For a fine dining experience in downtown SoHo in New York City, consider the Osteria Morini restaurant. Chef Michael White serves great tasting Emilia-Romagna cuisine and after a wonderful meal, try a Luce del Sole cocktail.

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy a delicious summer cocktail. The Luce del Sole means “sunlight” in Italian and is made with FACUNDO NEO. The cocktail also includes honey syrup, Montanaro liquore in addition to a bit of floral flavors from the Dandelion Burdock bitters.

Osteria Morini is a casual Italian restaurant that’s a very popular place to dine for both visitors to New York City as well as locals. The establishment is perfect for either a romantic couple or large groups.

Whether you meet friends for a drink after work, or want to try a cocktail during or after your Italian meal at Osteria Morini restaurant, enjoy a Osteria Morini cocktail.

If you would like to make this cocktail at home for your next party or social gathering, here is the recipe.

Luce del Sole by Osteria Morini

– 2 parts FACUNDO NEO
– ¼ parts Honey Syrup (4 parts honey, 1 part water)
– ½ part Montanaro Liquore alla Camomilla
– Dash Dandelion Burdock Bitters
– Lemon twist
– Orange twist

Method:
Combine ingredients in a glass shaker, stir and strain over large ice in a double Old Fashioned glass. Express oils from lemon and orange twists and trim to rectangles. Garnish twists as an X.

Ready for a luxury travel experience? Allow The Life of Luxury to help plan and book your Big Apple stay. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Osteria Morini restaurant and try a Luce del Sole cocktail. Come back again to follow our luxury blog and read about other food, drink and travel stories.

With July 4th almost here, it’s time to plan your summer party and enjoy time with family and friends. Summertime is here, so let’s try and keep that patriotic spirit going all summer long.

So whether you’re planning that perfect day on the beach or an amazing backyard barbecue, make sure you have delicious tasting cocktails. They are perfect to serve along with your BBQ steak, burgers, hotdogs, chicken or whatever else you are grilling.

Cruzan Rum believes in living the “Don’t Hurry.” Make sure you embrace each and every day and live life to the fullest. Fourth of July themed cocktails are fun to make and even better to drink, so indulge in a rum cocktail. It’s time to celebrate Independence Day with creative, red, white and blue party drinks that everyone will enjoy.

Cruzan Rum has announced a great tasting rum cocktail recipe. Ideal for a fun evening of watching fireworks and socializing. The Cruzan Caribbean Dream cocktail is a refreshing rum shooter that has a unique, patriotic flair.

Cruzan® Caribbean Dream
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 part Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum
– 1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 part Cream
– Cinnamon
– Cherries

Method:
Combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a shot glass. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and a speared cherry.

Looking for fun party ideas and great tasting cocktail recipes like with Cruzan Rum? Please follow our luxury blog and read about other popular spirits and recipes.

Photo: Cruzan Rum

This Saturday, June 13th marks the seventh World Gin Day. It’s a fun day for Gin lovers to savoir their favorite juniper-based spirit.

The humble beginning began in 2009, when Neil Houston from YetAnotherGin.com wanted a day to socialize with friends and enjoy a few gin drinks. It has really taken off and now World Gin Day is enjoyed all around the word.

To help celebrate National Gin Day, several U.S. bartenders want to share their gin-tastic cocktails! Caorunn is a Scottish gin that’s made with foraged, Celtic botanicals. Whether you like the traditional gin and tonic or a Caorunn infused milkshake, enjoy World Gin Day and try out these great tasting gin cocktails.

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Clearly Crane
2 1/2 ounces lemonade or Sprite
2 1/2 ounces tonic
1 1/2 ounces Caorunn Gin
1/2 ounces dry vermouth
5 drops lemon bitters

Build in a chilled glass. Add alcohol and bitters.
Add some fine diced orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit and three long sprigs of mint before adding ice.
Fill with crushed ice and add rest of the ingredients. Stir well so fruit is distributed.

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Waverely
By Andrey Kalinin, Highlands, NYC

2 ounces thyme infused Caorunn Gin
3/4 ounce lime juice
3/4 ounce cane sugar syrup
3/4 ounce cucumber puree

Combine all ingredients and shake.
Serve in rocks glass on ice.
Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber and a sprig of fresh thyme.

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Bloodhound Shake
By Allison Kave, Butter & Scotch, Brooklyn, NYC

1 ounce Caorunn Gin
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 scoop strawberry ice cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender until blended.
Pour into a parfait or pint glass.
Top with whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry.

