Whether you’re planning a bit of Latin America travel for the holidays or seeking new ways to spice up your bar at home for the ultimate New Year’s Eve bash, two Hilton Worldwide mixologists in the region recommend exotic concoctions to keep the spirits high while celebrating the season.
In Brazil, the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi’s master mixologist Rodman Paixão keeps his customers sated with the special Holiday Delight. Inspired by seasonal colors, this tasty treat combines fruit, rum and citrus flavors.
Rodman’s Holiday Delight
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Rum Bacardi Límon
• 1 oz Aperol
• 2 oz Schweppes Citrus
• 2 slices of pear
• 1 mint bouquet
• 1 oz pear pulp
• 2 blackberries
Directions:
• Macerate in a mixing glass 1 oz. of the pear pulp and the two blackberries.
• Add the rum and the Aperol; add ice and shake.
• Add crushed ice to a Cognac glass.
• Strain from the mixing glass to the Cognac glass.
• Add Schweppes Citrus, 1 mint branch and 2 slices of pear as garnish.
For a year-round treat, Rodman offers an interactive cocktail-making class for small groups at the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi. During the session, he introduces different bar utensils, explains the history of Cachaça, the characteristics of the one he will use and the properties of tropical fruits. He then demonstrates the preparation of a Caipirinha – one authentically made with lime and another made with an exotic fruit chosen by the group, inviting two participants to help him prepare the drink. The one-hour session is followed by appetizers at the bar.
Mexico City Hotel Cocktails
In Mexico‘s largest city, Hilton Mexico City Reforma bartender Juan Carlos López has created a special drink called the Fresini for the holiday season. Designed for guests in the mood for a sweet treat, the Fresini is a vodka-based beverage combines sweet strawberry liquor with basil and sugar to create mixed-drink magic. Perfect for those wishing to spice up their New Year’s Eve party, this drink is easy to make and will keep your friends and family coming back for more.
Juan Carlos’ Fresini
Ingredients:
• 2.5 oz vodka
• 3 oz strawberry liquor
• 3 small basil leaves
• 1 oz sugar
• 4 strawberries
Directions:
• Finely chop three strawberries.
• Crush the basil, sugar and one strawberry; put to side.
• Place ice in a shaker; add the chopped strawberry, crushed basil, sugar and strawberry.
• Add the 2.5 oz of vodka and the strawberry liqueur and shake.
• