Finding that perfect Valentine’s Day gift with the holiday just a week away, can be stressful. Our great friends at Nat Sherman are helping you out by suggesting several, luxury Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Finding that special gift for your loved one can be challenge. Your loved one deserves the very best. So be creative, put some thought into it and make it a memorable Valentine’s Day gift.

As for gifts go, women really love receiving clothing, chocolates and of course jewelry. She sees a blue box from Tiffany and her eyes light up like two, glistening diamonds. In addition to the unconditional love she receives form you, it’s what is inside that gift box that truly matters.

As far as men are concerned, tobacco lovers enjoy a nice cigar. Nat Sherman has been the tobacconist to the world since 1930. But in addition to great tasting cigars, they also offer many unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.

Like a great tasting bottle fine wine, cigars are also ideal for pairing. We want to share a few Valentine’s Day gift for both him and her. Receiving the perfect gift box is a magical moment, so make it special for the one you love.

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FOR HIM

Nat Sherman Heritage Humidor
The Nat Sherman Heritage Humidors, made in collaboration with world-class humidor maker Daniel Marshall, debuted in three classic exterior finishes. The boxes incorporate a more innovative humidification system and come with movable dividers to better organize your loved one’s collection. These humidors are limited edition and are available at the Nat Sherman Townhouse in New York City or select retailers nationwide. They retail for $2,300.

Nat Sherman Connecticut Shade Candle
The Nat Sherman Connecticut Shade Candle is one of three recently released candles. The Connecticut Shade candle is a wonderful aromatic scent of Neroli Zest, Tobacco flower, fresh-cut hay, cinnamon wood, dark honey and smokey vanilla. This is a 100% natural soy-based candle that retails for $19.95.

Joel Sherman 75
Nat Sherman’s Joel Sherman 75^th Celebration Cigaris the embodiment of a lifelong desire to create a unique smoking pleasure for Joel’s friends, loved ones and customers. With only 2,500 boxes in production, these limited edition cigars feature stunning, hand-selected finishes. Retails for $190/box, before applicable taxes.

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FOR HER

Tiffany & Co. Blue Box
Tiffany & Co. is headquartered in New York City and is an American worldwide luxury jewelry and specialty retailer. Give the gift of jewelry, sterling silver, china, crystal, watches and many more luxury accessories and leather goods this Valentine’s Day. The renowned blue box says “I love you” all on its own. Prices may vary.

Victoria’s Secret Pink Packaging
It comes as no surprise that Victoria’s Secret is a part of the ideal Valentine’s Day experience. Credibility comes into play once one feasts her eyes on the famous pink box, known for being the largest American retailer of women’s lingerie. The company also sells womenswear and beauty products.

Godiva Signature Truffles
Nothing says “Be Mine” like Godiva Signature Truffles. Get your heart-shaped box this Valentine’s Day. Price and size may vary.

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Super Bowl 50 will be held this Sunday, February 7 in Santa Clara, CA at Levi’s Stadium. This will be the 50th Super Bowl. The two teams fighting for the highly coveted National Football League championship are the Carolina Panthers from the NFC and Denver Broncos from the AFC. Athletic Cam Newton leads the Panthers and superstar quarterback Peyton Manning of the Broncos goes for another Super Bowl title.

Michael Herklots is the Nat Sherman Vice President of Retail & Brand Development. He has taken the time to share his amazing, cigar and beer pairings. Now you can enjoy the Super Bowl in VIP style. Impress your friends and family by offering a true, VIP experience with Nat Sherman cigars.

Birra and Nat Sherman Timeless Especiales
The Birra was paired with the Nat Sherman Timeless Especiales. The Birra was chewy and earthy with a delicate sweetness and notes of coffee and toffee. The Timeless brought earthiness while balancing that touch of sweetness. The thinner format delivered focused rich mouthfuls of smoke that layered brilliantly between the puff and sip.

Harpoon IPA and Nat Sherman Sterling Mareva
The Harpoon IPA worked very well with the Nat Sherman Sterling Mareva. The Sterling has a full, creamy mouth feel but is very elegant and complex. It can also be slightly drying. The IPA was refreshing with more herbaceous notes being brought out between the two as well as a touch of buttered toast and citrus notes.

