A Misguided June Indeed
June in New York City was a whirlwind, and we closed this busy month out in our most misguided fashion. Read from michael about our latest:
When James Zinkand told me about his itinerary for the last weekend in June 2026, it was clearly not of a single focus! After all the man is one of founders of Misguided Spirits, so let's mix it up with a hot tub party on a hotel rooftop and the next day host 48 local bartenders with a trip out to New York City’s Citi Field for a Mets games against their long time rival the Philadelphia Phillies. Add to this picture a colorful portion of the population across the river in Manhattan parading down Fifth Avenue loudly celebrating “PRIDE.”
Misguided??? Not at all, just an eclectic schedule for a company known for celebrating its diverse customer base, its hip and smart bartenders and the owners of the company based in this city that allegedly never sleeps.
FIRST STOP: Saturday, June , after 5: 00pm
The Misguided team arrived at The Standard Hotel to join Ripley Soprano, the spry little elf who is the publisher of DIRTY MAGAZINE. Once inside this trendy Euro-friendly hotel, we were whisked up to the 18th floor where an riverfront view bar was already busy mixing a variety of Misguided cocktails. Not being shy, I had to join in and had a super Misguided Spirits Crooked Vodka Martini, made exactly to my specifications with a quick Mezcal rinse.
Once I loosened up and began meeting some of the other Dirty Mag celebrants, I flipped off my flip flops and joined publisher Ripley to talk about her specialty publication noted for its truly off the beaten path hijinks. She has been hosting this party celebrating sexual diversity and some extreme diversions for six years. We talked about the many personalities who are regulars at her events and wilder gatherings.
Billed as a “pool party” this was an occasion for Ripley and I to sit and talk on the edge of trapezoidal shaped hot tub that was anything but hot. The frigid water did not stop the lively threesome in the pool as they frolicked and entertained the growing crowd poolside. Included n the mix was Warren, a friend of James’s from growing up, who is now known about town as one of the foremost set designers for the NYC strip emporia–AKA strip clubs. He was clearly in his element, stripped down to an abbreviated G-string and getting his hair braided. He was having a ball as we were all watching this transformation. A proud expression of his true self.
A group of us ventured up to the roof deck where the sun was setting over Lady Liberty, who just might have blushed had she been among the party goers here at The Standard’s Dirty Magazine party. Yes, this was a gathering of folks who are supported by Misguided Spirits and who represent the city’s most innovative and entertaining performers and producers. Misguided Spirits entertains and celebrates its constituents in the city’s diverse hospitality arenas in many ways such as the events that followed the next day.
NEXT STOP: Sunday, June 28, group gathered at The Apple at Citi Field, 1:45pm
Would you believe Citi Field, where a sunny day was just the perfect occasion to host a gathering of loyal bartenders as well as other bar and spirits industry professionals. James was once again on hand to greet his fellow hospitality friends and offer grand stand seating for a perfect day of baseball, hot dogs, hamburgers…and bags of seemingly endless peanuts. Yes, this is America's pastime, and this disparate group of bartenders, distillers, distributors and me along for the ride, heading right up to the bleachers, This simple baseball game sets a standard of camaraderie and celebration of the good times we all enjoy and god knows we need more of. Donned in our new matching Misguided Mets t-shirts, we watched from the top rows of the stadium as the Mets played on. Hooting and hollering for a home run and enjoying the time off spent with friends who know the tribulations of the industry.
Bartenders and hospitality workers worked tirelessly the month of June to help the city celebrate, culminating in a seemingly once in a lifetime energy about the city. The Knicks winning the NBA Finals, the World Cup hosted right in our backyard, and of course PRIDE all month long. Throughout it all, the city’s hospitality workers were there to serve us and celebrate with us. So, it was joyous to see these folks taking a day off for fun and conviviality on their own accord.
NOW THE REST OF MY WEEKEND: Later Sunday, June 28, approximately 5:30pm
As I bade farewell to the grandstand at CitiField, I headed for the Metropolitan Transit to get me back to Manhattan. I wanted to visit my home town, my old home in the West Village. I hoped to catch the tail end of the storied GAY PRIDE PARADE.
Well, I made it to Christopher Street and it was in full gridlock. New York City knows how to throw a parade for it seems like every ethnic persuasion, nationality and for me: my sexual diversity. Oh, how far we’ve come.
That last weekend in June was not just “Misguided,” it was just another adventure and then some. I am very pleased and prouder-by-the day to know these ladies and gents who ensure a good time can be had by us all. They enjoy each other and make this assignment a thrill, an education, and fun.
-Michael Howell
Be on the look out soon for Michael’s adventure to a space age roller rink in Bushwick and meet Varun Kataria, the man who forged a creative road to Xanadu.
Read this also on the Misguided Spirits Substack: https://misguidedspirits.substack.com/
