the joyous mood. You'll find it around $38 per bottle and we love the vintage apothecary feel of their dark bottle.

We hope you're inspired with different & new libation options to enjoy at your seasonal celebration! Let us know which is your favorite cocktail in the comments, and be sure to look for Hart Agency on social media for the most up to date posts about events in your area! @hartagency

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #spirit #gin #drink #drinkme #drinkup #cocktail #mixologist #bartender #bartend #liqueur #punch #liquor #cranberry #martini #ginandtonic #gandt #rosemary #ginger #lemon #orange #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate #jubilee #celebration #celebrate #party #holiday #holidayparty #holidaydrinks #holidaycocktails

Low Calorie Holiday Wine & Cocktail Options from The Hart Agency

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:01:44 GMT

You're probably feeling sluggish after a week of Thanksgiving leftovers. You want to look fabulous in your NYE dress. Maybe you're starting your resolutions early with a pre-holiday diet challenge, but still want to enjoy the party when the time comes. We've got the insights on how to do just that without going overboard. Our list includes cocktail & wine options that fit in exactly with your current dietary needs.

SPIKED SELTZER

We're going to assume everyone has heard of the newest craze among us Millennials, but in case you're unfamiliar, Spiked Seltzer is a great option to stay on track while counting calories. Most are around 100 calories, gluten free, just a few carbs, and 4-5% alcohol. Convenient, refreshing, perfect for parties, Keto friendly, and not just for summer! There are an array of brands, but we've listed our favorites:

White Claw sticks to their signature five plus a limited edition "Pure" which is their take on the vodka & seltzer.

The Facts: 100 Calories, Gluten Free, 2g Carbs, 1g Sugar, 5% Alcohol
So popular it's selling faster than they can produce it!

Truly allows you to explore 12 different flavors (Find a mixed pack with four flavors each: Berry, Citrus, or Tropical).

The Facts: 100 Calories, Gluten Free, 2g Carbs, 5% Alcohol
Their website even lists delicious cocktail options, however be careful because that will add calories to your cocktail. Our favorite recipe of theirs is the Truly Merry Berry Cocktail: add one ounce of gin (75 calories), a splash of cranberry juice (look for diet or lite options), and a sprig of rosemary, to 6 ounces of their Wild Berry flavor. Serve over ice in a Collins glass.

High Noon Sun Sips is the only canned option on the market right now that boasts of real vodka and real juice.

The Facts: 100 Calories, Gluten Free, No Added Sugar, 4.5% Alcohol.
Their 4 flavors include grapefruit, watermelon, black cherry, & pineapple.

WINE

Sometimes there's just nothing that can beat that craving for WINE! Fortunately, there are wines available for the fitness junkie in mind. Here are a few of our top choices:

FITVINE was a line of wines created for the health-conscious in mind, while providing a great tasting yet lighter option. They range from 92-120 calories per 5 ounce glass depending on the varietal, have hardly any sugar, and still pack a punch with 11-14.1% Alcohol. What makes them so unique is their proprietary fermentation process that results in less than 1 gram of sugar per liter (around 0.09 grams per glass).

In addition, they are sustainable and one of the vegan-friendly options out there (yes many wines are not vegan if you can believe it!).

Varietals include: Holiday Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Rosé, Albariño, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, and Sauvignon Blanc. Look for the runner on the label when shopping!

LIFEVINE is committed to growing wines without the use of harmful pesticides. They are Certified Pesticide Free and the winner of the Clean Label Project Award. They also have 25% more antioxidants than the average wine, and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving.

In addition to the Cabernet, they offer two lower calorie wines; their Chardonnay contains 118 calories and the Pinot Noir rings in at 114 per serving. They use "clean & honest ingredients", so the taste results in a pure, delicious wine.

Their sister wine, RASCAL , is also pesticide free and supports the Humane Society of the United States, as well as other local Animal Welfare Societies.

BONTERRA is one of our favorites for certified organic wines, and this brand focuses on sustainability, plants flowers that attract beneficial bugs, and even employs sheep to "cut the grass" between the vines.

Organic means less sulfates, which means less sugar, and less of a wine headache the next morning. They also have Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and a Young Red Blend in cans which not only provides convenience, but allows you to enjoy a glass without committing to opening an entire bottle. Portion control is built right in for you!

Many of their wines have earned 90+ Points on Wine Spectator & Wine Enthusiast so you know they are great tasting.

VODKA

Vodkas are typically around 97 Calories for a 2 ounce pour, so an easy cocktail is to mix with seltzer or flavored club soda with a lime or lemon garnish. And of course there's always diet soda, but let's get more creative.

Look for light options of your favorite juices, which may cut the calories in half: orange juice, cranberry juice, or lemonade.

