Henry Tuke – Champagne Sabre

Launched as the the world’s most expensive Champagne sabre, it retails for an eye-popping £27,000.

New luxury brand Henry Tuke introduced the new Champagne sabre in the beautiful gardens of top Champagne house Canard-Duchêne in Ludes, France.

The memorable occasion was marked as founder of Henry Tuke, Tom Tuke-Hastings, professionally sabered 35 bottles of Canard-Duchêne Champagne in under a minute.

This incredible feat by Henry Tuke crushed the previous world record of 27 bottles.

The new Champagne sabre is an exquisite work of English craftsmanship and would make a great addition to anybody who collects sabres.

This fine luxury collector’s item now joins a product portfolio that also includes the Henry Tuke Backgammon Set, the finest composition of macassar ebony and sterling silver that the games world has to offer.

If interested, you can purchase the Champagne sabre at www.HenryTuke.com

Ito En Green Tea

Tea lovers will really enjoy the refreshing new taste of Ito En Teas’ Green Tea.

Green Tea has long been associated with many benefits, including burning fat, stimulating the body’s metabolism, fighting off illness, accelerating weight loss and protecting our skin.

Triglycerides from food are a source of energy for life support and physical activities. However, excess triglycerides become fat. Green tea contains polyphenols which activate the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving excess triglyceride to aid in burning fat.

Green tea also contains powerful antioxidants called catechin polyphenols that are responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea. EGCG (or epigallocatechin gallat), has been found to stimulate the metabolism and accelerate weight loss.

Green tea may also allow you to exercise even longer, promoting better health and increased weight loss. A recent study using green tea extract on lab rats increased the amount of time the animals could swim before becoming exhausted by as much as 24%.

The catechin polyphenols in green tea appear to stimulate the use of fatty acids by liver and muscle cells. This subsequently reduces the rate that carbohydrates are used and allows for more endurance and longer exercise times. More endurance means more exercise, which means more calories burned. It all adds up to more pounds lost for you.

Recent research has also shown antioxidant supplementation may protect our skin. A paper published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that supplementation with carotenoids (25 mg/day) and vitamin E (500 IU/day) “may be useful for diminishing sensitivity to ultraviolet light” so slather on that sunscreen and drink up your Ito En TEAS’ TEA for healthier, protected skin.

Here’s a wonderful recipe from Ito En TEAS’ TEA for Green Tea Summer Punch. This drink will definitely keep you refreshed and healthy this summer.

Green Tea Summer Punch
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Makes: 3 quarts / 12 servings

Ingredients:

2 quarts TEAS’ TEA Pure Green
4 cinnamon sticks
8 whole cloves, plus more for garnish
4 peeled slices fresh ginger (about 1 inch by 2 inches each)
1 apple
1 orange
1 quart apple juice

Preparation:

Combine the tea, cloves, two pieces of ginger and two cinnamon sticks in a large pitcher.
Let steep at room temperature for about two hours. Refrigerate for up to an hour.
Wash the orange and slice it into thin pieces.
Wash, core and slice the apple. Stud the slices with cloves.
Remove the cloves, cinnamon and ginger from the tea.
Mix the tea, juice and remaining cinnamon sticks and ginger in the pitcher.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Piña Perfection Margarita – Don Julio Anejo

The Spring rains keep falling but warmer weather is right around the corner.

As the sunny month of May approaches, it’s a time to enjoy warm weather, friends, and one of the most authentic spirited holidays: Cinco de Mayo.

Celebrate springtime in style and celebrate the Cinco de Mayo holiday by serving the Piña Perfection Margarita.

Piña Perfection Margarita is made with the ultra-premium Tequila Don Julio Añejo, in addition to delicious fresh flavors of lime, pineapple, plus rosemary.

If you enjoy or tequila straight, then forget the cocktail and sip the aged Don Julio Añejo neat and enjoy the delicate notes of cherry and strawberry along with the contrasting taste of spicy vanilla, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Doesn’t matter your choice, you can’t go wrong with great tasting Don Julio Añejo tequila.

Don Julio Añejo tequila is Mexico’s number one selling luxury tequila. Try it and you’ll be sure turn your ordinary celebration into a true fiesta!

Here’s a delicious tequila cocktail recipes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!

Piña Perfection Margarita

By Brian Van Flandern, Tequila Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador

Ingredients:

1 1/4 ounces Tequila Don Julio Añejo

1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce fresh pineapple juice

Fresh rosemary

1/4 ounce simple syrup

Sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish

Preparation:

1. Muddle fresh rosemary into a cocktail shaker.

2. Add Don Julio Añejo, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice, and simple syrup into the cocktail shaker.