Two Iron and Nat Sherman Timeless 556
Paired with the Nat Sherman Timeless 556, the flavors of espresso and cocoa played wonderfully with the rich red Two Iron Cabernet. The slight tannic nature of the wine was relieved by the saliva response to the cigar. The thicker ring gauge ensured a cooler smoother smoke on the palate not to overwhelm the wine.

Maker’s 46 and Nat Sherman 1930 Corona Grande
Moving on to Maker’s 46, the ABV is significantly higher. Higher alcohol spirits, served neat and at room temperature can often have a “burn” like effect, and in essence, erase and replace the flavor on your palate rather than play nice and collaborate on the palate. We paired the Nat Sherman 1930 Corona Grande – a full bodied Dominican cigar with a touch of Nicaraguan in the filler. It’s leathery and spicy, with a brighter range of notes like cinnamon, clove and other baking spices that stands up to the makers. The inclusion of ice helps soften and dilute the whiskey enough to bring out the real flavors and aroma, reduce temperature, and really highlight the dialogue created by these two.

We hope you enjoyed these incredible gift ideas from Nat Sherman. Please visit their site at – http://www.natsherman.com

Make that special loved one in your life know you love her with a memorable Valentine’s Day Gift from Nat Sherman. Withour luxury concierge services, we can offer luxury travel packages plus a VIP expereince to your favorite red carpet award show. Follow our popular luxury blog for other incredible gift ideas.

Photo: Nat Sherman

With the Valentine’s Day holiday nearing, it’s time to plan that special night together. Maybe you have plans for a romantic stay at home and avoid the cold winter weather. Make it a special night to remember.

We recommend a quiet, romantic dinner for the two of you. As you sit down for your nice dinner, don’t forget to include a great tasting Valentine’s Day cocktail. Show your sweetheart how much you care and mix a tasty cocktail.

An Amour Rouge cocktail is a delicious libation that includes GREY GOOSE Vodka, Pineau des Charentes, citrus, bitters and a cluster of red currants. Offering a vibrant fruit taste, the the Amour Rouge cocktail also included a hint of aphrodisiac due to the black currants in the crème de cassis.

Here is the cocktail recipe for an Amour Rouge:
1 part GREY GOOSE Vodka
1 part Pineau des Charentes
½ part Crème de Cassis
2 tsp Lemon juice
1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
1 small cluster red currants
Lemon twist

Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with zest of lemon and cluster of red currants.

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As you wind down on dinner, be sure to have some chocolates as it makes for the perfect dessert. With the smell of fresh red roses in the air, Take turns seductively serving each other pieces of chocolate. How romantic and what a VIP experience!

With dinner now over, the ideal after meal drink is a Red Rum cocktail. It’s made with BACARDÍ Superior rum. This deep red cocktail is the color of love and the perfect blend for Valentine’s Day.

Here is the cocktail recipe for a Red Rum:
2 parts BACARDÍ Superior rum
½ part sloe gin
2 parts red currants
½ part freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ part vanilla syrup

Method: Using a muddler (or bar spoon) roughly crush the redcurrants in the base of a cocktail shaker then pour in the other ingredients. Give it all a good, hard shake then fine strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

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Enjoy a romantic time on Valentine’s Day with the Amour Rouge cocktail. If you like reading about delicious cocktails and other great tasting spirits, follow this luxury blog. If you want a romantic, luxury travel getaway, contact us to help you plan that special trip.

Photo: Bacardi

With the Northern Hemisphere around the world, locked in the cold of winter, we wanted to share warm, FACUNDO Fireside cocktail recipe. This past weekend in the eastern U.S., mother nature dumped the first, really big snowstorm of the year.

Some areas around Washington received about 2 feet of snow from Winter Storm Jonas. From the mid-Atlantic and all up the eastern coast of the United States, there was heavy rain, ice, snow and damaging winds and flooding.

Well the best way to beat the cold is to enjoy a delicious warm drink. Take the chill off and warm your heart. The FACUNDO Fireside Cocktail is delicious drink that blends the rich luxury dark aged rum – FACUNDO EXIMO, along with seasonal aromatics such as a cinnamon stick. It’s served in a mug and makes the perfect drink.

