Best Bets

Photo: Jennifer Karady

The Best Bet
Whether or not you make it down to Louisville, there is only one beverage to drink on Derby weekend: the mint julep. To make one properly requires a good supply of crushed ice (and, of course, bourbon; for that, turn the page). Most ice-crushing machines produce shavings useful for snow cones and not much else. Waring’s ice crusher ($79.99 at Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St.; 212-705-2232) is the 800-pound gorilla. It pummels 30 pounds of ice an hour, holds twelve cups’ worth, and produces a large grain that melts slowly. That’s enough to invite every betting man and woman you know over for a long, cool drink.

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Earrings to Wear Every Day
Ted Muehling fans should check out Marion Cage. The architect turned jewelry designer’s collection of wood, gold, and silver earrings and necklaces has clean lines, minimalist shapes, and the occasional well-placed diamond adornment (shown here, $240 at Auto, 803–805 Washington St., nr. West St.; 212-229-2292).

Photo: Davies + Starr

The Skinniest Jeans
Kate Moss started the Superfine-jeans craze earlier this year; they’re now available at Barneys for the rest of us. Be warned: They run Moss-size ($272; 660 Madison, at 61st St.; 212-826-8900).

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Bourbon That’s Good Enough for George Washington
Until it shut down in the eighties, Michter’s was the oldest distillery in America; George Washington bought whiskey for his troops there. When he worked there, Adolf Hirsch kept for his personal use several casks of bourbon, which are now being sold as sixteen-year-old Hirsch Reserve. It’s the last Michter’s batch. It’s also delicious ($79.99 at Appellation Wine & Spirits, 156 Tenth Ave., nr. 20th St.; 212-741-9474).

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A Loafer for Sneaker Guys
Not too preppy and not too Euro, Camper’s Pelotas Casco is the perfect loafer for the guy who swore he’d never wear one ($175; 125 Prince St., at Wooster St.; 212-358-1842).

Photo: Davies + Starr

Linen for Spring
Who says linen sheets are only for summer? The neutral taupe, chocolate-brown, and sky-blue pattern on Area’s Mix sheets can grace beds year-round ($410 for a king duvet at Area at ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, nr. 19th St.; 212-473-3000).

Best Bets