3. Shake well and strain into a highball glass.

4. Garnish with sprig of fresh rosemary.

Ideal Serving Glass:

Highball glass

Yield:

1 drink

Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Champagne

Champagne Nicolas Rose Feuillatte Spring is here and summer is just around the corner.

Why not cap off a busy day with a fine, chilled bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Feuillatte.

Whether it’s a New Years Eve celebration, or a social gathering, a great tasting champagne like Champagne Nicolas Rose Feuillatte Spring is the perfect drink.

The Kentucky Derby is known around the world as the “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”

This year’s Kentucky Derby horse race will be held on May 7th, so it’s time to prepare for that Derby party and celebrate just like you were there yourself.

Kentuckians have a lot of time-honored race day traditions, such as over-the-top bonnets and colorful dresses for the ladies, seersucker suits and straw hats for the guys, and of course sipping on Mint Juleps made with Kentucky Bourbon is a must.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world.

Maker’s Mark has always been handcrafted by the Samuels Family. Eighth generation distiller and COO Rob Samuels has provided their delicious family recipe to make the perfect Mint Julep.

“The Perfect Mint Julep”

Ingredients:
1 liter Maker’s Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

3. To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

4. Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

5. When you think it’s right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

6. To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

7. When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Then serve.

Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire

Perrier-Jouët proudly celebrates its 200th anniversary in Paris with the unveiling of the world’s first Living Legacy Champagne – Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire.

In Paris, Champagne House Perrier-Jouët recently celebrated its bicentenary with the unveiling of Bi-Centenaire—the very first Living Legacy champagne designed to be passed on to future generations.

An exclusive guest list gathered for the unveiling of a new kind of Champagne experience by the house renowned globally for its Belle Époque Cuvée.

Guests were also treated to the unveiling of a new work of art commissioned from American artist Daniel Arsham, designed to embody the spirit of Bi-Centenaire—A true invitation to celebrate life.

Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire tells the unexpected tale of a great vintage wine with two stories. The first takes place today: a champagne-lover treats himself to a magnum of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1998. Many years later, a descendant in turn enjoys a magnum of Belle Epoque 1998, passed down through the generations, preciously stored in a private cellar in Perrier-Jouët for up to 100 years.

To achieve this elegant defiance of time, the vintage has been carefully chosen for its exceptional ageing capacity by current Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps, the only seventh cellar master in the house’s 200 year-history.

Speaking on the night, Chairman & CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët Lionel Breton: “We are very proud celebrate tonight the Bicentenary of Perrier-Jouët with this unique champagne experience as a real tribute to the house’s remarkable craftsmanship and passion for passing on a sense of French art de vivre to future generations”.

Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire is available in very limited quantities (100 pieces only) at the Champagne House’s Boutique in Epernay and by appointment only including a privileged hospitality experience.

Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire is also available through the exclusive Pernod Ricard network for an average RSP of 10 000 euros.

“Christie’s Green Auction: Bid to Save the Earth”

Christie’s will host another celebrity-studded charity auction to celebrate Earth Day.

Christie’s has proudly partnered with luxury charity auction site charitybuzz.com by offering over 200 coveted auction packages.

Between now and April 7th, both Christie’s and Charitybuzz plan to raise funds for Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and Central Park Conservancy.

This will be the second annual “Christie’s Green Auction: Bid to Save the Earth.”

An incredible combination of international celebrities, creative icons, industry leaders and conservationists have teamed up to donate these exclusive packages and experiences to the auction.

This year, designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors and more have joined together with the sole goal of raising funds to preserve and sustain our planet.

Win style consultations with Vogue’s André Leon Talley and Diane Von Furstenberg or maybe a night backstage with Lady Gaga. How about a day around town with President William J. Clinton? It’s all possible as the Green Auction provides bidders amazing access to the world’s leading influencers.

Here’s a sample of some of the fashion highlights in this year’s “Christie’s Green Auction”

• Fly to Paris for the full Chanel Couture Experience, including: front row tickets to Chanel’s 2011 Couture Show, meet Karl Lagerfeld, take a private tour of Coco Chanel’s apartment, receive a handbag and stay five nights at The Ritz-Carlton
• A style consultation with Vogue’s André Leon Talley and Diane Von Furstenberg
• Meet Michael Kors and Heidi Klum on the ultimate New York Fashion Week experience, with inside access to the Project Runway fashion show finale
• Meet Marc Jacobs, with two VIP tickets to his New York Fashion Week fashion show and after party
• The ultimate Carolina Herrera bridal fashion experience: $10,000 toward a Carolina Herrera bridal gown, two tickets to her spring 2012 bridal show and meet Carolina Herrera backstage
• Design your own Bottega Veneta handbag with a one-on-one appointment with an expert from Bottega Veneta
• A custom Fendi bag altered by visionary artist Damien Hirst, entitled Spot Fendi
• Meet with the Miriam Haskell design team at a private appointment to create a custom piece of jewelry

Supporters can make a Bid to Save the Earth at www.charitybuzz.com/BidtoSavetheEarth.