Here is the recipe of the FACUNDO Fireside Cocktail to share with your friends and family.

· 2 parts FACUNDO EXIMO
· 3 parts Coffee
· 1 part Simple Syrup
· 1 Lemon peel
· 1 Cinnamon stick
· 1 Orange peel
· 3 Coffee beans

Method:
Add rum, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, orange peel, coffee beans and simple syrup in a shallow pan. Next, set the combination on fire. Allow it to burn for about 3 minutes. Finally, extinguish the flame by adding the coffee and serve this great tasting, winter cocktail in a mug.

Whether you are planning a small social gathering or a large winter party, be sure to include fun cocktail recipes. People love to drink so why not give them something that they will remember and be the hit of your party. FACUNDO rum is wonderful to drink alone on the rocks or mix into your favorite cocktail recipe.

The Life of Luxury enjoys sharing delicious cocktail recipes with our readers. Follow this luxury blog for more libation stories like the above FACUNDO Fireside Cocktail. We want you to have a VIP experience, so contact us for the latest concierge services. We offer events all around the world for you to enjoy.

For a last minute Christmas gift for that rum lover in your life, consider a bottle of BACARDI Oakheart. This brand of rum was perfectly crafted by Maestros de Ron BACARDÍ.

The spiced rum is distilled from heavily charred oak barrels that deliver a unique, smoky flavor. Prior to being filtered through charcoal, the rum is finished by including a secret blend of spices that give it that unique taste.

BACARDI Oakheart rum is ideal for any occasion, especially during a winter social event. Between Christmas and New Years, there are numerous parties and social events we all attend. Whether a work party or a gathering of friends and family, be sure to include BACARDI Oakheart.

This spiced rum has a smooth taste that is perfect to mix in your favorite cocktail or simply drink alone. A few terrific ideas are to mix the new Bacardi rum along with hot chocolate, Amaretto, cinnamon or even hot apple cider. Yum! Top it off and add a simple garnish such as star anise or cinnamon.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and pair with another popular spirit and make that ideal, mixed cocktail. It doesn’t matter if you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukah or New Year’s Eve, be sure to include BACARDI Oakheart spiced rum in your party plans.

As mentioned earlier, a bottle of Bacardi rum makes the perfect holiday gift. You can find it at your favorite retail store with a suggested price of only $14.99 per bottle.

There’s no doubt consumers love its great taste. In fact, it beat Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum® in a national taste test. The test was independently administered by Radius Global Market Research LLC.

So what are you waiting for? With every single sip, you’ll feel the spirit of the holidays and warmth in your heart.

Be sure to try a bottle of BACARDI Oakheart spiced rum and make your social gathering or party a huge success. If you like reading about spirit and cocktail recipes, come back again to follow this popular luxury blog. We can also help with VIP event planning services.

Photo: Bacardi

Celebrating its 225 year anniversary, The House of Sandeman is introducing a limited edition collection of Vintage Porto 2000. This collection would make the perfect holiday gift or for someone who appreciates the smooth taste of a great tasting porto.

The porto wine collection features 6 individually themed bottles that were specifically designed to commemorate the successful history of the iconic Sandeman legacy. In total, there are 225 complete collections that celebrate 6 key moments in The House of Sandeman’s inspirational and entrepreneurial history.

The history of Sandeman began in 1790. A wine business in London was started by a young Scotsman. The business traded Porto and Sherry. To recognize the humble beginning, the first label of the limited edition collection of Vintage Porto 2000 is titled “The Word.” The significance of the name reinforces the belief of founder George Sandeman to always stand by your word.

The limited edition single bottles of Vintage Porto 2000 include the following labels – The Word, The Spirit, The Journey, The Craft, The Pioneer and The Hat & Cape. The collections can be purchased as a set or in limited edition single bottles with your choice of 75cl, 150cl and 300cl sized bottles. Each collection comes in wooden case and also includes a commemorative anniversary book, which provides an overview of the fascinating history of The House of Sandeman.

