Kilbeggan

Although Father’s Day just passed, dads still desire a great tasting whiskey year-round. Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey has the perfect solution.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey comes from the oldest operating distillery in Ireland, and its fine whiskey is double-distilled so that it retains its one-of-a-kind flavor.

Kilbeggan Distillery can be found on the River Brosna in Kilbeggan, Ireland. It’s proud to be recognized as the world’s oldest distillery that is still producing the finest Irish whiskey.

By partnering with Eoghan (Owen) Hughes, who’s a bar manager at the Knockranny House Hotel in Mayo, Ireland – Kilbeggan wanted to pay homage to a traditional Irish breakfast, the Dad’s Secret Dram.

Now people fro all over the world, can enjoy sipping and savoring their favorite whiskey just like the Irish do.

Kilbeggan Dad’s Secret Dram

Ingredients:
– 2 Parts Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey
– 3/4 Part Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

– 1 Part Honey Syrup (1/2 honey 1/2 water)
– 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
– 1 Part Egg White

Method:
Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake to mix well and emulsify. Add ice and shake hard for another 15 seconds. Pour into a large tumbler over ice. This is a “man’s drink,” so no garnish is needed.

Photo: Sauza Tequila

Today is Memorial Day, a popular U.S. holiday and there’s nothing more refreshing than sipping an ice cold margarita on a hot day at the beach, at a park or BBQ’g in your backyard.

Sauza Tequila has cretaed several cocktail recipes that are perfect! They are quick and easy to make so you can get back to enjoying time with friends and family a little faster.

Sauza recently launched a new ready-to-serve for those moments you need a cocktail on short notice. Sauza
Sparkling Margarita features a Sauza Tequila base along with triple sec and delicious flavors like Mango Peach and Wild Berry paired with effervescent bubbles, which makes for a truly unique cocktail tasting experience.

Enjoy these great tasting cocktail recipes from Sauza Tequila:

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Sauza Cucumber Margarita
3Ž4 cup Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
2 parts JDK & Sons O3 Premium Orange Liqueur
1 medium Cucumber, peeled and sliced
6 parts Fresh Lime Juice
2 parts Simple Syrup

To Make: In a pint glass, muddle together sliced cucumber and Sauza® Blue
Tequila. Let sit in the refrigerator for one hour. Strain the cucumber
Tequila and combine with all ingredients in a pitcher. Stir and serve over
ice. Garnish with reserved cucumber slices and a wedge of lime. (serves 4)

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Sauza Perfect Pear Margarita
8 parts Sauza Blue 100% Silver tequila
8 parts Water
8 parts Pear Juice
1 can Frozen Limeade

To Make: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and serve over ice with or
without a sugared rim. (serves 9)

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Frozen Cherry Lime Sauza®-Rita
1 can Sauza® Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
1 bottle Light Beer
1 bottle Cherry Soda
1 can Limeade
3 cups Ice

To Make:
Pour limeade, beer and cherry soda into blender filled with ice. Fill
limeade can with Sauza® Blue Silver Tequila and add to blender. Blend until
smooth and enjoy.

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Below is a video of the famous Sauza lifeguard, who serves up his favorite summer libation, the Sauza Sparkling Margarita.

This year, Cinco de Mayo will be on Sunday May 5th. Sauza® Tequila has you covered with a variety of cocktail ideas to make your Cinco de Mayo celebration a memorable one. Be sure to use Sauza Sparkling Margarita.

Consider starting your day off with a Sauza Sparkling Margarita at brunch, then try a delicious afternoon cocktail and sip on the Frozen Cherry Lime Sauza-Rita. For a great tasting drink to end your evening, enjoy the Honey Ginger Sauza-Rita.

Sauza Tequila is crafted at the renowned Sauza Distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. The agave plants are put into tequila production within 48 hours of being hand-picked, then milled and steeped prior to cooking in a process called “Fresh Pressed Agave,” resulting in the freshest, natural, crisp agave flavor.

Sauza Tequila just launched Sauza Sparkling Margarita, a refreshing new way to enjoy the authentic taste of a margarita with the unique addition of effervescent bubbles. Now available in three incredible flavors, including Original Lime, Mango Peach and Wild Berry, this fun, ready-to-serve cocktail truly captures the spirit of the traditional margarita paired with a unique twist of flavor.

Below are several great tasting cocktails to enjoy either on Cinco de Mayo or any other occasion.

