Cruzan Rum

August 16th is designated as National Rum Day. Rum has long been a popular alcohol for mixing party cocktails.

The historic Cruzan Rum Distillery is located in the heart of St. Croix on the U.S. Virgin Islands. For many decades, Cruzan Rum has been internationally recognized as one of the world’s great rums.

To celebrate National Rum Day, Jesse Card is a Cruzan mixologist from the island of St. Croix. Jesse has recipes of three delicious rum cocktails using great tasting Cruzan Rum.

The Cruzan rum tribe embodies the phrase “Don’t Hurry.” So try these great tasting rum cocktails and enjoy life.

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CRUZAN® “DON’T HURRY” CANE
Ingredients:
1 part Cruzan® Vanilla Rum
2 parts Cruzan® Aged Light Rum
1 tsp Sugar
3 Lime Wedges

Method: Combine 2 of the lime wedges, sugar & Cruzan Vanilla Rum in a tumbler and lightly muddle for ten seconds. Add Cruzan Aged Light Rum and a scoop of ice and shake hard for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled Hurricane glass and garnish with the final lime wedge.

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CRUZAN® TAKE 9
Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Cruzan® 9 Spiced Rum
3/4 part Dry Vermouth
1/4 part Curacao
1/2 tsp Grenadine
Orange Twist

Method: Combine all ingredients over ice in a tumbler and stir for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled Martini coupe. Garnish with an orange twist.

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CRUZAN® COCONUT OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients:
2 parts Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum
1/2 part Rich Simple Syrup
3 dashes of Bitters
Coconut Water Ice Cubes (see additional recipe below)

Method: Cut a wide swath of orange peel and lightly press it in the bottom of a rocks glass. Add rum, syrup and bitters. Now drop in a few Coconut Water Ice Cubes and stir gently.
Coconut Water Ice Cubes Recipe: Pour a can of Coconut Water (strain the pulp out first, if needed) in an ice cube tray – the bigger the cube try the better – and freeze for several hours.

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Summer is the time for spending time with friends and family. Across many major cities, brunch has become more popular than ever.

If you love a great tasting cocktail, then here’s several delicious summer cocktail recipes that will make your party, informal gathering or brunch a hit.

Brunch lovers, you’re in luck. Try these brunch libations to begin your day.

Bloody Maria
· 1 ½ parts Avión Silver
· 4 parts Tomato Juice
· 2 tsp Horseradish
· ½ part Worcestershire Sauce
· 2 dashes of Hot Sauce
· Squeeze Lemon
· Squeeze Lime
· Salt and Pepper
Directions: Combine ingredients in a Collins glass with ice, and stir. Do not shake. Garnish as desired.

Bloody Mary Oyster Shooter
This tasty recipe is from Daniel James – the shooter combines a Pisco Portón Bloody Mary with a delectable raw oyster, and is meant to be consumed in one fell slurp.

· 1 ½ parts Pisco Portón
· 3 parts tomato juice
· ½ part lemon juice
· Dash of Worcestershire sauce
· Salt
· Ground pepper
· Hot sauce
· 1 raw oyster
Directions: Combine ingredients in a pitcher, minus the oyster. Scrub and the clean oyster before shucking. Pour desired amount of Portón Bloody Mary into a shot glass, and place the meat from one or two oysters into the glass.

Maker’s Mimosas (Makes approximately 3 drinks)

· ½ cup sugar
· 6 large fresh sage leaves
· 1 ¼ cups club soda
· 1 cups orange juice
· 1/3 cups Maker’s Mark Bourbon®

Directions: Stir together sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a light boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add sage leaves, and let stand 5 minutes. Remove and discard leaves. Stir together syrup, club soda, orange juice, and bourbon in a large pitcher; add ice cubes to fill. Serve immediately.

Sir Peter Blake is considered by many as the “godfather” of British Pop art and celebrated his 80th birthday on June 26th. The English pop artist is best known for his creative design of the record album sleeve for the Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Sir Peter has a long-standing partnership with luxury whisky brand, The Macallan and they have collaborated once again. The two first worked together to design the first 12 bottles of the highly collectable Macallan 1926, which was bottled back in 1986.

The result of the latest project is based on Macallan and Sir Peter Blake celebrating eight decades with an oak box that’s divided into eight sections. Each decade has a backdrop and artefact designed, inspired or chosen by Sir Peter Blake. There’s a miniature of The Macallan distilled in that decade (1930 through to 2000’s) including labels that were designed by Sir Peter. Also included is a small book of illustrations and text about Sir Blake’s successful life.

The artefacts included in this incredible box were sourced by art director Stuart Newman based on Sir Peter’s guidance. They represent the four elements of water, fire, air and earth, as a direct connection to the whisky making process.

The eight whiskies found in the box convey a journey through the character of The Macallan from the 1930s up to the 2000s. The journey begins with a number of extremely rare single malts taken from The Macallan’s prestigious Fine & Rare collection through the decades, to a stunning whisky from 2002. The oldest whisky in the collection is a 1937, then progressing to a 1949; 1952; 1969; 1976; 1989; 1997; 2002.

