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

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

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

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

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.

The FACUNDO Rum Collection is the first luxury collection that includes four, rare sipping rums – sourced from the private rum reserves of the Bacardi family.

Just in time for the holiday season, the FACUNDO Rum Collection is now offering a limited-edition FACUNDO Elevated Holiday Gift Set and is available in select high-end liquor stores.

This ultimate gift set for fine rum connoisseurs comes in a plush, Italian leather travel bag with the monogrammed initials of the recipient debossed right into the leather.

What makes this gift set unique is that each item in the luxe bag was hand-selected. You can now enjoy your fave libation wherever you travel. The personalized leather travel bag includes:

· 2 BACCARAT “Harmonie” Tumblers: Since its creation in 1764, Baccarat has been synonymous with luxury, a catalyst for celebration, and the favorite among Royalty, Maharajas, Presidents, and all who enjoy expert craftsmanship and timeless elegance. These unrivaled qualities make the hand-crafted Harmonie tumbler the perfect vessel for the hand-blended FACUNDO rums.

· 2 Bittermens Bitters: Bittermens is an American-made, small batch bitters comprised of organic ingredients making it the go-to accouterment for high-end cocktails. Add a dash of Boston Bittahs or drops of Burlesque Bitters to round out FACUNDO NEO or EXIMO Old-Fashioneds.

· Brizard & Co. Cigar Humidor: Premium, hand-made Brizard & Co. humidor sourced from San Francisco’s Wingtip, a social club and “one-stop shop” for modern gentlemen. Wingtip collects and curates the best men’s products, similar to how FACUNDO’s Master Blender hand-selects each rum.

· Colibri Cigar Cutter: Since 1928, Colibri products reflect classic styling and superb functionality. Like the Collection, rich in heritage and built for the modern day Renaissance man, the cigar cutter is the ultimate accessory.

· Member Card: The card grants access to exclusive FACUNDO events and opportunities in major cities including New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Other luxury bar accessories for rum-sipping delight that are included in this amazing set are: mixing glass, bar spoon, jigger, leather bound journal, Powermat charger, premium lighter and ashtray, leather-wrapped ice bucket, plus an ashtray.

Customers who purchase the FACUNDO Elevated Holiday Gift Set will aso receive the complete FACUNDO Rum Collection, which consist of four of the rarest and most exquisite rums sourced from the Bacardi Family Private Reserves. Included rums in the collection are – EXQUISITO, EXIMO, NEO and PARAISO.

The incredible FACUNDO Elevated Holiday Gift Set is now available in the following U.S. cities – New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco.

Retail price is $5,000 in the above cities and available in limited quantities of only 10 per city.

If you are interested in purchasing a FACUNDO Elevated Holiday Gift Set, please contact us today. Follow our popular luxury blog and read about other news in the spirit and wine industry plus other luxury holiday gift ideas.

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.

The House of Angostura® is distinguished by its excellence in providing superb tasting, premium rum. Angostura just announced the launch of Angostura No.1. It’s the first in a new collection of limited edition premium rums.

First released in the UK,  Angostura No.1 has a taste that’s exceptionally smooth and well-rounded with delightful flavors that simply explode on your tongue.

The premium rum collection from Angostura is bottled at 40% and aged in special casks. The rum has a rich, amber color with nuances of chocolate.

Angostura No.1 is proud to be the first premium rum introduced in the new Cask Collection, which is completely dedicated to rums made in special barrels.

The Angostura No.1 consists of a blend of carefully selected rums, all aged between ten to twelve years. Next, the liquid was stored for twelve more months in First Fill Bourbon Casks.

The House of Angostura is known for its iconic bitters and rum-making heritage and is the only rum distillery in Trinidad today.

Destined to be a classic premium rum, Angostura No.1 will consist of only 9,600 bottles. Just 20 cases have been allocated to the UK. For rum enthusiasts out there, you will want to act quickly to purchase this special edition.

Angostura has been recognized over the centuries by the granting of Royal Warrants of Appointment to the royal households of Great Britain, Prussia, Spain and Sweden as suppliers of Angostura aromatic bitters.

Angostura No. 1 is now available only at specialist stockists. Retail price is £38.99.

If you need assistance searching for Angostura No.1 or any other limited edition spirit, wine, etc…. please contact The Life of Luxury.

Today is National Rum Day so be sure to enjoy the great taste of rum in your favorite cocktail. Zacapa Rum makes the perfect base in popular, classic drinks including a Manhattan or Negroni.

As summer begins to wind down, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the quintessential spirit of the season.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a casual drinker or a rum spirit aficionado, Zacapa Rum makes ever cocktail taste great! The spirit’s rich flavors result in a smooth finish.

If cocktails aren’t your thing this National Rum Day, Zacapa can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks similar to a fine scotch or bourbon.

Below are two cocktail recipes for Zacapa Negroni and Zacapa Manhattan that use Zacapa Rum instead of gin or whiskey.

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Zacapa Rum Negroni

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
2/3 ounce Sweet Vermouth
1/3 ounce Bitter Italian Aperitif
1/3 ounce Semi-Bitter Italian Aperitif
Grapefruit Twist for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, sweet vermouth, bitter Italian aperitif and semi-bitter Italian aperitif in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Zacapa Rum Manhattan

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1/4 ounce Italian Sweet Vermouth
1/4 ounce French Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Brandy-Infused Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, Italian sweet vermouth, French sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with brandy-infused maraschino cherries.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Happy National Rum Day !