Yes, 2022 is around the corner. This is the moment that we are all vowing to live a better and healthier lifestyle. There will be no better way to do this than to kick off the new year than with a Dry January. Ditch the alcohol in the first month and get a whole new meaning to life.
SPIRITY Cocktails introduces the world’s first non-alcoholic cocktail crafted with Spirits Distilled from Tea which has earned them the distinction of becoming the first non-alcoholic cocktail awarded by the coveted San Francisco World Spirits Competition, whilst competing directly against its alcoholic counterparts.
Great taste is matched with a distinctive feeling that you are enjoying a new way of living. We love each flavor in the profile and we love the way it makes us feel even better. Mindful Negroni, Mindful Mule, Mindful Margarita and the newest edition Mindful Apricot Sour will all make you smile.
Our personal favorite is Mindful Mule. The iconic cocktail accentuates the bitter notes of the Spirits Distilled From Tea with the robust and spicy aroma of fresh ginger. It’s only 35 calories a can and is made with all-natural ingredients with no preservatives.
“Rethinking my personal relationship with alcohol left me feeling abandoned by my social construct that evolved around alcohol, leaving me feeling left-out and unaccommodated. I had 20 year’s experience making wine and spirits and I knew there was an answer, I just needed to take action and work it out through trial and error,” explained Master Distiller and creator of SPIRITY Cocktails, Eric Knight.
Knight’s innovative Spirits Distilled From Tea are crafted from Pu’er Tea, which undergoes the same biological process that occurs in grape skins during the production of red wine. “Pu’er tea is the perfect medium for our spirits because it combines the processes of fermentation and aging to transform a simple plant into something with adult-like complexity,” Says Eric after researching the social history of tea and its use in the adult social occasion. “The bitter flavors of Tea have been at the center of the adult social occasion for thousands of years, it was an obvious starting point,” says Knight who developed the process in his backyard using a 1 gallon still and an old propane stove.
When asked about the taste of his Spirits Distilled from Tea, he describes them as “adult-like, adding, the sensations and mouthfeel of alcohol are very difficult to replicate, and instead of trying to be something that it’s not, I wanted to create a new type of distilled spirit that had its own flavor profile worthy of a craft cocktail. All of my cocktails have a unique bitter finish that lingers and intensifies after each sip, similar to the sensation created while sipping on an alcoholic cocktail.”
All sold on Amazon, a 4 pack goes for $14.99 and range from 25 to 40 calories a can. Talk about the perfect way to start 2022.
Happy and healthy new year.
Events
Happy Chanukah Day 5: Chanukah on Ice

Chanukah on Ice NYC is back at Wollman Rink, (59th Street) and 6th Avenue, this year! Guests will skate to live Jewish music throughout the night, accompanied by a life-sized dreidel mascot. Attendees will enjoy complimentary hot drinks, delicious food from Famous Pita, and doughnuts.
As part of the effort to maintain the safety of our event, ticket sales are only online and there will be no tickets at the door. Every person will be screened by our security professionals and asked to show ID. Thank you all for your understanding and cooperation! We look forward to safe and fun event for all.
In case of rain or other inclement weather, we will not reschedule Chanukah on Ice NYC, but we will send you a voucher that you can then use to schedule a time to skate at your own discretion.
This year, costs for the rink have gone up dramatically. Pricing is $35 per person.( Under 2 is free). Ticket Sales end on December 11, 11:59 PM Online registration only, no at the door sales this year.
Family
Countdown to Christmas Day Our Holiday Gift Guide: A Portable Campfire

17 days to go! Every year people panic to find the perfect gift. We at T2C have been collecting idea’s all year long to bring you the perfect gift guide at all price levels. When you’re at the end of your rope trying to find the perfect Christmas present this year, come to this guide for some great suggestions.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. For anyone who loves to sit back and relax near the campfire but doesn’t have the space or wherewithal to build one, gift them this nifty little thing for Christmas. A Portable Campfire $35.99. This candle-like “campfire” has 3 to 5 hours of burn time and is sleek enough to bring the campfire wherever — be it the beach, the backyard, terrace or anywhere else!
Do I feel a smores treat coming on?
Events
Happy Chanukah Day 3: Food For Thought

A Chanukah menu includes potato pancakes, fried, of course, in lots of oil. Sweet cream cheese rugelach. Strawberry-jam-filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), covered in powdered sugar. Fried apple fritters. Cheese-filled doughnuts fried in oil and dipped in honey and Cheese blintzes. Chanukah food traditions have their origins in the first years that the holiday was celebrated, and are meant to remembrances of certain miracles associated with the reason for Chanukah.
The first is the miracle of oil. One day’s supply of oil lasted for eight days. Mystically, both the menorah and the oil used to light it are associated with Chochmah, and the war between the Greeks and the Jews.
The word shemen, Hebrew for oil, contains the same letters as shemoneh, eight, the number of days that the miracle of the oil lasted.
The dairy is to honor a young woman named Yehudis. During the war against the Greeks, she fed a Greek General salty cheeses so that he would become extremely thirsty and brought him wine to drink. He fell asleep, she killed him. The Greek army fell into disarray and fled. Thus the dairy in the meals.
Gluten Free Latkes
Be sure to use high-heat oil, which will help keep things from burning. Pay attention to the temperature of the oil—keep it between 325° and 350° F—
Makes 24 latkes
Frying time: 6 to 8 minutes
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 large yellow onion
- ½ cup superfine brown rice flour
- 3 extra-large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 32 ounces safflower or other high-heat vegetable oil
- Preheat the oven to 170° F or your preferred keep-warm setting. Line a baking sheet with layers of paper towels.
- Peel the potatoes. Using a grater attachment, grate all the potatoes and onion together. Alternate, if grating by hand, coarsely grate half of the mixture and finely grate the other half, then combine the two mixtures in a large bowl.
- Line a colander with a clean dish towel. Place the potato mixture in the lined colander. Squeeze to get the liquid out. It will be messy, but keep going or the latkes will be greasy and not as light.
- Place the potato mixture in the bowl and add the flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fill a skillet with ¼ inch of oil. Heat the oil until a tiny bit of the mixture sizzles when dropped in. Maintain an oil level that is ¼ inch deep with a temperature of 325° to 350° F at all times.
- Scoop ¼ cup of batter for each pancake, flatten to 4 inches in diameter, and fry over medium heat until nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more.
- Place the finished latkes on the paper towel–lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the oven to keep warm while finishing up the other latkes.
- Serve the latkes warm, topped with applesauce and/or sour cream.
Broadway
Head To The The Algonquin Hotel For Some Holiday Cheer

