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.

Another New Years is almost here and many of us will be bringing in the new year with friends and family. It’s always a fun night of partying and celebrating another year gone by, plus the anticipation of what’s to come next.

As the clock strikes midnight, the celebratory toast is a ritual done around the world. Champagne is signature drink of New Year’s Eve, but we wanted to offer a delicious and sophisticated champagne cocktail recipe for you to try.

A Champagne Mojito was created by the team at NYC’s Restaurant DANIEL. This is not your basic mojito, because it combines FACUNDO NEO, which is a super-premium, hand-blended rum.

Blended with champagne, the classic Mojito cocktail morphs into a great tasting drink – Champagne Mojito – that will quickly become the hit of any party.

If you will be in New York City, you can actually order the Champagne Mojito at Restaurant DANIEL or simply make it yourself.

CHAMPAGNE MOJITO by Restaurant DANIEL
2 oz FACUNDO NEO Rum
2 oz Champagne
1 dash of Angostura Bitters
1 bar spoon sugar in the raw
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
8 Fresh Mint Leaves

Method:
– Combine mint, sugar in the raw, lime juice and muddle.
– Add simple syrup and rum in a shaker.
– Shake the mix with ice and double strain into a high ball filled with ice.
– Top with Angostura bitters & Champagne.
– finally, garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig.

Follow our luxury blog to read about other great party cocktails and the latest in the luxury industry.

The Christmas holiday season is a great time to enjoy parties and other social gatherings with friends, family and co-workers.

Cruzan Rum is well known for its great rum taste and a popular spirit to drink alone or in your favorite cocktail. We wanted to share several Cruzan Rum choices to enjoy at your next party or give as a holiday gift.

Cruzan Black Strap (For the Home Bartender):
With a dark and aromatic taste profile, Cruzan Black Strap is reminiscent of classic navy rums of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and offers a richer taste and color than traditional rums. For the cocktail connoisseur who can’t get enough of classic rum cocktails such as hurricanes or coladas, adding a dash of Cruzan Black Strap as a floater adds a premium touch.

Cruzan Single Barrel (For the Bourbon Enthusiast):
Created with a blend of vintage rums that have been aged for up to 12 years, this well-rounded, mellow and full-bodied rum has a distinctive taste that is best enjoyed when sipped neat or on the rocks. Gift it to a fan of bourbon or whiskey who is looking to explore a new trend in spirits.

Cruzan Peach (For the Snowbound):
Perfect for someone who is eagerly awaiting the return to warm weather. With the sweet taste of juicy, ripe peaches, Cruzan Peach Rum will transport them to memories of warmer days and tropical locales. Mix it in with a mojito to bring the classic recipe up a notch.

If you have been looking for a great tasting rum cocktail, here are a few holiday cocktail recipes to try with Cruzan Rum. Kick back by an open fire or party until the early morning – anytime is Cruzan Rum time.

Cruzan Sleigh Bell
Ingredients:
2 parts Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
1/2 part Sweet Vermouth
1/2 part Bitter Amaro
Dash of Orange Bitters
Bing Cherry

Method:
Combine all ingredients over ice and stir. Pour into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a Bing Cherry.

Cruzan Snow Day
Ingredients:
1 3/4 parts Cruzan Aged Light Rum
1/4 part DeKuyper Crème de Menthe
1 1/2 parts Heavy Cream
Squeeze of Fresh Lime

Method:
Combine all ingredients over ice, shake, double strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with crushed peppermint on the rim of the glass.

If you enjoy reading about popular spirits and delicious cocktail recipes, follow this popular luxury blog.

Remy Martin has announced they plan to open their first members club – La Maison Remy Martin. The club will is ideal for cognac lovers but will only be open between November 25 and December 6, 2014 in London, England.

The new club will consist of two bars serving Remy Martin cognacs and offer creative workshops plus the chance to meet talented craftsmen of London.

The La Maison Rémy Martin concept will be a first for any cognac brand but access is extremely limited. The cognac club will only be accessible for members only and personally invited by Remy Martin. For the public, if you want a chance to attend, there will be a competition where 100 lucky people can win the chance to become a member of La Maison Remy Martin.