“The Spirit” is another label and its importance is it represents the self-confidence and determination of George Sandeman. He quickly was known for having a “great spirit” and was widely respected.

“The Journey” honors the many miles traveled by George Sandeman to ensure he delivered the best tasting porto wine available. He has driven to provide the highest quality in every facet of his business.

George Sandeman, who is 7th generation of The House of Sandeman, was quoted, “This is an important moment in our history and it is important to take time to pause and celebrate. “After having launched Sandeman Cask 33 earlier this year, a Very Old Tawny Porto that is an authentic representation of Sandeman’s stock of Aged Tawnies, now we want to offer people the opportunity to join us and enjoy our celebration of history with this Sandeman 2000 Vintage Porto.”

So if you are looking for the ideal gift for a porto lover, then this ultimate collection would be perfect. Those who live a VIP lifestyle desire the best and expect nothing less.

You can purchase The House of Sandeman collecton at St. Swithins Lane Wine shippers, Vin Neuf Wine Merchant, S. H. Jones Wines, and the Slurp online store. Pricing starts at £80.

The Life of Luxury is here to offer assistance in finding a great holiday gift such as the new porto collection from The House of Sandeman or booking your next luxury travel experience. Return again to follow this luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest luxury industry news and product announcements.

Photo: The House of Sandeman

If you are looking for a unique, luxury gift for the holidays, consider the new Basil Hayden’s Bourbon + Quoddy Holiday premium gift set. This limited edition gift set was created after Basil Hayden’s Bourbon approached both Quoddy and Huckberry.

The limited edition gift set includes a pair of made-to-order Quoddy “drinking shoes” that are co-branded by Basil Hayden’s. The shoes are crafted with the highest quality Horween® leather and come in a rich looking, whiskey color.

Basil Hayden’s is a handcrafted, Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. Its bourbon is well known for a spicy finish and going down smooth. It is also the lightest bodied bourbon whiskey in the Jim Beam family.

Quaddy is a luxury footwear brand based in Maine. Their manufacturing methods go back centuries and their fine products are made with just a few tools, wooden benches with leather, plus a needle and thread. Careful attention to detail and a wonderful final product are the perfect combination.

The”drinking shoes” were inspired by the legendary Quaddy’s moccasins. These are very exclusive and oh so comfortable. Ideal for lounging around the house and sipping a glass of bourbon whiskey. Experience a VIP lifestyle and look classy while doing it.

Also part of the gift set are four leather-wrapped rocks glasses. Both items are enclosed in a custom co-branded gift box. Surprisingly what is not included is a bottle of Basil Hayden’s Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

This luxury, holiday season gift pack is now available for purchase and has a suggested retail price of $399.98. But there will only be 100 gift sets available for purchase, so don’t delay if want to buy a set.

The Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy limited edition gift set is perfect for someone in your life who appreciates the finer things in life.

You can purchase the set on Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Holiday Shop at – https://huckberry.com/store/shop/basil-haydens-r-bourbon-holiday-shop.

Don’t delay if you want the new, Basil Hayden’s + Quoddy  luxury gift set. Please come back again to read more holiday gift ideas and new product releases. The Life of Luxury can help you locate and procure that perfect gift.

BACARDÍ Gran Reserva is a line of super-premium mixing rums that include BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron, which is a double-aged white rum. BACARDÍ introduced rum lovers to this great tasting spirit at the James Beard Foundation Awards Gala in Chicago earlier this year.

BACARDÍ Gran Reserva partnered with Chef Ari Taymor to create specialty rum cocktails that would be the official cocktail at the James Beard Foundation Taste America.

For the second year in a row, BACARDÍ Gran Reserva is also proud to be a participating sponsor of JBF Taste America.

Chef Taymor will attend two Taste America stops. One was last week in Chicago and on November 6th, you can meet Chef Tamore in Los Angeles. In L.A., also dine at Taymor’s original restaurant, named Alma.

The two, specialty rum cocktails created are actually versions of two classics:
1) The Headless Horseman – actually named after the Halloween legend. This rum cocktail is a spiced-up play on a classic Dark and Stormy.
2) Siam Daiquiri – This is spin off of Taymor’s favorite rum cocktail. He’s added Thai aromatics, which is influenced from growing up in L.A. and Thai influences.