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972
By Matt Sopata, Metro Oyster Exchange, Virginia Beach, VA
2 ounces Caorunn Gin
1 ounce Lillet Blanc
1 ounce fresh pear juice
1/2 ounce honey

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.
Rinse glass with Domaine de Canton, strain and serve in a martini glass.

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Enjoy other spirit and tasty cocktail recipes by reading this popular luxury blog. The Life of Luxury offers an extensive, concierge program featuring access to over 50,000 events around the world. Enjoy a VIP experience!

This year, June 19 is National Martini Day and what better way to celebrate but with GREY GOOSE Vodka. Get together with friends and family and enjoy the popular martini.

A martini is a great tasting cocktail that’s made with both gin and vermouth, then commonly garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon peel.

Popular since the late 1800’s, the martini was a favorite drink during the time of Prohibition because gin was so easy to make back then. Many bootleggers even made gin in a bathtub.

In the 20th century, the martini was a favorite of many well known people including – John D. Rockefeller, James Bond, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable.

The martini faded in popularity as other cocktails like the margarita become the drink of choice in bars, social events and parties. But in the 1990’s, the martini made a return to prominence and once again seen in the signature martini glass.

As the martini became more popular, it started to be made with vodka among other spirits. Bars started serving them with various fruity or sweet additives. That’s how the “apple-tini” was born.

As America’s classic cocktail, the martini tastes great with GREY GOOSE Vodka. We want to share 2 delicious martini recipes from GREY GOOSE Vodka – the Original Classic Martini for beginners and the VX Martini Exceptionelle for experts only.

GREY GOOSE Original Classic Martini
Ingredients:
2 Parts GREY GOOSE Original
½ Part NOILLY PRAT® Original French Dry Vermouth
1 Dash Orange Bitters

Method:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add NOILLY PRAT Original French Dry Vermouth.
3. Stir to coat ice and strain out.
4. Add GREY GOOSE Vodka and bitters, if desired, and stir well.
5. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
6. Present with an olive or lemon twist.

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GREY GOOSE VX Martini Exceptionelle
Ingredients:
2.5 oz. GREY GOOSE VX
Absinthe rinse
Spray of honey water
Garnish or skewer of frozen grapes

Method:
1. Rinse absinthe in glass.
2. Stir VX over ice and strain in martini glass.
3. Spray honey water into glass.
4. Garnish with frozen grapes, a peach slice, or no garnish at all.

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If you enjoy reading about great party tips and delicious tasting cocktails and spirits like GREY GOOSE Vodka, return to follow this luxury blog. Thanks for your support and have fun on National Martini Day!

Photo: GREY GOOSE Vodka

Memorial Day is a time to show respect and honor the many men and women who have given their lives while serving in The U.S. armed forces.

It doesn’t matter if you are spending time with friends or family, a great tasting cocktail is always popular at any party or social gathering. Cruzan Rum is produced in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. The rum maker was founded in 1760 and has been called “the most honored rum distillery in the world.”

Cruzan Black Strap navy style rum has the sweet flavor and unique aroma of blackstrap molasses and is perfect to be drank alone, or mixed into a creative cocktail.

A “tot” is a daily ration of rum sailors enjoyed dating back hundreds of years. The longtime tradition ended in the late 20th century. Now relive the past with the Cruzan Black Strap Navigator cocktail from Cruzan Rum. The cocktail has a dark color from using Cruzan Black Strap and tastes incredible!

Try this unique Cruzan Rum cocktail recipe:

Cruzan Black Strap Navigator
Created by Cruzan Mixologist, Jesse Card

– 2 parts Cruzan® Black Strap Rum
– 1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
– Ginger Beer

Method:
Build ingredients in an Old Fashioned glass over ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.

If you enjoy trying new cocktail recipes, consider the Cruzan Black Strap Navigator from Cruzan Rum. Follow our luxury blog to learn about other great tasting spirits and cocktail recipes.

Photo: Cruzan Rum

This Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky will be the 141st running of the world famous Kentucky Derby horse race. This popular event is often referred to as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.”

Grey Goose® Vodka is proud to once again support the Kentucky Derby. This year marks the 11th year of involvement by Grey Goose Vodka. As the horses take center stage at Churchill Downs, cheer on your favorite with delicious tasting, super-premium Grey Goose cocktails!