But our recommendation this season? ABSOLUT JUICE APPLE EDITION , which is only 99 calories per serving. Cr eate a delicious take on the Classic Mule: grab a bottle of Fever Tree Ginger Beer, (just 40 calories per bottle), add a splash of lime juice and garnish with cranberries for a light, festive, and flavorful cocktail.

GIN

Gin typically checks in at about 145 Calories for a 2 ounce pour, and our excitement is mounting over the Limited Edition HENDRICK'S ORBIUM . As their website describes, Obrium is "instilled with additional extracts of Quinine, Wormwood and Lotus Blossom, the result is an oddly exquisite gin that sits roundly on the palate, complementing our beloved cucumber and rose essences."

It is flavorful like you wouldn't believe, so a simple Gin & Soda or Gin Martini works beautifully for a refreshing option. Add a sprig of Rosemary or even Pine to enhance the experience while adding some holiday cheer, or keep it simple with a few slices of cucumber instead.

Look out for the deep cerulean blue bottle on shelves, and get your bottle quick before they sell out!

WHISKEY

SCOTCH | A standard measure of Scotch is 55 calories, and we're excited about Glenlivet's newest, THE GLENLIVET 14 YEAR , which is finished in ex-cognac casks for a sweet, fruity, and smooth finish. Add a drop of water to open its bouquet, enjoy with a large cube of ice, or go for a "New Fashioned".

Add 2 dashes Orange Bitters & 2 dashes Angostura Bitters to a rocks glass, followed by 2 parts Glenlivet 14 Year Old, 1/4 Part simple syrup, and a large ice cube. Garnish with Orange Peel & Sprig of Rosemary.

BOURBON | A one ounce shot of bourbon is 97 calories, and we recommend looking into the family of OLD FORESTER . What makes them unique is they provide a wide variety of styles to explore, with their most common listed here:

1870 Original Batch

1897 Bottled in Bond

1910 Old Fine Whiskey

1920 Prohibition Style

Classic 86 Proof

Rye Whiskey

Signature 100 Proof

Warm up with a Hot Toddy by adding one ounce of Old Forester, honey, lemon, and cinnamon stick to hot water.

IRISH | We enjoy a good Irish Whiskey just as much as the next lass, and love the triple-casked SLANE IRISH WHISKEY which has a smooth and flavorful finish. Create a low calorie Irish Coffee by adding one ounce Slane (about 70 calories) to fresh brewed coffee and topping off with Cool Whip Lite (2 tbsp. are only 20 calories).

It will give you the jump in energy you need, while satisfying your sweet tooth.

TEQUILA

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: HAVE YOU TRIED ROCA PATRON ? Yes there are other brands we know and love, but this season we are particularly smitten with this tequila that uses the old style tahona process. Essentially, they use a 2 ton volcanic rock wheel to crush the agave plant, which results in a crafted, ultra-smooth tequila. At only 64 calories per ounce, the agave used to make tequila is naturally sweet so you don't need to go crazy with added sugars. You'll want to sip it on its own, or create a craft cocktail for a premium drink.

One great option is their Basil Lime Margarita. Rim glass with Kosher Salt, add 2 ounces Roca Patron Silver, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup (50 calories), 4-5 basil leaves & stir. Add lime wheel or wedge for garnish.

Remember to measure our your portions, otherwise you may end up doubling your calories by slipping a 2 ounce pour into your glass when you meant to add only one! Since most wines & liquors are already gluten free, you're safe there too. If you're nervous, you can always check but once distilled there is no gluten in the mash. Most are also low-carb or carb-free, so keto-dieters can rejoice too.

We hope this list has provided you some insight for how to stay focused on your fitness goals! Don't forget to check out our social media @hartagency for more. We'll continue to post about the newest products on the market, as well as upcoming events & promotions in New York.

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #wine #vodka #spirit #tequila #scotch #bourbon #gin #drink #drinkme #drinkup #cocktail #mixologist #bartender #bartend #irish #coffee #liqueur #rosemary #ginger #gingerbeer #lemon #lime #margarita #mule #diet #keto #ketofriendly #glutenfree #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester #upstate

Thanksgiving Cocktail Pairings from The Hart Agency

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 19:02:18 GMT

Think you can’t have tequila with Thanksgiving dinner? Nonsense! We’ve compiled a list of delicious recipes that pair perfectly with your favorite November meal. Looking for something a bit more traditional? We’ve got that too. We’ve even included our favorite brands to make shopping a breeze.

CRANBERRY

We all know cranberry pairs perfectly with turkey just as lemon goes with chicken, so what better way to enhance your entire meal than with a Cranberry Margarita ?