Frozen Cherry Lime Sauza-Rita
1 can Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
1 bottle Light Beer
1 bottle Cherry Soda
1 can Limeade
3 cups Ice

To Make:
Pour limeade, beer and cherry soda into blender filled with ice. Fill limeade can with Sauza Blue Silver Tequila and add to blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy.

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Honey Ginger Sauza-Rita
Serves: 9

1 12 oz. can frozen Lemonade
1 12 oz. bottle of Ginger Beer
12 oz. Sauza Blue 100% Agave Silver Tequila
1 can of water
3 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. Salt

To Make:
Combine lemonade, ginger beer, Sauza Tequila, water and 1 tablespoon of honey in a pitcher filled with ice. Stir well to combine. Rim your cocktail glasses by dipping in remaining 2 tablespoons of honey and then running them through a plate of salt. Serve over ice with a lemon wheel.

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Perfect for Cinco ­de Mayo, Sauza Tequila released their entertaining “Make It With a Lifeguard” video, which demonstrates out the Cherry Lime Sauza-rita. Enjoy!

Sauza® Tequila

Today is when Uncle Sam comes calling and wants his taxes. Monday is Tax Day so why stress out and just enjoy the day with a delicious tasting cocktail.

It doesn’t matter if you’re rushing to meet the tax filing deadline or celebrating a nice refund check, Pucker® Vodka, EFFEN® Vodka and Sauza® Tequila have created three delicious cocktails to ring in the busiest day of the year!

Did you know that Tax Day was ranked the second most stressful day of the year? Just sit back, relax and sip one of these delicious libations instead!

If a blue sky is ahead of you after this tax season, try the EFFEN® Blue Sky Refresher, the perfect blend of spirits and sweetness. If you’re feeling the passion after that big return check, sip on the Pucker Watermelon Passion Spritzer to get you going.

Or, if you struck gold this tax season, celebrate with a Sauza-Gold Margarita! Below are three delicious cocktail recipes to enjoy!

Watermelon Passion Spritzer (Created by Niccole Trzaska, New York City)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Pucker® Watermelon Wow Vodka
1 1/2 parts Passion Fruit Juice
2 1-inch Chunks of Watermelon
Splash Lemon Sour

Watermelon Ball Method: Muddle watermelon chunks in a shaker, add ice and remaining ingredients.
Shake and strain over fresh ice in a highball glass.
Garnish with passion fruit pulp and watermelon ball or chunk.

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EFFEN® Blue Sky Refresher (Created by Matthew Biancaniello, Los Angeles)
Ingredients:
2 parts EFFEN® Vodka
3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 part Agave Syrup
1/8 inch Fresh Ginger
5 Fresh Black Berries 2 Fresh Basil Leaves

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle all ingredients except vodka. Add vodka and shake with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Garnish with a basil leaf.

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Sauza® Gold Margarita
Ingredients:
1-1/2 parts Sauza Reposado 100% Agave Tequila
1/2 part John Dekuyper & Sons 03 Premium Orange Liqueur
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
Ice Salt Orange Wedge

Method: In a shaker filled with ice, combine juice, Sauza Reposado and orange liqueur.
Shake vigorously. Strain into a glass with ice and rimmed with salt.
Garnish with an orange wedge.

Maker’s Mark

March 27 is designated as World Whisky Day and there’s no better to celebrate than with a bottle of fine Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Maker’s Mark is handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world, at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.

In recognition of World Whisky Day 2013, enjoy Maker’s Mark which is one of America’s favorite bourbons. It’s the perfect occasion to highlight and celebrate this premium spirit that forever changed the industry back in 1953.

Maker’s Mark

Here are several fun facts about both Maker’s Mark and whisky:

– Whisky sales have sky rocketed in the past year in the U.S. and abroad! In the U.S., American whiskies including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were at the forefront of this growth, with a combined volume rising 5.2% – that’s 16.9 million cases in 2012 alone! American whiskies also accounted for 70% of the total U.S. spirits exports for 2012.

– Did you know whisky can be spelled with or without an E? The difference in the spelling depends on the style or country of origin. Whisky is generally used in Scotland, Wales, Canada and Japan, while whiskey is mostly used in Ireland and the U.S. While Maker’s Mark is distilled in Kentucky, the Samuels’ family has Scottish roots – therefore no “e.”

– Whisky comes from all over the world. Each type varies by region, distillation, aging and grain mash recipe. For instance, Irish whiskies are normally distilled three times while Scottish whiskies are distilled twice. Maker’s Mark whisky is made from mash that consists of at least 51% corn, red winter wheat and barley malt and is distilled twice.