As we head into the holiday season, The Algonquin Hotel’s December event lineup is open to both hotel guests and New York City locals. The hotel will spread holiday cheer with a variety of festive performances, cocktails, and experiences including:
- Cocoa and Carols Happy Hour: Daily, 5-8PM, Every evening this December, all are invited to enjoy Specialty Cocoa while Christmas carols chime at the Blue Bar. Drinks will include Mexican Hot Chocolate spiked with mezcal
- KT Sullivan Cabaret: December 5th, 12th and 19th, Sullivan will perform her iconic Christmas Cabaret. As noted by The New York Times, Sullivan is a thrilling Off-Broadway performer with over eight published albums
- Rocco Dellaneve’s Rat Pack Christmas: December 7th, 14th and 21st, Rocco Dellaneve will perform iconic songs from the Rat Pack Christmas album with special inclusions of Santa with Sinatra, Rocco of the Snow, Rudolph and the Rat pack
- The Serafina’s and Broadway Vocalists: December 8th, 15th and 22nd, enjoy the high kicking – precision line dancing Christmas tradition around The Algonquin tree. The Serafina’s will be available for pictures and autographs from 6pm to 7pm, followed by special Broadway vocalists
A portion of proceeds from all events will be donated to Toys for Tots.
Beyond the December events, The Algonquin Hotel is located in a prime position nestled in the heart of Times Square and Fifth Avenue, making it the perfect launchpad for a New York City holiday experience. The hotel is a historical jewel that emphasizes the importance of making unique, storied experiences. Since its opening in 1902, The Algonquin Hotel is famous for its timeless style and desire to honor the literary and cultural elite. The distinguished Round Table Restaurant and Blue Bar offer tasteful dining inclusions and curated cocktails that are sure to excite everyone.
Photo credit: The Algonquin Hotel, Autograph Collection
Events
Celebrate Hanukkah With Manhattan’s Favorites

The Festival of Lights, starts today Thursday, December 7th and goes through Friday, December 15th. From classic Jewish foods to fan-favorite chocolates, there are many options to celebrate Hanukkah in New York City.
New York’s iconic Li-Lac Chocolates, celebrating its 100th Anniversary has been enjoyed by generations of locals and tourists alike. Manhattan’s oldest chocolate house, Li-Lac, has remained true to its tradition maintaining the same single-minded focus on product quality. Its confections are handmade daily in its Brooklyn Factory using many of the original techniques and equipment from 1923.
Li-Lac Chocolates makes for the perfect Hanukkah gift for friends and family. They have a broad selection of specialty molds and gifts, now offering more than 120 items making it one of the largest selections of gourmet chocolates in the world.
All of its chocolates are certified Kosher and gluten-free.
A few gift options for Hanukkah include:
- Dreidel Filled with Gelt
- 20 pc. Chanukah Chocolate Gift Box
- Chest of Gelt
- Menorah Pop
The full list of Hannukah chocolates may be viewed here.
To learn more about Li-Lac Chocolates rich history, you may view a comprehensive press release here.
Store locations: Industry City/Brooklyn, Greenwich Village, Bleeker Street, Chelsea Market, Hudson Yards and Grand Central Market.
Ships: via FedEx in the United States and Canada.
~~~
The popular Upper East Side Jewish Delicatessen PJ Bernstein will be rolling out a special Hanukkah menu, available for catering, delivery, takeout as well as dining in.
One of the last remaining of its kind, PJ Bernstein has been a staple in its neighborhood since opening its doors on the northeast corner of 70th St. and 3rd Ave. Serving the classics since 1965, it continues to be a hotspot for locals and celebrities, attracting the likes of Mayor Ed Koch, Liza Minelli, 2 James Bonds in Sean Connery and Daniel Craig, and Cuba Gooding Jr., to name a few.
Highlights of their Hanukkah menu include the following, but are not limited to:
- A Special Prix Fixe Menu with a Mixed Green Salad, Matzoh Ball Soup, Brisket with Mini Latkes, Kasha Varnishka, Gravy, Apple Sauce, and a Mini Danish.
Appetizers:
- Famous Potato Latkes, a holiday favorite
- Baked Knishes
Entrées:
- Smoked Sturgeon
- White Fish Salad
- Roasted Chicken
Sides:
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Egg Barley
Desserts:
- Chocolate Rugelach
- Challah Bread
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