Rim glass with sugar using lime juice. Combine ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake for about 30 seconds, pour into glass over ice. Garnish with cranberries & a lime wedge.

1 ½ ounces tequila

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 ounce lime juice

½ ounce triple sec or orange liqueur

Recommended Brands

Tequila: Patron, Casamigos, Avion, Olmeca Altos, Espolon

Triple Sec: Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Patron Citronge Orange

PUMPKIN SPICE

It’s Pumpkin Spiced Season, y’all! So why wait for dessert to be served when you can start early with this Pumpkin Spiced Martini with dinner:

Rim your glass using Maple Syrup & Cinnamon Sugar (McCormick & other spice brands are available ready-made, or feel free to make your own by mixing the two. Another option is to add crushed graham cracker to your cinnamon/sugar mix.)

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce Dark Rum

1 ounce pumpkin creamer or regular half & half

2 tbsp canned pumpkin puree

¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

¼ tsp vanilla extract

Combine ingredients into shaker with ice, shake for about 30 seconds, pour & strain into rimmed martini glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick & a pinch of nutmeg.

Recommended Brands

Vodka: Grey Goose, Absolut, Tito’s, Deep Eddy

Dark Rum: Pyrat, Goslings, Bacardi Black

Creamer: feel free to substitute half & half for almond milk or another non-dairy alternative

For after dinner, enhance your coffee to pair with your pumpkin pie. We know you’ll need it to stay awake after that big turkey dinner -

Boozy Pumpkin Spiced Coffee:

2 parts Baileys Pumpkin Spice

1 ½ parts brewed coffee

1 part milk

Stir well & serve hot (or prep ahead & chill in fridge until ready to serve, then pour over ice.)

Recommended Brands

There's plenty of flex with this recipe. Add whiskey (Cask & Crew Toffee Walnut), vodka (Stoli Vanil), or sub any other cream liquor or Irish cream (Rumchata, Kerrygold, Carolyn's)

APPLE & GINGER

Try a twist on the traditional mule with subbing Apple whiskey for vodka with this refreshing recipe that ends with a hint of spice with this Whiskey Mule:

Fill a mule mug with ice. Add 2 ounces bourbon or flavored whiskey with fresh squeezed lime juice. Fill mug to the top with ginger beer, stir, garnish with lime wedge & slapped mint leaves. Add some caramel drizzle for the sweet-tooth in your family.

Recommended Brands

Flavored: Jack Tennessee Apple, Jim Beam Apple, Cask & Crew Ginger Spiced

Bourbons/Whiskeys: Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Suntory, Jim Beam, Redemption.

Ginger Beer: Fever Tree, Goslings

ROSEMARY

Sometimes you want something light to go with a heavy meal. For this herb-acious libation, create a rosemary infused simple syrup ahead of time to make creating this Gin & Rosemary Fizz as easy as pumpkin pie:

Simple Syrup: Combine ½ cup sugar, ½ cup water, & 2 rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat & let cool.

2 ounces gin

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

½ ounce rosemary simple syrup

Club Soda

Fill glass with ice, add all ingredients, stir and garnish with rosemary sprig & lemon twist.

Recommended Brands

St. George's, Suntory Haku, Hendrick's (try their limited edition Orbium), Aviation, Drumshanbo, Monkey Bay, or Sipsmiths.

SPARKLING & SPRITZ

Enjoying a raspberry pie? The Kir Royale . Simple, light, refreshing, sweet, & festive. Pair Korbel Brut with a splash of Chambord Raspberry Liquor to taste & garnish with fresh raspberries for an easy yet impressive cocktail. The raspberry will also balance with the saltiness of turkey & stuffing, so feel free to enjoy this cocktail the whole evening.

Another option is to sub the Chambord/raspberries for cranberry juice/fresh cranberries for a nice Cranberry Spritz .

Recommended Brands

Korbel, La Marca, Mionetto, Meomi, Ruffino, Josh Cellars

ORANGE & SPICE

Looking for something served hot ? We’ve got ideas for that too-

Easy to batch, Mulled Wine is a cozy people please-er that makes the whole house smell like fall:

1 bottle dry red wine

¼ cup brandy

¼ cup honey

1-2 oranges, sliced into circles

Cinnamon sticks

star anise

cloves

Recommended Brands

Wine: Tenuta Sassoragale Sangiovesse, Menage A Trois, Dark Horse, Barefoot

Brandy/Cognacs: E&J, Torres, Courvoisier

Remember! Premium ingredients make for a premium cocktail, and what better way to treat yourself than to go for that higher quality item this holiday season. We’re celebrating right? As New York's premier promotional marketing agency, we know what we're talking about. You'll taste the difference, and we’re sure you’ll thank us later.

Don't forget to check out our social media @hartagency for more on upcoming promotions, events, and product launches in your area!