Starting in 2006 and now a truly Kentucky Derby tradition, Grey Goose will feature the Grey Goose Oaks Lily cocktail. This great tasting drink is the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks races, which will be held May 1st at Churchill Downs. This specialty cocktail is made with Grey Goose Original, cranberry juice, orange liquor and a blackberry and lemon garnish. The cocktail will be served served in a commemorative glass.

GREY GOOSE OAKS LILY
Ingredients:
1 Oz Grey Goose® Original
1⁄2 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1⁄2 Oz Simple Syrup
3 Oz Cranberry Juice
Splash of Orange Liquor
Method: Fill glass slightly above rim with cubed ice. Pour ingredients in order listed to 1⁄2 inch from top of glass. Stir slowly and present with a fresh blackberry and a slice of lemon

In addition to the Grey Goose Oaks Lily vodka cocktail, also enjoy All the King’s Horses and root for your favorite horse. This year’s Kentucky Derby race is expected to be very competitive. Two favorites in this year’s field are 3-year olds – American Pharoah and Dortmund. Another race contender may be Carpe Diem.

Aptly named, All the King’s Horses is a nobly-inspired cocktail. The name was inspired by “The King” Todd Pletcher, who is a seven-time Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Trainer of the Year. The All the King’s Horses is made with Grey Goose Le Melon plus fresh grapefruit juice and spicy jalapeno.

ALL THE KING’S HORSES
Ingredients:
1⁄2 Oz Grey Goose® Le Melon
1 Oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Oz St. Germain
1 Jalapeno
Method: Muddle one slice jalapeno in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice and top with soda and jalapeno garnish.

In a wonderful charitable effort, proceeds from GREY GOOSE Oaks Lily sales will benefit Horses and Hope, which is a breast cancer initiative that partners up with the equine industry and look for new opportunities to offer breast cancer awareness, education, in addition to early detection through screening and treatment referral.

If you are not lucky enough to be at this year’s Kentucky Derby, enjoy watching the race with friends and family or even hosting your own Kentucky Derby party. You can make and enjoy your own Grey Goose Vodka cocktails. Don’t forget to dress for the occasion and wear your finest Southern garb.

If you like reading about great party ideas like the above cocktail recipes from Grey Goose Vodka, come back often and follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: Grey Goose Vodka

Cigar aficionados have long desired a humidor to preserve their cherished cigar collection, but also have a growing need for it to be stylish. How about a cigar pod made to look like an authentic Colt gun cylinder to get people talking?

Solloshi Design has taken their love of both luxury cigars and guns to a different level. The company offers a variety of the finest titanium accessories. For example, they have created a stunning Titanium Cigar Pod named Themis.

Themis sells for $9,500 and this titanium cigar pod authentic bearings and ratchet mechanism that housing six CNC-milled titanium “bullets” (aka. cigars). Each pod from Solloshi Design includes a mini-humidor to preserve your finest cigars. The Themis titanium cigar pod can hold up to 6 cigars and internally, measures 22 mm X 185 mm.

Cronus is a slightly smaller cigar pod that sells for $7,500. It’s internal measurements are 9.5 mm X 89.0 mm, holds up to 6 cigarillos or cigarettes and like the Themis mode, is made from aerospace grade titanium.

In addition, Solloshi Design has developed a line of distinctive, cnc-machined Ti cigar pods. Hyperion has been described by some people as the most luxurious cigar tube design they have ever seen. The Hyperion cigar tube can hold and protect a single cigar. It’s CNC machined from titanium blocks and include 4 different parts that are combined to produce the final product. This unique cigar tube includes a small humidifier and the inside measurement is 22.45 mm X 234 mm. This limited edition cigar tube is priced at $18,900.

For those looking for a lower price point, the Iapteus cigar holder tube has a price of only $660. It features a minimalist design. Iapteus is also CNC machined from a single block of titanium. Each cigar tube has a small humidifier and the interior measures 17 mm X 165 mm.

These amazing cigar pods and cigar holders from Solloshi Design make the perfect gift for that Cigar aficionado in your life. Enjoy your fine cigar in VIP style!

If you are interested in buying a cigar pod or cigar holder from Solloshi Design, contact us today. The Life of Luxury desires to keep abreast of the latest news and product announcements in the luxury industry. Follow and read our luxury blog.

Photo: Solloshi Design / Gosztom Gergo

What occurs the first Saturday each May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is not just a horse race. It’s the would famous Kentucky Derby and often described as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” If you’re not lucky enough to be at Churchill Downs in person, then host a Kentucky Derby party in style.