– Bourbon is both good behind the bar and in the kitchen. Maker’s Mark has become a favorite among bartenders and chefs alike, as it offers great dimension when added to sauces for meats and in sweets like ice creams and cakes. Go ahead-take a stab at adding some whisky to your favorite recipes!

In addition, we wanted to share two classic cocktail recipes to enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Manhattan
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part sweet vermouth
* 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
* 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice).

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part club soda
* 2 orange slices
* 2 maraschino cherries
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry and the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill glass 3/4 full of ice. Add Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon and splash of club soda. Garnish with additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Louis XIII

Enjoyed by both royalty and noted world leaders such as King George V and Winston Churchill, Louis XIII has been regarded as the world’s premier luxury Cognac since 1874.

Louis XIII is a unique blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru in Cognac. Each stunning, handmade Louis XIII crystal decanter is created by a
minimum of five expert craftsmen and finished with 24 carat gold.

For fine cognac lovers, lightning does really strike twice. By the grace of nature, Louis XIII is delighted to reveal the spectacular Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6, discovered by the gifted Cellar Master, Pierrette Trichet.

Available in very limited supplies, there will never be more than 738 decanters worldwide. Each one will be hand engraved with an individual number.

Every exquisite Louis XIII Rare Cask is made out of precious black Baccarat crystal – Rare Cask’s signature, created by 20 expert craftsmen, who have to execute the most challenging colour to which the art of crystal can aspire. A rose gold decor dresses the neck of the decanter, crowned by a black crystal stopper.

Pierrette Trichet is the fourth in a succession of the House of Rémy Martin Cellar Masters. Pierrette commented on her emotions after she found Rare Cask: “As I tasted, I experienced that same sensation, that moment of revelation and emotion that I remembered so well. All signs suggested that I had found another Rare Cask. ”

The unique Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6 cognac will soon be available exclusively by the glass from June of this year, in great establishments such as The Arts Club and 45 Park Lane (Dorchester Collection), and can be purchased at fine wine & spirit boutiques such as Harrods or Hedonism Wines from September 2013; RRP £15,000.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey

With St. Patrick’s Day only a short time away, it’s time to plan that perfect St. Patty’s Day party and what better to celebrate than with Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey.

You ask, what makes Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey so unique? Unlike traditional Irish Whiskeys, Kilbeggan is produced at the oldest operating distillery in Ireland. The famous whiskey is double-distilled to ensure it retains more flavor.

A popular choice by both whiskey aficionados and novice drinkers alike, the Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey double distillation creates a smooth, more approachable flavor profile but with a bold, distinctive character.

Kilbeggan is a highly versatile whiskey. Offered at 80 proof, this distinctive tasting Irish whiskey is ideal served either neat (on the rocks) or in your favorite cocktails.

Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, this 250-year-old premium Irish Whiskey brand which only made its national debut in the U.S. last year is planning to introduce new packaging to commemorate the popular holiday.

With its popularity soaring, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey was again named the fastest growing spirits category in the U.S. for the second consecutive year.

So enjoy St. Patrick’s Day this year with Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey. You can also learn more about the history of St. Patrick’s Day.

Photo: The Macallan

The Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whisky has recently partnered with Oakley to introduce The Macallan | The Flask. Flasks go all the way back to the Middle Ages and began as hollowed out fruit or pieces of rawhide sewn together.

Today, flasks have clearly evolved and are used to pour your favorite spirits using these ingenious containers.

Made possible by the world’s most advanced structural technologies, The Flask’s striking armored body is designed to protect the investment that accompanies it: The Macallan’s first-ever, single cask All American Oak Scotch Whisky.

So now you can feel safe if your flask is dropped out of a helicopter or pulled behind a fast moving car. Your fine Single Malt Scotch held within will be safe.

Definitely one of a kind, this carefully considered and expertly executed Flask is the last word in dynamic and premium craftsmanship from the inside out.

The inner flask, laser welded and made of food grade steel is wrapped in carbon fibre composite as well as treated to an intensive passivation and electro-polishing procedure to ensure perfection. Clad in black anodized 5-axis machined aerospace grade aluminum, the sophisticated mechanics of The Flask are unparalleled.

Carefully thought out and designed, The Flask utilizes a rubberized bottom for non-skid grip as wells as a small rectangular air vent on the side of the funnel to allow for ventilation. Every potential circumstance and environment of usage has been considered.

The Flask, from The Macallan and Oakley is clearly a celebration of technical design and the merging of heritage and performance.