Hope you enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #wine #vodka #spirit #tequila #bourbon #gin #drink #drinkme #drinkup #cocktail #mixologist #bartender #bartend #thanksgiving #givethanks #mulledwine #sparklingwine #kirroyale #irishcream #coffee #liqueur #cranberry #rosemary #ginger #gingerbeer #lemon #lime #pumpkin #pumpkinspice #mule #apple #mint #caramel #foodpairing #wineandfood #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #westchester

A New Yorker’s Guide to Gifting Unique Wines & Spirits

Sat, 16 Nov 2019 16:04:19 GMT

The holidays are upon us! It’s finally getting chilly enough to realize we’re mid-way through November and we should be planning our Thanksgiving grocery trip, creating our Black Friday/Cyber Monday plan of attack, and making our Christmas & Hanukkah gift giving lists. There’s so much hype around the season of giving, and many people don’t know where to start or what to give, especially to those people in your life who you need to find an appropriate present while including a personal touch. Host/hostess, boss, in-law, neighbor, teacher, babysitter, coach, agent, personal trainer… for some people the list can go on and on.

Hart Agency is here to give you the inside scoop on the one thing most people love & enjoy – booze! We’ve come up with a list of unique options to suit everyone from the easy-drinking-wine-lover to the craft cocktail mixologist.

Treasury Wine Estates

For the wine drinker: Treasury Wine Estates have a wide range of wines at every price point. From 19 Crimes to Beringer to Penfold’s, you can taste varietals from California to Australia. This season they have launched a new campaign complete with tastings in wine shops & liquor stores throughout New York State. Not only are these wines great talking points and perfect hostess gifts, but they’ve added a special touch this season which can enhance your gift and are only available for a limited time.

19 Crimes Mug Shots

Fun, easy drinking, delicious, and affordable; 19 Crimes has it all! Straight from their website, you’ll find out all about the story behind the brand, “Nineteen crimes turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction British rogues guilty of a least one of the 19 crimes were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death. This punishment by ‘transportation’ began in 1783 and many of the lawless died at sea. For the rough-hewn prisoners who made it to shore, a new world awaited. This wine celebrates the rules they broke and the culture they built…”

You can collect the 19 different crimes that are printed on the corks, use the Living Wine Label App to see the prisoners tell their stories themselves, and have a guaranteed talking point at every party. Find a Hart Agency promotion and you’ll also be able to get your picture taken in front of a mugshot pop-up banner & have your own face printed on the label!

11/19 from 2:00-5:00 at Terrace Liquors | 876 E. Connetquot Ave. Islip, NY
11/19 from 4:00-7:00 at Purdy's All Season Wine & Liquor | 70-72 Congress St. Saratoga Springs, NY
11/21 from 4:00-7:00 at Slim & Harry's Liquor | 4526 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY
11/21 from 4:00-7:00 at Pascales's 57 | 7401 Oswego Rd. Liverpool, NY
11/21 from 4:30-7:30 at Elma Liquor Store | 2350 Bowen Rd. Elma, NY
11/21 from 6:00-9:00 at Wine & Liquor Superstore | 815 Hutchinson River Pkwy. Bronx, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at SJ Wine & Liquor | 574 Larkfield Rd. East Northport, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Port to Port Wine & Spirits | 395 H Fort Salanga Rd. Northport, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Catskill Liquors | 344 W. Bridge St. Catskill, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Kinderhook Wine & Spirits | 2967 Route 9 Suite 407, Valatie, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Liquorium | 430-04 North Country Rd. Saint James, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Biehlers Village Square | 141 Buffalo St. Hamburg, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at CHM Liquors (Costco) | 345 Westfall Rd. Rochester, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at 5 O'Clock Somewhere Wine & Spirits | 1092 Long Pond Rd. Rochester, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Liquorium | 430-04 North Country Rd. St. James, NY
11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Biehlers Village Square | 141 Buffalo St. Hamburg, NY