First run in 1875, this year marks the 141st edition of The Kentucky Derby. The popular event kicks off the horse racing circuit and is the first jewel of the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Triple Crown.

The Derby isn’t only about horse racing. This incredible event is a unique blend of sports, fashion and style. Southern traditions are in full display. Roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and G.H. MUMM is proud to once again be the official champagne.

Limor Suss is an Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert and has offered some wonderful tips to make your Kentucky Derby party a fun and successful one for all. She’s offered some derby games and even how to make derby hats from cheese!

Suss suggests all party guest dress the role and come in their finest clothes. Women can war the derby traditional colorful sundresses and hats. Men should dress to impress by wearing light linen or seersucker suits. It’s not a time to be conservative. Consider eye popping colors like light blue, coral, yellow or even lime.

As mentioned above, roses are the office race flower. Bring some Southern charm to your Kentucky Derby party by spreading red rose petals on your serving tables.

Like those in attendance at Churchill Downs, serve delicious tasting G.H. MUMM champagne. Serve up a G.H. MUMM Mint Julep, which is a bubbly twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby Cocktail. Here is the G.H. MUMM Mint Julep recipe:

Ingredients:
– 2 parts G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge
– 11/2 parts Absolut Citron Vodka
– 1 part Fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 part Simple syrup
– 1 finger pinch Fresh mint
Instructions:
– Pour all ingredients, except G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge, into a mixing glass.
– Add ice, cover and shake vigorously for 7-8 seconds.
– Pour G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge into a chilled cocktail-martini glass and pour the cocktail over it.

Ladies will really enjoy participating in a hat decorating station. Purchase some fun items like flowers, butterflies, lace, tulle and even feathers. Place them on a table along with some inexpensive hats. Create your own custom hat with a a glue gun and your imagination. What fun!

How about making a derby hat out of cheese? A Derby “Cheese Hat” can easily be made with several different sized rounds of brie cheese. Like a traditional wedding cake, stack the brie cheese or any other round cheese. You can add a colored ribbon or even some flowers and herbs. Serve your guests the cheese along with fig jam and toasted bread.

Who doesn’t love dessert? Serve your Kentucky Derby party guests some derby inspired delicacies. Since the race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, serve three different desserts including Mini pecan pies, mint julep cupcakes and Bourbon bites.

If you would actually like to attend this year’s coveted Kentucky Derby in person, contact us today. We can help make all your travel reservation plans and provide you a VIP experience. If you enjoy reading about how to host a Kentucky Derby party, return and follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: G.H. MUMM

Now that Spring has finally arrived, it’s time for social gatherings where friends, family and business associates can get together and have a good time.

A great tasting cocktail is always a must. The challenge is always finding the right ingredients and the perfect recipe that wows! We wanted to share six delicious cocktail recipes that are sure to impress your party guests. Welcome in Spring with a great tasting cocktail. Cheers!

I’ll Have What She’s Having
By Ian Hardie (Huckleberry Bar, Brooklyn)

1 1/2 parts Caoruun
1/2 parts St. Germain
1/2 parts Aperol
3/4 parts lemon juice
2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters

Shake all ingredients and add to a coup glass
Garnish with a grapefruit twist

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Jasmine Cocktail
By Josh Harrell (Five Star Bar, Chicago)

1/2 parts Caorunn
1/2 parts Cointreau
1/2 parts Aperol
3/4 parts Lemon

Shake all ingredients
Garnish with a lemon wedge

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Sandeman Spritz
By Jim Meehan (Please Don’t Tell, NYC)

1 1/2 parts Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1 1/2 parts Grapefruit juice
1 1/2 parts Pellegrino Chinotto

Combine the first two ingredients in a cocktail shaker.
Shake with ice and strain into a Douro spice rimmed rocks glass filled with ice.
Top with Pellegrino Chinotto.
Garnish with half a grapefruit wheel

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Day Spa
By Clint Rogers and Harrison Ginsberg (The Dawson, Chicago)

1 1/2 parts Caorunn Gin
3/4 part Camomile Cucumber Syrup
3/4 Lime juice
1/2 part Cocchi Americano
1/2 part Grapefruit juice
3/4 part Suze
3/4 part Chareau
Two dashes Jamaican #2 Biters

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass, then fill with fresh ice.
Garnish with cucumber slices.