When asked to describe his The Headless Horseman rum cocktail, Chef Ari Taymor replied, “Adding carrot eau de vie pulls back on the sweetness while the smoked maple syrup paired with finely ground coffee creates a smooth, authentic finish – it’s a heartier drink that holds up to cold Chicago winters.”

Fabio Di Giammarco is the Global Vice President, BACARDÍ rums and was quoted, “We’re thrilled to collaborate with a chef of Ari’s caliber. BACARDÍ Gran Reserva is all about the experience of enjoying uncomplicated yet sophisticated cocktails. Having Chef Taymor blend his culinary skills with our rums is a perfect way to enhance the connection between food, cocktails and the overall experience.”

The James Beard Foundation Taste America program makes stops at ten cities across the U.S. It actually started the weekend of September 18 and ends this November 7, 2015 – as mentioned above, in Los Angeles,

During the tour, there’s a special evening planned the begins with a walk-around tasting reception. Taste and drink the faves from from a group of popular local chefs. Next enjoy a fine dining experience and feast on a four-course dinner created between a Taste America All-Star along with a Local Star chef from that particular city.

BACARDÍ Gran Reserva rums are ideally served in their own signature cocktails – BACARDÍ Old Fashioned, plus the BACARDÍ Maestro Collins and the

We wanted to share these two, delicious BACARDÍ Gran Reserva rum cocktail recipes:

Headless Horseman
2 parts BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Ocho Años
2½ parts Ginger Beer
1 part Carrot Eau de Vie
½ part Lime Juice
½ part Smoked Maple Simple Syrup*
Garnish: Microplane coffee

Method: Place all ingredients except coffee beans and ginger beer in a tumbler with ice. Stir and strain into a Collins glass with ice. Pour ginger beer over the top and finish with a bit of coffee beans grated on a microplane.

*Smoked Maple Syrup
1 cup Cold Smoked Maple Syrup*
1 cup water

Method: Mix together and bring to a boil. *To cold smoke the maple syrup, heat wood chips in a pie tin until they smoke, then put syrup in a bowl put them in a container and cover with foil for 35-45 minutes.

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Siam Daiquiri
1 part BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron
½ part Kaffir Lime Juice
1 tsp Aromatic simple syrup*

Method: Mix ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker, shake vigorously and serve in a chilled coupe.

*Aromatic Simple Syrup
1 cup water
12 Thai basil leaves
3 Coriander seeds
¼ Sliced Jalapeño
2 Kaffir Lime Leaves (if available)
1 cup Sugar

Method: Bring to a boil, steep 15 minutes, strain and cool.

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Make your next party or social gathering a hit by serving delicious cocktails made with BACARDÍ Gran Reserva rum. We enjoy sharing party ideas and drink recipes so return again to read our luxury blog.

Photo: BACARDÍ

Each year since 2009, October 4th has been celebrated as National Vodka Day. Although not an official holiday, it’s a great reason to celebrate socialize with friends and family.

At bars and pubs, mixologists are likely dreaming about great, vodka cocktail recipes. One important ingredient should be a top vodka, such as GREY GOOSE. Try a GREY GOOSE Martini and so if you get hooked!

A martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the world. The word itself immediately conveys classy and sophistication to most people. A martini has a unique taste and has been a favorite of Hollywood actor Humphrey Bogart and even James Bond.

A classic martini can be modified by personalizing it. Make your own GREY GOOSE Martini and experiment with vermouth to create either a wet or dry martini. You can also alter the type of bitters or even the drink’s garnish. Try different martini cocktail variations and see which one you like best.

Here’s a great tasting, martini cocktail recipe from GREY GOOSE:

GREY GOOSE® ORIGINAL DIRTY MARTINI

Ingredients:
– GREY GOOSE® Original – 2 Parts
– NOILLY PRAT® Original French Dry Vermouth – 2 Parts
– Mediterranean Olives – qty 4
– Mediterranean Olive Brine – ⅔ Part
– Mediterranean Olives – qty 2 Garnish

Method:
– Pit four olives and muddle with the olive brine into the base of an iconic, Boston glass.
– Add GREY GOOSE and Noilly Prat.
– Top it with cubed ice and then stir.
– Fine strain into your chilled, cocktail glass.
– Garnish your drink with a pair of Mediterranean (pref Lucques) olives on a GREY GOOSE pick.