11/27 from 3:00-6:00 at Colonial Wine & Spirits | 3197 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, NY
11/27 from 4:00-7:00 at Purdy's All Season Wine & Liquor | 70-72 Congress St. Saratoga Springs, NY
11/27 from 4:00-7:00 at Amherst St. Wine & Liquor | 601 Amherst St. Bldg B, Buffalo, NY
11/27 from 6:00-9:00 at Nine Star Wine & Liquor | 915 Merrick Ave. Westbury, NY
11/29 from 4:00-7:00 at Pop's LIquor | 256 Long Beach Rd. Island Park, NY
11/29 from 4:00-7:00 at Liquor Plaza | 133 Walt Whitman Rd. Huntington, NY
11/29 from 4:00-7:00 at Best Buy Liquors | 1613 Neptune Ave. Brooklyn, NY
11/29 from 4:00-7:00 at Star Liquors of Monroe | 475 Route 17M, Monroe, NY
11/29 from 5:00-8:00 at Smith's Colonie Wine & Liquor | 1701 Central Ave. Albany, NY
11/30 from 2:00-5:00 at Port to Port W&S | 395 H F. Salagna Rd. Route 2, Northport, NY
11/30 from 2:00-5:00 at Siliato's Liquors | 327 Route 25A, Miller Place, NY
11/30 from 2:00-5:00 at Bombace Wine & Liquor | 6081 Route 96, Farmington, NY
11/30 from 2:00-5:00 at Ryan's Wine & Spirits | 73 Eastern Blvd. Canandaigua, NY
11/30 from 3:00-6:00 at Vines & Barrels | 7179 State Route 54, Bath, NY
11/30 from 4:00-7;00 at Ozone Park Wine & Liquors | 91-12 Atlantic Ave. Ozone Park, NY
11/30 from 4:00-7:00 at Station Liquors | 137 139 Halstead Ave. Mamaroneck, NY
12/03 from 4:00-7:00 at Exotic Liquor | 111-115 W. Hoffman Ave. Lindenhurst, NY
12/04 from 5:00-8:00 at Vintage Grape & Grog | 1479 3rd Ave. New York, NY
12/05 from 4:00-7:00 at BottleBargains | 1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY
12/05 from 6:00-9:00 at McKinley Liquor Inc | 3820 McKinley Pkwy, Blasdell, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Bodine's Newark Discount Liquor | 705 S. Main St. Newark, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Yorktown Wines & Liquor | 1873 Commerce St. Yorktown Heights, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Mr. Wine & Liquor | 8351 Lewiston Rd. Batavia, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Brierwood Wine & Spirits | 5452 Southwestern Blvd. Hamburg, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Suburban Discount Liquor | 2535 E. Henrietta Rd. Rochester, NY
12/06 from 5:00-8:00 at 5 Star Wine & Liquors | 59-12 Woodside Ave. Woodside, NY
12/07 from 1:00-4:00 at Grapevine Wine & Spirits | 3039 Route 50 Wilton Square, Saratoga Springs, NY
12/07 from 1:00-5:00 at Sterling Cellar Wine & Liquor | 179 Route 6, Mahopac, NY
12/07 from 1:00-4:00 at West Ridge Liquor | 630 W. Ridge Road #12, Rochester, NY
12/07 from 2:00-5:00 at K&W Liquors Inc. | 163 New Hyde Park Rd. Franklin Square, NY
12/07 from 3:00-6;00 at Wines on Main | 567 Montauk Hgwy. Bay Shore, NY
12/07 from 4:00-7:00 at Somers Discount Wine & Spirit | 325 Route 100, Somers Town Center, Somers, NY
12/07 from 4:00-7:00 at Dusmech Wine & Liquor/Wine Seller | 300 W. Main St. Sayville, NY
12/07 from 4:00-7:00 at Amity Babylon Warehouse | 860 Merrick Rd. Copiague, NY
12/07 from 4:00-7:00 at Amherst St. Wine & Liquor | 601 Amherst St. Bldg. B, Buffalo, NY
12/07 from 5:00-8;00 at Springfield Wines & Spirits | 61-01 Springfield Blvd. Bayside, NY
12/08 from 12:00-5:00 at Arlington Liquor | 718 Dutchess Tpke. Poughkeepsie, NY
12/10 from 6:00-9:00 at Colonial Wine & Spirits | 3197 Southwestern Blvd. Orchard Park, NY

*Dates, locations, and hours are subject to change. Please call the store to confirm.

Red Ribbon Events | Penfolds, Stags’ Leap, Beringer Luxury, & Beaulieu Vineyard

If you’re looking for a nice wine ranging from $20-$60, look no further than Treasury’s Luxury brands – they’re sure to impress, and any serious wine drinker will know these labels and the quality they represent. Fantastic for an executive, host, or treating yourself on a cold winter night. The following locations are currently scheduled to provide a customizable red ribbon which can include a personalized message as well as the brand logo. Simple yet stunning.

