rye

Like bitters, maraschino liqueur is an essential ingredient in many classic cocktails but serves an opposite purpose. The cherry-derived spirit offers just a hint of sweetness that's not at all syrupy. I particularly love cocktails that combine bitters and maraschino, as the competing elements come together for a very complex taste.The festive Fat Prince challenges (in a good way) the taste buds even more, with earthy rye and a float of Brut champagne. Though the combination isn't timid, it's a highly sippable tipple. It's also a great way to get acquainted with maraschino, but if you can't find it, you can substitute kirschwasser. To get the recipe, read more

For the bash I'm throwing in honor of New York Fashion Week, I'll be serving everyone rounds of this drink, the Manhattan. Not only is it a classic cocktail, but it's sleek, urban, and distinctly New York. The best thing about this bar classic? It's just as easy to make in a large batch as it is to prepare just one.

For those of my guests who aren't sipping spirits, I'll have sparkling cranberry juice on hand to pour, so they can look (and feel) just as glamorous as the rest. To stir up this fashionable drink, read more

When I think of leftover corned beef, two recipes almost always come to mind: sandwiches and hash. While I love both of those, I was very excited by this recipe for a salad that uses up corned beef. This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for a Monday night meal. Two types of lettuce — green leaf and iceberg — are tossed with a quick, easy homemade thousand island dressing. If it sounds super scrumptious, read more

With its brick walls, shabby chic chairs, and outdoor smoking cage, the decor at Rye is moody, yet friendly. I'll add my own touches to make the ordinary Thursday feel more like a party. However, I'm not going overboard, I want the look of my half birthday to be simple, yet cool. Faux crocodile paper in magenta doubles as placemats. The snacks are served on large white plastic trays. Clear glass votives sparkle when filled with shiny rhinestones. Nestle the candle carefully on top of the rhinestones. Mini bowls will hold an assortment of pink M&Ms and vases will be filled with pink daffodils.

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The best thing about hosting your half birthday party — or any party — at a bar is that you don't have to worry about the drinks! My soirée is at Rye — a bar that specializes in classic cocktails made with fresh and fabulous ingredients. Guests can choose and order what they feel like drinking. Rye offers specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.

I will most likely drink their basil gimlet at the happy hour. A lovely blend of fresh basil and lime, this is a refreshingly light cocktail. To see how it's made, read more

With bread and a food processor, fresh bread crumbs are a blitz away. In this recipe, chicken is coated with homemade rye bread crumbs making for a delicious and crispy texture. The chicken is dipped in a mustard before being patted with the crumbs and baked. The final result is a crunchy chicken whose flavor and texture mimics that of fried chicken, but without all of the extra fat. To take a look at the recipe — which serves roasted carrots on the side — read more