This is a very limited whisky art collection as only 250 boxes are available for sale. There’s no doubt this collection will achieve high rarity value due to its limited availability. A small number of boxes are available via www.themacallan.com and the remaining are allocated to key markets around the world, with a guide price of £4,500.

We recently reported that The Macallan  was recognized as the “Most Expensive Whisky Sold at Auction” by Guinness World Records.

Tequila Avión – Elevated Margarita

July 24th is National Tequila Day and award-winning Tequila Avión wants to help you enjoy this summer day.

Tequila has long been a favorite for great tasting cocktails. This spirit continues to rise in popularity around the world. While vodka has declined, 100% agave tequilas are more chic than ever!

When one hears the word – tequila, you logically think of margaritas and shots. But now premium tequila has become the spirit to sip and mixologist’s choice spirit to use in delicious tasting cocktails.

Here are “5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Tequila” from Tequila Avión:
1. Blue weber agave plants only flower once, but when they do they are pollinated by bats
2. Tequila is made from agave which is actually a desert lily
3. The leaves of agave are so sharp that they are used as cutting instruments
4. Margaritas are the number one cocktail in the United States
5. The United States is the largest tequila consuming market (yes, even more than Mexico!)- almost half of which is women

Tequila Avión was a big winner at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Challenge. They won Best White Spirit (beating all vodkas, gins, rums, and tequilas) plus Best Tequila. Sip and enjoy Tequila Avión Silver, Reposado and Añejo, or go with a classic and make an Elevated Margarita on this fine summer holiday!

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Try this recipe for The Elevated Margarita
Ingredients:
· 2 parts Tequila Avión Silver
· 1 parts Fresh Lime Juice
· ½ part Agave Nectar

Method:
Add all ingredients in shaker.  Shake and strain over fresh ice.

Enchanted Dry Daiquiri (photo credit: Kyle Dean Reinford)

Tomorrow is National Daiquiri Day so why not celebrate with a delicious tasting daiquiri. Tim Cooper of GOLDBAR in New York City has created a recipe for the refreshing Enchanted Dry Daiquiri.

The Enchanted Dry Daiquiri is made with Brugal Extra Dry Rum. This white rum is cask-aged a minimum of two years up to five years in White American Oak casks. The result is a different kind of rum.

Extra Dry from Brugal is made for rum lovers who desire a different tasting experience. This rum is ideal for cocktails like the Enchanted Dry Daiquiri, as the perfect balance to sweet mixers often paired with rum.

So celebrate National Daiquiri Day with this great tasting daiquiri recipe:

Enchanted Dry Daiquiri
Created by Tim Cooper of GOLDBAR

– 2 oz. Brugal Extra Dry Rum
– .25 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
– .25 oz. Velvet Falernum
– .5 oz. Basil Syrup
– .75 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
– .75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
– Basil leaf garnish

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf.

La Primadonna Diamond Flute

For champagne lovers, here is the ultimate “must have” gift – La Primadonna Diamond Flute by Mario Ferrera Jewels.

The La Primadonna Diamond Flute is an incredibly beautiful piece. The flute is handmade and pure luxury.

The design of the amazing champagne flute symbolizes the slender body of a woman. In addition to being a unique piece, the La Primadonna Diamond Flute maximizes the characteristics of your favorite champagne.

The La Primadonna Diamond Flute is very exclusive, and is limited to only 24 handmade flutes that will be sold worldwide.

Each champagne flute measures 28 cm in height and handmade from 18k Gold. Next it’s completely covered in Pave by more than 6000 top Colorless (D-E-F) and Internally Flawless (IF/VVS 1) Diamonds.

A total of 120 Carats of top quality Belgium or Russian Cut diamonds in each Diamond Flute, all carefully placed by hand.

As a personal touch, each piece is personalized with its owner engraved signature of choice.

The La Primadonna Diamond Flute is priced at half a million dollars.

You can also choose either a silver or gold flute. The handmade 925 silver flute is priced at $1,250. The handmade 18K gold is priced at $40.000.

Macallan 64 Years Old in Lalique, Cire Perdue Whisky

It’s taken about two years since the significant event, but the Guinness World Records has awarded The Macallan the distinction of being  the “most expensive whisky sold at auction.”

Now the definitive world record holder, David Cox who is the Director of Fine and Rare Whiskies for The Macallan was quoted, “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Guinness World Record(tm) for the most expensive whisky sold at auction. This major accolade from such a world-renowned and respected organization proves once and for all that The Macallan is the world record holder.”

The Macallan was founded in 1824 and is proudly one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies.

Back in November 2010, The Macallan and Lalique teamed together to auction off the oldest whisky ever bottled by the distillery to benefit charity.

The Macallan’s 64 Years Old in Lalique, Cire Perdue sold at that Sotheby’s auction in 2010 for a record breaking price of $460,000!