11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Wines on Main | 567 Montauk Hgwy. Bay Shore, NY
11/27 from 2:00-5:00 at Smith's Colonie Wine & Liquor | 1701 Central Ave. Albany, NY
11/27 from 4:00-7:00 at Westchester Wine Warehouse | 53 Tarrytown Rd. White Plains, NY
11/28 from 10:30-1:30 at Bottle Values | 734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY
12/05 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Bargains | 1033 Salonga Rd. Northport, NY
12/06 from 4:00-7:00 at Johnson City Wine & Liquor | 650 Harry L Dr. Johnson City, NY
12/07 from 1:00-4:00 at Pittsford Century Wines | 3349 Monroe Ave #55, Rochester, NY
12/07 from 1:00-4:00 at Amherst St. Wines & Liquors | 601 Amherst St. Bldg B, Buffalo, NY
12/07 from 1:00-4:00 at Liquor City | 6793 E. Genesee Street | Fayetteville, NY
12/08 from 1:00-5:00 at Brooklyn Liquors | 976 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, NY
12/08 from 6:00-8:30 at Lisa's Liquor Barn | 2157 Penfield Rd. Penfield, NY
12/10 from 3:00-6:00 at Empire Wine & Liquor | 1440 Central Ave. Albany, NY
12/13 from 4:00-7:00 at Brooklyn Liquors | 976 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, NY
12/14 from 1:00-4:00 at Pop's Liquor | 256 Long Beach Road, Island Park, NY
12/14 from 1:00-4:00 at Amherst St. Wine & Liquor | 601 Amherst St. Bdlg B, Buffalo, NY
12/14 from 2:00-5:00 at Youngs Liquors | 505 Plandome Rd. Manhasset, NY
12/14 from 3:00-6:00 at Wines on Main | 567 Montauk Hgwy. Bay Shore, NY
12/14 from 3:00-6:00 at Liquor City USA | 965 F Richmond Ave. Staten Island, NY
12/14 from 4:00-7:00 at Towne Cellars Wines & Liquors | 460 County Rd. Suite 13, Manorville, NY
12/14 from 5;00-8:00 at LGC Liquors | 43-20A DItmars Blvd. Astoria, NY
12/17 from 12:00-3:00 at Purdy's ALl Season Wine & Liquors | 70-72 Congress Street | Saratoga Springs, NY
12/17 from 4:00-7:00 at Monty's Discount Wine & Liquor | 909 Rt. 9, Queensbury, NY
12/19 from 5:00-8:00 at Ace Wine & Liquor | 1804 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY
12/20 from 4:00-7:00 at 5 O'Clock Somewhere Wine & Spirits | 1092 Long Pond Rd. Rochester, NY
12/20 from 4:00-7:00 at Johnson City Wine & Liquor | 650 Harry L Dr. Johnson City, NY
12/20 from 5:00-8;00 at Springfield Wines & Spirits | 61-01 Springfield Blvd. Bayside, NY
12/21 from 1:00-4:00 at Jericho Wines & Liquors | 2335 Jericho Tpke, New Hyde Park, NY
12/21 from 2:00-5:00 at Siliato's Liquors | 327 Route 25A, Miller Place, NY
12/21 from 3:00-6:00 at Exit 9 Wine & Liquor Warehouse | 9 Halfmoon Crossings Blvd. Clifton Park, NY
12/22 from 12:00-3:00 at Midway Wine & Liquor | 1001 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY
12/22 from 12:30-3:30 at Dusmech Wine & Liquor/Wine Seller | 300 W Main St. Sayville, NY
12/22 from 1:00-4:00 at K&W Liquors Inc. | 163 New Hyde Park Rd. Franklin Square, NY
12/22 from 1:00-4:00 at Liquor City | 6793 E Genesee St. Fayetteville, NY
12/22 from 1:00-4;00 at Star Liquors of Monroe | 475 Route 17M, Monroe, NY
12/22 from 2:00-5:00 at Oakdale Wine & Liquor Buster | 949D Montauk Hwy. Oakdale, NY
12/23 from 1:00-3:00 at Purdy's All Season Wine & Liquor | 70-72 Congress St. Saratoga Springs, NY
12/23 from 4:00-7:00 at Greenlawn Plaza Liquors | 769 Pulaski Rd. Store #9 Greenlawn, NY
12/23 from 4:00-7:00 at Monty Discount Wine & Liquor | 909 Rt. 9, Queensbury, NY
12/28 from 3:00-6:00 at Country Club Liquor Mart | 805 Fairport Rd. East Rochester, NY

*Dates, locations, and hours are subject to change. Please call the store to confirm.

Our/New York Vodka

For the vodka drinker: Our/New York is a no brainer. Made in the first distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition, not only is this an exquisitely light and floral vodka that is perfect in a delicious crafted cocktail or straight up in a martini, but you can enjoy the experience & story behind the brand. Made from local ingredients & purified New York City water, you cannot find another vodka like this anywhere in the world. Enjoy a distillery tour followed by a drink in their tasting room, located in the heart of Chelsea. Look out for the iconic “small, cool bottle” that comes in 375ml size – great for gifting. They recently released a 750ml bottle and have a 100 proof option if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

St. George Spirits

For the bartender in your life: St. George is all-natural, American made, and one of a kind. Using copper stills made in an old aviation hangar, they only release spirits that uphold the standards of the brand. If one year they don’t have the quality ingredients to continue producing, they will discontinue it. With four types of gin, three vodkas, absinthe, whiskeys, brandies, & liqueurs, they have something for every taste palate. Our favorites include the Raspberry or Spiced Pear Liqueurs which are PERFECT for the holidays, as well as the exclusive Green Chile vodka. And did we mention they have 4 types of Gin? Each so different you could host a tasting flight dinner to compare.