A companion invite-only event and live fantasy auction will be held at Christie’s New York on March 29 in partnership with Vogue’s “Runway to Green.” The event will feature a fashion show sponsored by Tiffany & Co. on the night of the live auction, with designer collection selections available online through NET-A-PORTER.COM.

It’s always an enjoyable experience to travel around the world and experience different cultures.

Not only can we see the incredible sights of other countries but also visit top restaurants and take part in a fine dining meal.

But before you enjoy that meal, you should educate yourself with local customs, particularly regarding restaurant table etiquette.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are the definitive experts on the concierge of food and beverage.

Their talented teams have put together an array of helpful, fine dining tips to assist out of town guests with proper table manners specific to the country they are visiting.

With advice on how to respectably pay the bill from Four Seasons Hotel Damascus to tips on the proper time to order your cheese course from Four Seasons George V, Paris, Four Seasons has plenty of suggestions to ensure you are not caught off guard by the local customs.

For more tips from the experts at Four Seasons on dining etiquette, please visit:
http://press.fourseasons.com/tips-and-trends/dining-decorum-four-seasons-experts-share-insight-into-meal-time-customs-around-the-world/

EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka

EFFEN® Vodka is a super-premium vodka. The name EFFEN means “smooth, even and balanced” in Dutch.

Based on a century-old Dutch recipe, EFFEN Vodka is made from premium wheat and also uses a continuous distillation process that creates a smooth taste on the palette.

As the only vodka created by the industry, for the industry, EFFEN Vodka not only offers a world-class liquid but a sleek, form-meets-function design with a rubber sleeve that acts as a grip and an insulator to keep the vodka consistently cold.

The delicious EFFEN product line includes the following flavors: EFFEN® Vodka, EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka, EFFEN® Dutch Raspberry Vodka and now EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka.

EFFEN is proud to be the first super-premium vodka company in the world, to add the cool and refreshing flavor of cucumber to their impressive vodka lineup.

Now by adding a modern twist to super-premium vodka, EFFEN Cucumber will be available to consumers in March 2011.

EFFEN Cucumber creates a refreshing take on classic cocktails such as the Bloody Mary, with the essence of freshly harvested vine-ripe cucumbers

This cucumber flavored vodka is made using the purist water along with all natural ingredients.

EFFEN Cucumber Vodka is 75 Proof and can be found at your favorite retail liquor store with a suggested retail price of only $29.99 per 750ml bottle.

To learn more about the new EFFEN Cucumber Vodka, please visit: http://www.effenvodka.com/

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Ice Pillar

Whisky maker Johnnie Walker, has created a new way to savour its Gold Label Whisky: serve chilled.

QSLD Paris, a French design agency, was chosen to create the outer pack that’s dedicated to this new tasting.

Now you can freeze your whisky bottle and put it into the Johnnie Walker Ice Pillar. It will keep your bottle of JW whisky cold and will allow you to extend your chilled relishing.

The inner box was inspired by frosted gold leaves and symbolizes Gold Label. The outer box is transparent, it depicts the ice wrapping the item.

Composed of several parts, Johnnie Walker Gold Ice Pillar is covered by a metallic gold anodized ring. The logos are embossed out.

This ring repeats the slanting dynamics of Johnnie Walker Gold’s emblematic label. It makes the product and the brand immediately identifiable and is also used for closing the case.

Founded by Designer Denis Boudard in 1993, QSLD has been at the center of the Luxury scene for more than a decade.

On the South Shore of Lake Tahoe is where you will find most of the casinos and larger resorts, as well as more in the way of nightlife and entertainment. There are plenty of great restaurants both inside and outside of the casinos, and just as on the North Shore, the choices are varied and there is something for all tastes.

In Stateline, Nevada, the Edgewood Terrace Restaurant sits overlooking Lake Tahoe from the Edgewood Golf Course clubhouse, and offers casual elegance in truly breathtaking surroundings. offers a spectacular setting for an intimate meal or a sizable gathering.

The menu is superb and the view is one of the best around. Edgewood is a great choice for a special occasion or a romantic dinner for two, or perhaps lunch after a morning enjoying one of the most scenic games of golf you will ever play!