If it’s July 11 (7/11, get it?), then Slurpee drinks must be on the house at 7-Eleven stores. That’s because this Saturday is 7-Eleven Day, and the day the convenience retailer celebrates its birthday. This year 7-Eleven planning to give away close to 5 million free 7.11-ounce Slurpee drinks to celebrate its 82nd birthday. The retailer has added something new to its annual tradition of giving away cups of its iconic frozen drink.  As an extra birthday bonus, this year’s colorful “Happy Birthday!” cups feature a code on the side that can be redeemed online here for a chance to win or buy reduced-price Live Nation concert tickets.  

For over 40 years, Mrs. Butterworth has been on a last-name basis only. Contest participants have until July 17 to guess the first name of this pop cultural icon who has appeared in everything from movies and TV to Kanye West’s rap lyrics, Geico commercials, New York Times crossword puzzles, and more. Go here and submit your guess along with an explanation of 100 words or less as to why you think your first name guess is correct or send your entry to: “Guess Mrs. Butterworth’s First Name” Contest, c/o BHG PR, 546 Valley Rd., Upper Montclair, New Jersey 07043. The person who correctly guesses the first name will receive a $500 cash prize and a year’s supply of Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup. (Um, how much is a year's supply? One bottle would probably do me just right.)

Evidently Saturday, July 11 is National Swimming Pool Day and calls for you to set aside the yard work and relax by the pool. Here's a cocktail for the occasion: Sobieski Broken Lawn Mower, created by Tad Carducci.
 
1-1/2 oz Sobieski Vodka
3 oz chilled beef bouillon
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 dashes Tabasco sauce, or to taste
1 dash habanero sauce (optional)
1 oz fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp. chipotle powder
Juice of 1/2 lime
Spicy Salt (equal parts coarse salt, black pepper, chipotle or regular chile powder and lime zest)

1. Moisten rim of highball glass with lime.
2. Roll outer lip in a saucer filled with the spicy salt mixture.
3. Shake thoroughly, strain over ice into the pre-rimmed highball glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and a pickled hot pepper.