The 64 Years Old Single Malt whisky is a one-of-a kind Lalique crystal decanter that housed the oldest and rarest Macallan ever bottled by the famous whisky distillery. The whisky had been vatted from three casks, all built from sherry seasoned Spanish oak.

Chilean Pisco

Are you looking for a delicious tasting cocktail to cool off over the Fourth of July holiday? Try a Star-Spangled Punch.

The Star-Spangled Punch was created by David Wondrich and features Chilean Pisco. Whether for the 4th of July or a great tasting summer cocktail, the Star-Spangled Punch is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.

Chilean Pisco is a spirit created by distilling wine made from grapes grown in the Coquimbo and Atacama regions of the country, fed with water that flows from the majestic Andes, then rested for a minimum of 60 days before bottling.

Chilean Pisco offers excellent versatility and can be served neat in a rocks glass, in highly curated cocktails or over ice in a punch bowl.

Star-Spangled Punch
The peels of three lemons, each cut into spirals with a vegetable peeler
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup fresh-squeezed, strained lemon juice
1 750-ml bottle Chilean Pisco
1 quart cold water
1 star fruit

Procedure:
– Muddle the lemon peels and the sugar together and let sit for at least 90 minutes.
– Muddle lemon and sugar again and stir in the lemon juice.
– Add the pisco and the water and stir.
– Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Before serving, cut star fruit into ¼ to ½ inch slices.
– To serve, pour into a one gallon Punch bowl with a large block of ice in it and float star fruit slices.

Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane

Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in London last week was an amazing event, recognizing the Queen’s 60 years on the throne.

To honor this historic event, Louis XIII has partnered with the Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane to develop a delicious cocktail worthy of The Queen herself.

The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is a delicious blend of Louis XIII cognac, raspberry liqueur and rose essence, and is topped up with Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne.

The Diamond Jubilee Fizz is available from the Amaranto Bar at the Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane, throughout the month of June for an eye-popping £10,000.

But don’t worry about not getting your money’s worth. Each customer who buys the Diamond Jubilee Fizz will walk away with a stunning Leviev Diamond!

Louis XIII is made up of a unique blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru in the heart of the Cognac Region.

This ultimate celebration cocktail was created by Davide Guidi, who is the Amaranto Bar Manger at the luxury Four Season’s Hotel London at Park Lane.

Diamond Jubilee Fizz is made with a base of Louis XIII cognac, the world’s most sought after luxury cognac since 1874.

For more info, please visit: www.louis-xiii.com

DEWAR’S

With Father’s Day just around the corner, looking for that perfect gift for your dad? Consider DEWAR’S 18-Year Old Scotch Whisky.

DEWAR recently introduced its brand-new packaging in time for Father’s Day. Although the iconic Scotch whisky inside remains the same, the new leather package and masterfully redesigned bottle reflect a blending of the rich DEWAR’S heritage with the modern aesthetic of today’s man.

A bit of history … DEWAR’S was actually founded by a father-son team (John Dewar Sr and sons John Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar), so we think it could be a great fit for dad!

DEWAR is widely known for its unique bespoke double-aging process, an extra step taken to give DEWAR’S 18-Year Old its remarkable smoothness and depth of character.

This extra step creates a smoother blend, with a long, lingering finish. DEWAR’S is as famous for its quality taste as it is for its family heritage, making it the perfect gift for the refined and sophisticated man in your life, who appreciates the family history and the cultural significance behind this iconic brand.

DEWAR’S has perfected its master blend from generation to generation, starting with John Dewar Sr. in 1846, and continuing with his sons, John Dewar Jr. and Tommy Dewar, who worked to build DEWAR’S into one of the largest whisky brands in the world, and the top selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States.

Make a bottle of DEWAR’S 18-Year Old Scotch Whisky the perfect Father’s Day gift. Just as the Dewar’s brothers honored their father’s legacy by making Dewar’s the best-selling Scotch Whisky in the world, honor your father on June 17th with a gift that’s worth giving.

Romeo y Julieta

Altadis USA is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the latest act in this enduring love story – ROMEO by Romeo y Julieta.

The legendary Romeo y Julieta Cigar brand is always in demand and certainly lives up to its Cuban heritage. A Romeo y Julieta cigar is unlike any to come before it!

Ever since 1875, cigar aficionados have been passionate about Romeo y Julieta. It’s clearly one of the premium cigar world’s best-known and most highly trusted brands. Romeo y Julieta has always been revered for its consistently excellent, mild smokes.

Now, Romeo brings new excitement to the contemporary aficionado with this line of modern, fuller-bodied cigars. This new fine cigar will be available at retail tobacconists starting this month and comes in four sizes: Churchill, Piramide, Robusto and Toro.

Robust, full-bodied and rich in complex flavor nuances, Romeo is meticulously crafted at the famed Tabacalera de Garcia in the Dominican Republic by the skilled hands of the factory’s most accomplished artisans, each with decades of expertise, chosen specifically to create this uncommon cigar.

Romeo by Romeo y Julieta cigars are destined to become a spectacular smokedestined and will set a new trend in fine, luxury cigars.