This limited edition The Flask from The Macallan is available in thin supplies. Only 550 will be sold accompanying the 22 Years Old liquid. SRP for the set is $1,500, making this an unrivaled, iconic collectible and the ultimate accessory for the single malt whisky aficionado.

Club 23

Enjoying a cocktail “Down Under” just got a whole lot more expensive! Australian bartender Joel Heffernan is offering a new cocktail for a staggering price of $12,916!

The new drink named “Winston” (after Winston Churchill) becomes the “World’s Most Expensive Cocktail.” What makes this cocktail so expensive is the 1858 Croizet cognac. This famous liquor retails for around $160,000.

Heffernan, who at the Crown Casino’s Club 23 in Melbourne, created this cocktail with the following ingredients – two nips of an 1858 Croizet cognac, Grand Marnier Quintessence, Angostura Bitters, Chartreuse Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolonge, and of course some chocolate nutmeg dust.

The previous record for World’s Most Expensive Cocktail was from London’s Salvatore’s Bar by Salvatore Calabrese – a $8,835 cocktail.

It was reported by the Wall Street Journal that the first anonymous buyer of the $12,916 Winston cocktail took only a couple of sips … then left.

There’s always reason to celebrate on a Friday and this year you can celebrate while sipping on a margarita … Friday, February 22 is National Margarita Day! The drink so loved and consumed by millions has its own day set aside as February 22 of every year.

The exact individual responsible for creating the classic margarita remains a mystery, although it was sometime during the 1930’s or 1940’s. Later in the 1970’s frozen margaritas were invented when a bartender converted a soft serve ice cream unit into a frozen margarita machine.

Whether your preference is a classic margarita on the rocks or frozen, this sacred tequila, triple sec and lime drink is America’s most popular cocktail. And if flavor is what you desire, you have a variety to choose from.

The more popular flavors include Strawberry Margarita, Mango Margarita, Limeade Margarita, Watermelon Margarita, Pomegranate Margarita, Raspberry Margarita and Blackberry Margarita.

But nothing beats the Tuna* Cooler made with Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, prickly pear purée and agave syrup created by mixologist Don Lee. Tequila Don Julio Blanco is known for its fresh agave expression and citrus notes, thus, the luxury tequila of choice in Mexico is often called upon to make the ultimate margarita.

Don Lee, a software engineer by trade and documentary photographer by schooling, is now a mixologist by choice. He rose through the ranks and became skilled at mixing cocktails. After spending hours at perfecting a properly-made drink, Lee has created the perfect recipe to celebrate National Margarita Day. So raise your glass and toast to tequila lovers’ favorite holiday.

Tuna* Cooler (Spanish for Prickly Pear)

“This drink is inspired by a soda commonly found in southern California called “Cactus Cooler,” and is a twist on a traditional Margarita with the addition of prickly pear purée to the recipe. This drink is, easy to make yet, unique and delicious, making it the perfect recipe for the novice at-home mixologist looking to celebrate the holiday.”

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
– 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/4 ounce Prickly Pear Purée
– 1/4 ounce Agave Syrup

Preparation:
1. Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, prickly pear purée and agave syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a coupe glass (salted rim optional).

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

Tequila lovers can also try the great tasting Tequil​a Don Julio 1942​

Sandeman Porto

Sandeman, who is the world’s leading port and sherry company, asked master mixologist Jason Littrell to create a sexy signature cocktail that uses Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto.

The result was a Valentine’s Day cocktail that’s the ultimate port and chocolate pairing – the Sandeman Chocolate Passion.

Whether you are single or not this Valentine’s Day, anyone can fall head over heels for a new cocktail.

A truly mixable ingredient, Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto makes the perfect base for a Valentine’s Day cocktail and everyone loves a great tasting cocktail.

This delicious Valentine’s Day cocktail is made with Sandeman Porto. Sandeman Chocolate Passion is the ideal beginning to either a romantic dinner at home or as a nightcap after a night out with friends.

Sandeman Porto

The rich, fruity flavors of the port mate seamlessly with the crème de cacao to create a sensuous experience, while demerara syrup and a hint of bitters complement the whisky.

Ruby-red and garnished with an orange peel, this is truly an incredible libation to lust after.

Here is the recipe for the Sandeman Chocolate Passion.

Sandeman Chocolate Passion
3 parts Sandeman Founders Reserve
 Porto
3 parts Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky
1 part demerara syrup
1/2 part dry vermouth
1/2 part white crème de cacao
Dash of orange bitters
Dash of Angostura bitters

Mix ingredients. Pour over ice in an old-fashioned glass and stir.