Tip:
GREY GOOSE vodka, vermouth, and ice, all loosely strained into a Martini glass. Let more of the muddled olive pieces into the glass if you like yours a little dirtier.

GREY GOOSE vodka is made using a private process that’s designed to produce the high standard vodka that GREY GOOSE is recognized for. Their vodka is made from the finest soft wheat, grown in the Picardy region of France. As it transforms into a high-proof spirit, it’s blended with spring water that’s been filtered through limestone.

Each batch of GREY GOOSE vodka goes through greater than 550 daily quality control checks to ensure the highest quality. The entire distillation process is overseen by Maître de Chai, François Thibault. He also personally tastes and approves each batch.

Celebrate National Vodka Day in style with a delicious tasting, vodka cocktail – GREY GOOSE Martini. If you like reading about your popular spirits and cocktail recipes, then follow our popular luxury blog. We’ll keep you updated with the latest beverage industry news.

Photo: GREY GOOSE

If you missed National Rum Day on August 16th, enjoying a delicious tasting rum cocktail is perfect anytime of the year. Ron Zacapa Rum is well recognized as a rich and complex rum. Due to its delicious and smooth rum flavor, it’s the perfect spirit to mix in your favorite cocktail or sip neat.

Premium Ron Zapaca Rum is produced by Rum Creation and Products in Guatemala, Central America. Zapaca Rum is made from sugarcane high in the mountains of Guatemala.

Jane Danger is a popular New York City mixologist is has shared several tiki-inspired rum cocktail recipes made with barrel-aged, Zacapa rum. Whether you are hosting a social event with friends and family or enjoying a tropical vacation, try one of these great tasting, rum cocktails.

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White Oak Sling

Ingredients:
1 1/4 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1/4 ounce Herbal Liqueur
1 1/4 ounce Cherry Cola Syrup
1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice
1/2 ounce Lemon Juice
Cherry Orange Flag and Cinnamon Stick for Garnish

Preparation:
1. Combine Zacapa 23, herbal liqueur, cherry cola syrup, pineapple and lemon juices into a cocktail shaker. Whip shake.
2. Strain contents into a Collins glass over crushed ice.
3. Garnish with cherry orange flag and a cinnamon stick.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Collins glass

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Sugar Cane Honey Magik

Ingredients:
1 50 ml Zacapa Rum 23 Bottle
2 1/2 ounces Toasted Coconut Almond Cream*
3/4 ounce Pineapple Juice
Almonds and Orchid for Garnish

*Toasted Coconut Almond Cream Ingredients:
1 pound Almond Flakes
1 quart Water
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 cup Sugar
8 ounces Sweetened Condensed Milk

*Toasted Coconut Almond Cream Preparation:
1. Add all ingredients to a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
2. Take off heat.
3. Let rest 15 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth.

Preparation:
1. Add Toasted Coconut Almond Cream and pineapple juice to a cocktail shaker. Whip until incorporated.
2. Pour into a large footed glass.
3. Top with crushed ice.
4. Pour 50 ml Zacapa Rum 23 bottle in, use as garnish.
5. Top with more crushed ice; add a colorful straw, orchid and 3 almonds to garnish.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Large Footed glass

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Contessa Royal

Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1 ounce Cold Press Green Apple Juice
3/4 ounce Lime Juice
1/2 ounce Jalapeño Honey
2 dashes Rosemary Tincture
Sparking Wine for Top
Green Apple Slice and Rosemary Sprig for Garnish

Preparation:
1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, cold press green apple juice, lime juice, jalapeño honey and rosemary tincture into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large piece of ice.
3. Top with sparkling wine.
4. Garnish with one green apple slice and rosemary sprig.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Double Rocks Glass

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Ron Zacapa Rum is a delicious spirit for your favorite rum inspired cocktails. If you like reading about other spirits and cocktail recipes, then follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Ron Zacapa Rum

This Sunday, August 16th is National Rum Day. It’s hard to argue that when you think of a great tasting rum cocktail, it usually includes BACARDI rum.