Patron Tequila

For the tequila lover: We imagine everyone has heard of this exemplary brand, and for those who truly know and love Patron, gift them a bottle from Patron’s Roca or Gran line.

Spanish for “rock”, Roca Patron has gone back to its roots with this intense way of creating tequila: by using a two-ton volcanic tahona rock wheel to crush the matured blue agave plant. This hand-crafted technique results in a smooth yet complex taste that you won’t find in any other tequila. The Anejo is aged in used American Oak Barrels for about 14 months, which results in an oaky, velvety smooth finish that any whiskey drinker will also enjoy.

The Gran Patron line includes one of the newest editions, Smoky, which has similarities to a mezcal which is a result of roasting the agave in an underground pit. The Platinum is triple distilled for an ultra-smooth finish. If you can find it, some stores may still have the limited-edition Estate Release which uses agave from the Hacienda Patron Distillery. Piedra offers a tequila aged for over 3 years, while Burdeos is finished in Bordeaux wine barrels.

To personalize your gift with an engraved message on the bottle, stop by the following events or call the location to see about pre-ordering:

11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Pop's Liquor | 256 Long Beach Rd. Island Park, NY
11/22 from 6:00-9:00 at Rockaway Liquor World | 1863 Rockaway Parkway, Brooklyn
11/23 from 2:00-6:00 at Young's Liquors | 505 Plandome Rd. Manhasset, NY
11/24 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's | 221 Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, NY
11/27 from 4:00-7:00 at Ryann's Wines | 1897 Front St. East Meadow, NY
11/29 from 1:00-4:00 at BottleBargains | 1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY
12/08 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's | 210 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale NY
12/12 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values | 734 Old Bethpage Rd. NY
12/14 from 12:00-4:00 at Jimmy's Liquor | 1387 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY
12/14 from 2:00-6:00 at Young's Liquors | 505 Plandome Rd. Manhasset, NY
12/18 from 4:00-7:00 at Stew Leonard's | 210 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale, NY
12/19 from 4:00-7:00 at Price Rite | 689 Old Country Rd. Dix HIlls, NY
12/19 from 4:00-7:00 at BottleBargains | 1033 Fort Salonga Rd. Northport, NY
12/20 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Hampton | 850 County Road 39, Southampton, NY
12/20 from 4:00-7:00 at Seaholm's Wine & Liquor | 134 Wall St. Huntington, NY
12/21 from 1:00-4:00 at Ryann's Wines | 1897 Front St. East Meadow, NY
12/21 from 2:00-5:00 at Bottles & Cases | 99 E. Main St. Huntington, NY
12/22 from 12:00-3:00 at Bottle Buys | 350 Glenhead Rd. Glen Head, NY
12/22 from 2:00-5:00 at Price Rite | 689 Old Country Rd. Dix Hills, NY
12/23 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's | 221 Glen Cove Rd. Carle Place, NY
12/23 from 1:00-4:00 at Markay Wines & Spirits | 4600 Nesconset Hwy #B, Port Jefferson, NY

Bonus! You can find calligraphers creating custom designs on your Ultimat Vodka bottles (part of the Patron portfolio):

11/21 from 5:00-8:00 at Markay Wines & Spirits | 4600 Nesconset, Port Jefferson Station, NY
12/13 from 4:30-7:30 at Liquor Warehouse of Freeport | 101 Buffalo Ave. Freeport, NY
12/21 from 5:00-8:00 at Markay Wines & Spirits | 4600 Nesconset Hwy #B, Port Jefferson, NY

*Dates, locations, and hours are subject to change. Please call the store to confirm.

Woodford Reserve

For the bourbon drinker: We imagine if you’re a bourbon lover, you’re already familiar with the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. But have you tried all the marks they have to offer? The newest is their Wheat Whiskey, but for variety you can also opt for the Malt, Rye, and Double Oaked. You may even be able to find gift sets that include Jack Daniel’s big brother Gentleman Jack or Jack Single Barrel. The following accounts have their own calligraphy bottles of Woodford, while engraving promotional events are happening all over New York through the new year so you can personalize your gift.