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Sandeman Sangree
By Peter Vestinos (Wirtz Beverage Group, Chicago)

1 1/2 parts Sandeman Porto Founders Reserve
3/4 parts Plymouth Gin
3/4 parts Lemon Juice
1/2 parts Simple Syrup
2 parts Soda water

Combine all ingredients, except the soda water into a cocktail shaker.
Shake briefly with ice.
Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Add soda water.
Add a lemon wheel and grate nutmeg across top.

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Port Margarita
By Peter Vestinos (Wirtz Beverage Group, Chicago)

2 parts Avion Tequila
3/4 parts Lime juice
3/4 parts Sandeman Porto Founders Reserve
1/4 part Agave nectar
1 dash Orange bitters

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.
Strain into a rocks glass, then fill with fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.

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If you are looking for help in planning that over the top social gathering, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help with imaginative ideas and event planning assistance. Return often to read our popular luxury blog ad read about other great tasting cocktail recipes and party suggestions.

Photo: Caorunn

Iconic Scotch whisky brand – Johnnie Walker has announced the second annual release of their collector’s edition to pay homage to the popular, thousands-year-old celebration of the Lunar New Year – Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram.

Now available to be enjoyed at your favorite social gathering, the new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram is a limited release spirit and will soon become a favorite of Scotch whisky connoisseurs.

This special edition scotch whisky blends traditional Chinese ceramic artistry with an exceptional taste.

Brian Cox is the Director of Scotch Whisky for Diageo North America and was quoted, “The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram bottle weaves the best of Chinese ceramic art with the very finest blended Scotch whisky. The Lunar Year is an incredibly exciting and significant holiday in the Chinese tradition. We are proud to honor it with our finest blend—Johnnie Walker Blue Label—so that people can enjoy the Lunar New Year responsibly and with quality.”

As the world’s number-one selling Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker even took great care in designing the iconic bottle. Placing four bottles side by side with their signature Johnnie Walker slanted labels showing – an images of a gorgeous Chinese scroll painting appears. Amazing!

The bottle’s artwork features three rams that are proudly standing, which is a traditional reference to the Book of Changes that designates a New Year of great fortune.

The new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram Special Release is already available for sale. The suggested retail price is $258 for a 750 ml/bottle.

If you are a fine spirits connoisseur, then consider the new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Ram. Return to read about other new liqueur industry news and product releases.

No matter where you are in the world, there is always a place enjoying great, summertime weather. Enjoy sunning on a white sand beach in Miami – Florida or lounging poolside by your luxury villa in Saint Tropez, having a great tasting cocktail is a must! But where can you find the best cocktail recipes?

Marie-Claire recently published an article offering some outstanding summertime drinks. We wanted to share with you five, delicious cocktail recipes to enjoy at your next pool party, outdoor bar or tropical vacation getaway.

1) Laid in the Shade – courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
– 1/2 oz. grenadine
– 1/2 oz. orange juice
– 1/2 oz. cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz. lime juice
– 1/2 oz. Passoa
– 1 1/2 oz. Stoli O
– 2 oz. egg white
– 2 oz. peachcell
– 1 oz. peach purée
Instructions: Shake, strain, and top with peach foam mixture of egg whites, peachcello, and peach puree.

2) Cool as a Cucumber – courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel
– 3 oz. Crop Organic Cucumber Infused Vodka
– 5 slices muddled cucumber
– 1 oz. fresh lime juice
– 1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Instructions: Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cucumber spiral.

3) Skinny Dipping – courtesy of ARIA Resort and Casino
– 2 oz. Voli Lemon Vodka
– 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz. strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz. agave nectar
– prosecco to top
Instructions: Shake all ingredients except prosecco and strain into an ice-filled 16 oz. cup. Top with prosecco and garnish with a strawberry.

4) Strawberry Basil Ricky – courtesy of Hotel Erwin
– 3 basil leaves
– 1 large strawberry
– 2 oz. gin
– 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
– 3/4 oz. simple syrup
– club soda
Instructions: Muddle basil and strawberry thoroughly and add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake thoroughly over ice for six to 10 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a tall glass and top with soda. Garnish with a strawberry.

5) Pink Glow Splash – courtesy of the St. Regis Resort
– 1 3/4 oz. of Belvedere Lemon Tea Vodka
– 1/2 oz. of Cointreau
– 1/2 oz. of grenadine
– lime wedge
Instructions: Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

If you are ready to beat the cold winter weather and enjoy a tropical vacation getaway, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can assist planning and booking all your travel reservations. Follow our luxury blog to read about other great tasting, cocktail recipes.

Photo by Gabriel Amadeus; some rights reserved.