This week, NewsWhistle contributor Norah Lawlor selects some refreshing and delicious drinks to slake your holiday thirst.
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1. Champagne at Supernova, Novotel Hotel Times Square, New York
If you’re going to be spending New Year’s Eve in New York City, what better way to ring in 2017 than on Supernova’s terrace overlooking the midnight ball drop in the heart of Times Square? Supernova at Novotel Hotel Times Square’s is hosting its highly-anticipated annual New Year’s Eve party, with all-night entertainment, dance floor, tasty hors d’Oeuvres, and of course, complimentary champagne for the famous midnight toast.
The elegant venue offers unmatched ambiance and energy. The heated outdoor patio provides simply the best spot to count down the final seconds of the year and take in the panoramic views of the iconic Waterford Crystal ball descending on the sea of revelers below.
For more information on Supernova, please visit www.supernovaballdrop.com/
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2. Martini at Dukes Bar, Dukes Hotel, London
Dukes Bar at the Dukes Hotel in the heart of London’s Mayfair is internationally renowned for its dry martinis. Frequented by James Bond author Ian Fleming, the bar is said to be the inspiration for the classic line, “shaken, not stirred.”
The classy interior, coupled with the bartender’s impressive knowledge, makes it an unforgettable drinking experience. Dukes’ head bartender Alessandro Palazzi still pays homage to 007 with Bond-worthy concoctions, as well as new variations of the classic drink. He has created the Fleming 89 martini in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose “89” Eau de Cologne was famously worn by James Bond.
As pointed out on Duke’s website, “the flavor and smoothness of the martini are a sophisticated complement to the aroma of this quintessentially English gentleman’s fragrance.”
For more information on Dukes Bar, please visit www.dukeshotel.com/
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3. Smoking Jacket at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Florida
For those escaping the winter months in Sarasota, Florida this holiday season, the Ritz-Carlton’s waterfront restaurant Jack Dusty is a unique place to enjoy a festive atmosphere and high-end, innovative craft cocktails.
One of the most popular cocktails at the Jack Dusty from head mixologist Ingi Sigurdsson is the “Smoking Jacket” — made up of Angel’s Envy Caribbean cask rye whiskey, burnt sugar syrup, Angostura bitters, and aromatics.
All American rye whiskies begin life in a new charred oak barrel. Angel’s Envy then takes that rye and finishes it in rum casks for eighteen months. That final product, paired in the “Smoking Jacket” with the flavor of the burnt sugar syrup, the crackling of the wood chips, and the aromatics of the smoked glass provide a luxurious experience for all of your senses.
For more information on The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/
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4. The “Bunny Pepper” at Hotel Vernet, Paris
Hotel Vernet’s head barman, Daniel Rodriguez, at Restaurant de l’hôtel Vernet has designed five tailor-made cocktails for the holiday season. Located just a few blocks from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the historic Hotel Vernet is the perfect spot to enjoy a Christmas drink in iconic Parisian surroundings.
The cocktail menu, which includes the non-alcoholic “Bunny Pepper” – a mix of carrot juice, mango juice, fresh ginger and Sechuan black pepper – has been created around the idea of the Christmas spirit and all the magic that comes with it.
Rodriguez exclusively chose the very best quality in sodas and fruit juices as well as premium alcohol brands. Freshly delivered ingredients are carefully chosen in collaboration with Executive Chef Richard Robe, resulting in a subtle harmony of taste and sensations.
Other cocktails include the “Red Winter” with Beluga Russian Vodka, Gloss liquor, organic red current jam, ginger beer Fever-Tree, and Amarena Cherry Chantilly; and the “Claus to Me” with DonQ Puerto Rican Rum, Green Chartreuse Liquor, Flowers Honey, lime juice, egg white, and bitters.
For more information on Hotel Vernet, please visit www.hotelvernet-paris.com/
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5. The “Neo Negroni” at d|Bar, Four Seasons Toronto
Four Season Toronto’s d|Bar, which occupies the main floor of the Canadian brand’s flagship location in the heart of Yorkville, is a relaxed and refined hotel bar created by French culinary champion Chef Daniel Boulud.
d|Bar has the comfort of a lounge, with strong and confident design themes in materials such as rich walnut, black lacquer, and warm plum fabrics. d|Bar is known for its most popular drink, the “Neo Negroni,” a delicious mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, Campari, green Chartreuse, dry Vermouth, and lemon twist, served over a 2-inch sphere ice ball which spins slowly to keep your gin and Campari cool.
It’s a bold, daring cocktail – a must-try for the holiday season. dBar offers iconic Boulud signature dishes with a distinct and satisfying flare. For more information on Four Seasons Toronto, please visit www.fourseasons.com/
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Norah Lawlor is a New York based global trend and travel observer in addition to being the founder and owner of Public Relations strategy firm Lawlor Media Group.
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PHOTO CREDITS
Lead-in Image Courtesy of Giraffarte/Shutterstock.com
Champagne Image Courtesy of Supernova NYE/Official Facebook Page
Martini Image Courtesy of Dukes/Instagram Feed
Smoking Jacket Image Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Compilation Image Couretsy of Hotel Vernet
Negroni Image Courtesy of Four Seasons