The history of rum dates back to the 17th century. In the Caribbean, sugar farmers discovered that molasses was by product of the process in crushing sugar cane. After the juice was boiled, molasses and sugar were produced. With so much molasses available, after a fermentation process … rum was born.

Bacardi began back in 1862. Facundo Bacardi and his brother Jose purchased the Santiago de Cuba distillery and this started th w world’s most popular rum to be commercially produced.

To this day, rum is as popular as ever and favorite spirit in many, delicious cocktails. The Flor de Violette rum cocktail features BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron, which is a new, super-premium rum from Baracdi. The rum was specifically designed to enhance the overall, cocktail experience.

Rum is mixed with seasonally-appropriate floral flavors of St. Germain and Crème de Violette to create the Flor de Violette cocktail. The below drink recipe produces an incredible, lavender-hued cocktail that seamlessly blends each ingredient’s distinct flavor along with the subtle hints of pears, honey plus red currants from the rum.

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Flor de Violette
1 ½ parts BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron
¾ part lemon juice
½ part St. Germain
1/7 part Crème de Violette
1/7 part simple syrup

· Method:
– Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
– Garnish with a lemon peel

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Be sure to enjoy National Rum Day with a great tasting rum cocktail using the new BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron rum. The Life of Luxury is proud to share the latest news in the lxuury industry. Be sure to read our luxury blog so you don’t miss a thing.

First distilled by monks until the 1500’s, Scotch is now produced in five different regions of Scotland. In many countries around the world, Scotch Whisky is the top-selling spirit.

To recognize the great taste of Scotch Whisky, celebrate National Scotch Day which is today – July 27, 2015. Many people will be heading to their favorite local bar or attending a party of social gathering to pay tribute to “Whisky Wednesday.” To enjoy your time, try a delicious cocktail made with Scotch Whisky.

Usquaebach is a Scotch whisky that brings to life the ancient traditions and historic craft of the world famous Scottish Highlands. The word Usquaebach literally translates to “whisky.” The Usquaebach Reserve Premium blend is a Scotch that’s ideal to mix into refreshing, craft cocktails. Usquaebach has also been labeled as the “King of Blended Whisky.”​​

To celebrate National Scotch Day, here are three great tasting cocktail recipes you can try with Usquaebach Reserve Premium scotch whisky.

​​Usquaebach Highlands Dash
​​Created by Warren Bobrow
1 oz Usquaebach Reserve
1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz sparkling water
1/2 oz honey simple syrup
Dash of grapefruit bitters
Small pinch of orange-zested sea salt
Orange twist for garnish

​​Method: Fill a highball with crushed ice. Add Usquaebach, lemon juice, grapefruit bitters, and honey simple syrup to an ice-filled Boston shaker. Shake, and strain into highball. Add a pinch of the zested sea salt and finish with sparkling water. Serve with an orange twist.

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Usquaebach Summer Smuggler
Created by Brand Ambassador Ryan Judson
1 oz Usquebach Reserve
1 oz Contrato Bianco (or Lillet Blanc)
1 oz (quality) dry vermouth (La Quintinye Vermouth Royal)
Dash of orange bitters
Lemon twist for garnish

​​Method:Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, and stir until very cold. Strain into a cocktail coupe. Rim the glass with the lemon twist, drop into the drink and serve

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​​Usquaebach Bobby Burns
2 oz Usquaebach Reserve
1/2 oz (quality) sweet vermouth (La Quintinye Vermouth Royal)
1/2 oz DOM Benedictine
Dash of Aromatic bitters
Lemon Twist for garnish

​​Method:​​Fill rocks glass with one large ice cube (or serve up in a cocktail coupe). Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, and stir until very cold. Strain into your preferred glass. Rim the glass with lemon twist, and drop into drink to serve.

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Looking for a delicious Scotch Whisky cocktail? Then consider using Usquaebach Reserve Premium. If you like reading about your favorite spirits or party ideas, return to follow our luxury blog. Enjoy National Scotch Day!

Photo: Usquaebach