Located in the SoHo area of London, La Maison Remy Martin can be found at 19 Greek Street and will cover all four floors of the building. On the first floor, members can experience the VSOP Bar & Lounge and enjoy the work of five talented mixologists from London. These are five of the every best and include Erik Lorincz from The American Bar at The Savoy, Alex Kratena from the Artesian and Agostino Perrone from The Connaught Bar. They will develop an inspiring cocktail menu specifically designed for La Maison Rémy Martin.

The club’s second floor will host the “Cognathèque”, whch is a retail space that features a gorgeous seating area. Mmebers can sample and buy Rémy Martin cognacs that are currently sold around the world. worldwide. Also enjoy a Rémy Martin cognac masterclass to be hosted by the International Brand Ambassadors of the house.

The third floor will host “L’Atelier Rémy Martin” which is an exclusive space where Remy Martin will collaborate with selected lifestyle brands to offer creative workshops. You can also view selected pieces of Remy Martin’s latest Futur Heritage project in partnership with ECAL,

On the fourth floor of the La Maison Remy Martin club is the Remy Martin XO lounge. The bar provides an opportunity to try Remy Martin XO serves.

If you are interested in visiting the La Maison Remy Martin in London, and taste some of the best cognacs in the world, please contact us for more information or visit lamaison.remymartin.com. Follow this popular luxury blog to read about the latest luxury industry news.

In the U.S., the Labor Day holiday is a time to celebrate America’s working men and women. The holiday occurs each year on the first Monday of September.

Labor Day became a national holiday way back in 1896 when then President Grover Cleveland declared it during a time of growing awareness of the labor movement in this country.

Whether you are celebrating Labor Day with a BBQ or party with friends and family, a great cocktail choice to consider uses 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

For whatever your Labor Day event is, we want to share to great tasting cocktail recipes with you – the BIG GINGER® and the 2 GINGERS® Negroni with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

BIG GINGER®
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– Ginger Ale
– Lemon Wedge
– Lime Wedge

METHOD: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

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2 GINGERS® Negroni
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– 1 part sweet vermouth
– 1 part Campari® liqueur

METHOD: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir, then strain into a low-ball or rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

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If you enjoy reading about delicious cocktail recipes like with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey and other great ways to entertain at parties, please follow this luxury blog.

Happy Fourth of July! Hope everybody enjoys this special day in U.S. history. If you are looking for a great tasting cocktail, try one of these with delicious GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

2 Gingers Irish whiskey is produced at Kilbeggan Distillery and is proud to be the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the U.S.

So celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in style. If you are hosting or attending a party or BBQ, be sure to make it a fun one with the great taste of 2 Gingers Irish whiskey.

We want to share two, refreshing whiskey cocktail recipes – Cherry Rickey and the BIG GINGER.

Both of the BIG GINGER and 2 GINGERS Cherry Rickey blend vanilla, caramel, and citrus taste of popular 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey, with refreshing accents for the perfect cocktail.

2 GINGERS Cherry Rickey
– 1.5 parts 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey
– Juice from 1/4 lemon, freshly squeezed
– Lemon-lime soda
– 1 tsp. maraschino cherry juice

Method: Combine all non-carbonated ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass. Next, fill the Collins glass with new ice and top with lemon-lime soda or soda water. Complete the cocktail by garnishing with a Maraschino cherry and a round of lemon.

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BIG GINGER
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey
– Ginger Ale
– Lime Wedge
– Lemon Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

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If you enjoy reading about great tasting cocktails like with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey, then return and follow this luxury blog for more great, libation stories and recipes.

This June 15 is Father’s Day and for dads around the world who deserve a great gift, consider a bottle of Cruzan Rum.

Cruzan Rum is a rum company that’s located in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. They produce a variety of different rums such as aged and dark varieties, a traditional white, a rum cream, in addition to various flavored rums.

With a bottle of Cruzan Rum, make dad a delicious tasting cocktail – “Cruzan Better Than A Necktie.” It’s a soothing cocktail that’s filled with the sweet taste of Vanilla Liqueur mixed with great tasting Cruzan Rum.

Cruzan Better Than A Necktie
Ingredients:
– 1 part Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum
– 1/2 part DeKuyper® Vanilla Liqueur
– 1/4 part Fresh Lime Juice
– IPA Beer

Method:
Add Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum, Vanilla and Fresh Lime Juice to a pint glass. Next slowly pour in the IPA Beer to combine.