Grab a bottle from the store's own hand-selected barrel:

Lehigh Liquors | 2929 Westchester Ave. Bronx, NY
Broadway Liquors & Wine Warehouse | 5790 Broadway Bronx, NY
Newkirk Station Liquors | 11 Newkirk Plz, Brooklyn, NY
Stew Leonards | 1 Stew Leonard Dr. Store 2, Yonkers, NY
Leiser's Liquors | 4130 162nd St. Flushing, NY
Beacon Wine & Spirits | 2120 Broadway New York, NY

*Please check availability

Engraving Events:

11/22 from 4:00-7:00 at Lake Success Wine & Spirit | 1560 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY
11/22 from 4:00-8:00 at Newkirk Station Liquors | 11 Newkirk Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
11/23 from 12:30-3:30 at Bottle Bargains | 1033 Fort Salogna Rd. Northport, NY
11/23 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottle Values | 734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY
11/26 from 2:00-5:00 at Pavilion Wine | 361 S. Oyster Bay Rd. Plainview, NY
11/26 from 2:00-5:00 at Wine Market of New Hyde Park | 2337 New Hyde Park Rd. New Hyde Park, NY
11/29 from 3:00-7:00 at Midtown 38 Wines Inc. | 146 W. 38th Street, New York, NY
12/04 from 1:00-4:00 at Stew Leonard's | 210 Airport Plaza, Farmingdale, NY
12/07 from 12:30-3:30 at Bottle Bargains | 1033 Salonga Rd. Northport, NY
12/07 from 3:00-7:00 at Big Three Liquors Inc. | 3824 E. Tremont Ave. Bronx, NY
12/08 from 12:00-5:00 at Brooklyn Liquors | 976 3rd Ave. Brooklyn, NY
12/11 from 11:30-3:00 at Broadway Spirits | 315 Broadway, New York, NY
12/13 from 3:00-7:00 at Stew Leonard's | 1 Stew Leonard Drive, Store 2, Yonkers, NY
12/13 from 4:30-8:00 at Meichi National Liquors | 391 Flatbush Ave. Brooklyn, NY
12/13 from 5:00-8:00 at Leiser's Liquors Inc. | 4130 162nd St. Flushing, NY
12/14 from 4:00-7:00 at Bottles & Cases | 99 E. Main St. Huntington, NY
12/14 from 4:30-8:00 at Chardonnay Wine Inc. | 7001 Amboy Rd. Staten Island, NY
12/15 from 12:30-4:00 at Reliance Wine & Liquors | 2626 Hyland Blvd. Staten Island, NY
12/18 from 3:00-6:00 at Terrace Liquors | 876 E. Connetquot Ave. Islip Terrance, NY
12/18 from 4:00 - 7:00 at 125 Beacon Dr. Holbrook, NY
12/19 from 4:00-7:00 at Oakdale Wine & Liquor Buster | 949D Montauk Hwy. Oakdale, NY
12/20 from 3:00-6:00 at Wheatley Hills Discount Liquor | 193 Post Ave. Westbury, NY
12/20 from 4:30-8:00 at Newkirk Station Liquors | 11 Newkirk Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
12/21 from 1:30-5:00 at The Seller Door | 379 Downing Dr. Yorktown Heights
12/21 from 3:30-7:00 at Big Three Liquors Inc. | 3824 E. Tremont Ave. Bronx, NY
12/21 from 4:30-7:30 at J & M Wine & Liquor | 84 A East Sunrise Hwy. Lindenhurst, NY
12/22 from 12:30-4:00 at Mill Basin/Stop & Shop Liquors Inc. | 6622 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY
12/22 from 1:00-4:00 at Bottle Values | 734 Old Bethpage Rd. Bethpage, NY
12/23 from 1:30-5:00 at Central Park Warehouse Wine & Liquors | 2500 Central Park Ave. Yonkers, NY
12/23 from 4:30-7:30 at Bottle Buys | 350 Glenhead Rd. Glen Head, NY

*Dates, locations, and hours are subject to change. Please call the store to confirm.

We hope this provides you with some inspiration but check out our website & social media for more including cocktail suggestions and product launches! We’ll keep you posted on new programs coming down the pike so please stop back weekly for more from our blog!

Cheers for now,

The Hart Team

#promo #promotion #promotionalagency #promomodel #promotionalmodel #model #brandambassador #hart #hartagency #hartteam #blog #event #tasting #engraving #wine #vodka #spirit #tequila #bourbon #absinthe #gin #drink #drinkme #drinkup #cocktail #mixologist #bartender #bartend #gift #giftgiving #giftguide #perfectgift #newyork #newyorkstate #newyorkcity #longisland #yonkers #unique #uniquegifts #uniquenewyork #engraving #calligraphy