This is a great way for dad to enjoy a relaxing day of sports on TV or lounging outdoors while sipping this delicious cocktail on his special day.

If you enjoy reading about unique gifts or delicious cocktail recipes such as with Cruzan Rum, then come back often and follow this luxury blog.

With spring in full swing and summer getting closer by the day, it’s time to celebrate great weather – no matter whether you are hosting or attending a fun party or other social event. Tasty cocktail recipes can really spice up a party.

We wanted to share with our loyal readers, several great tasting cocktail recipes to try out. These delicious libations are sure to impress and are perfect on any warm weather day.

The first cocktail is named a SKINNY GINGER®. The SKINNY GINGER is a refreshing, light, and easy-to-make cocktail. Ideal for any warm weather occasion. For those watching their calorie intake, this great tasting cocktail has under 200 calories. Below is the recipe:

SKINNY GINGER
– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– Diet Ginger Ale
– Lemon Wedge
– Lime Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with diet ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

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The second cocktail is named KNOB CREEK® SWEET & SPICY TEA. This incredible cocktail was developed by mixologist, Zac Matthew. This libation perfectly blends the sweet & spicy. Below is the recipe:

KNOB CREEK® SWEET & SPICY TEA
Ingredients:
– 2 parts Knob Creek® Rye
– 2 parts Southern Style “Sweet Tea” (* recipe below)
– ¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
– 1 part Prosecco

Method:
1. Combine Knob Creek® Rye, sweet tea and lemon juice into a shaker with ice.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Float Prosecco on top to finish.
4. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

*Southern Style “Sweet Tea”
Ingredients:
– Black Tea
– Simple Syrup

Method:
1. Prepare a fresh pot of black tea per instructions.
2. Combine freshly brewed black tea with an ample amount of simple syrup (to taste).

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The third and last cocktail we wanted to share is ideally named – BASIL HAYDEN’S BLUE GRASS PUNCH. This terrific

tasting cocktail combines the ideal combo of bubbles and fruit. To create a little splash in this cocktail, just add

the frozen blueberry ring.

Basil Hayden’s® Bluegrass Punch
– 4 parts Basil Hayden’s ® Bourbon
– 8 parts Blueberry Juice
– 8 parts Passion Fruit Juice
– Sparkling Wine or Club Soda
– Fresh Mint Leaves

Method:
1. Add Basil Hayden’s, blueberry juice, passion fruit juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake.
2. Top with club soda or sparkling wine

Blueberry Ice Ring:
Freeze one bag of frozen blueberries with water in a bunt cake pan. Dip frozen ring into hot water for a few seconds to unmold. Place in punch bowl with blueberry side up.

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If you are looking for an event planner to help host a party or special event, contact The Life of Luxury. Watch for other delicious cocktail recipes by following our luxury blog.

It’s the ultimate battle of cocktail mixology on the high seas! 5,500 of the world’s best bartenders will go head to head in an epic competition.

Diageo Reserve World Class™ is sponsoring this battle in partner of 4 of the biggest names in the cruise industry – Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Diageo Reserve World Class has been transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture, both around the world as well as at home. The brand offers some of most recognized spirits known today. Their luxury portfolio includes the following popular labels:

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® PLATINUM LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky, The SINGLETON™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky, CÎROC® Vodka, KETEL ONE® Vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ Gin, DON JULIO® Tequila, ZACAPA® Rum, Bulleit® Bourbon, and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This year’s competition will see a huge increase in participation as 5,500 cruise line bartenders from around the world will compete for supremacy. That’s almost 15 times more participants than last year.

Photo: Ian Derry

The goal of this incredible bartender battle is to discover the next generation of bartending talent by introducing and sharing the latest mixology trends, then carrying these learnings to the best bars worldwide.

The head to head rounds will go on until only four bartenders remain. The final four will compete at the glamorous Diageo Reserve World Class Global Travel semi-final event on 5th June, and held in tropical Miami, Florida. Who will be crowned the mixologist extraordinaire?

World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013, Mario Seijo, will be managing the training program this year. Seijo will be supported by leading mixologists Joseph Brooke, Julio Cabrera plus Michael Parish. The team will coach the on board bartenders in various showmanship skills in addition to the latest cocktail making trends to create great tasting drinks for their cruise ship guests. Two of those trends include ‘Gin and the Secrets of Distillation’ and ‘Mediterranean Mastery’.

Louise Higgins is the Marketing Director of Diageo GTME Western was was quoted, “WORLD CLASS has become synonymous with creativity, style and sophistication, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture. Through DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest investment in luxury drinking experiences, we are delighted to be collaborating with the best cruise lines in the industry to transform fine-drinking for holiday makers. This is our biggest year ever by some way and we are excited to see these bartenders will take their cocktail making skills to new levels in the world’s most credible cocktail competition.”

Due to the large increase in participating bartenders, Diageo Reserve World Class decided to bring in two more cruise line heavyweights. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will join this year and are excited to add fine-drinking experiences for their passengers as well.

If you would like to learn more and book a reservation on one of these luxury cruise ships to watch the bartender competition. please contact The Life of Luxury. A travel concierge member will be happy to assist you. Come back often to read the latest news on our luxury blog.

April 6 is National Tartan Day. It’s a holiday that occurs each year to recognize proud Americans of Scottish descent and Scotland’s important contributions in the United States.

There will be numerous celebrations across the country leading up to National Tartan Day, such as parades, bagpipe players plus Scotch whisky tastings. Of course, great tasting Scotch Whisky is the perfect drink to help you have fun and enjoy this honored holiday.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky is well recognized whisky brand and known as the most richly flavoured Scotch Whisky found anywhere. Below is a delicious cocktail recipe we hope you will enjoy on National Tartan Day.

Laphroaig® Affinity ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 parts Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky
– 1⁄2 part Sweet Vermouth
– 1⁄2 part Dry Vermouth
– 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

We have gathered some interesting, Scottish heritage facts to share with others who may be celebrating National Tartan Day.

• The U.S. Senate passed a bill resolution in 1998, naming April 6th as National Tartan Day. The reason that particular date was chosen wa because it was the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed in 1320 and asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English claims.
• Across the U.S., there are eight towns named Edinburgh, eight that are named Aberdeen, and seven named Glasgow. IN addition, eight towns are called Scotland.
• The world’s first color photograph was of a Tartan ribbon.
• Americans of Scotch descent number over 5 million people. Several well known names include: Lucille Ball, Reese Witherspoon, Lyndon B. Johnson, Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Cash, and surprisingly – Malcolm X.

So enjoy this special day in Scottish heritage and drink up with a glass of Laphroaig® Affinity
cocktail.

If you have always desired to visit Scotland, contact The Life of Luxury and we can help put together a wonderful luxury travel itinerary to make your trip a memorable one. Follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury news.

St. Patrick’s Day is a famous holiday that occurs each year on March 17. It’s a popular holiday and celebrated by Irish people from all around the world. St. Patrick’s Day initially began as religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland. But now it’s an international event filled with a celebration of great tasting food and drinks, dancing and cultural festivals.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or hanging out in your local bar or tavern, try an Irish whiskey cocktail made with 2 GINGERS Irish Whiskey.

2 GINGERS was founded in Minnesota by native Irishman Kieran Folliard. Purchased by Beam Inc. in 2012, 2 GINGERS has become the fastest-growing Irish whiskey in the U.S. according to Nielsen Syndicated Data.

The “Big Ginger” is delicious Irish whiskey cocktail that combines the refreshing bite of ginger ale along with the vanilla, caramel and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS. The cocktail is the ideal, refreshing recipe to enjoy on this St. Patrick’s Day.

Click here to learn more about the history of St. Patrick’s Day.

2 GINGERS is a malty, smooth and slightly sweet premium, blended Irish whiskey that can be drank alone or part of a great tasting cocktail.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and hope you enjoy the below recipe for the BIG GINGER®

BIG GINGER

– 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
– Ginger Ale
– Lemon Wedge
– Lime Wedge

Method: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.

If you are planning a special event such as an anniversary, birthday, wedding proposal or other occasion, contact The Life of Luxury.  We offer luxury concierge services to help make your dream event a reality. Follow our luxury blog to read up on all that is luxury.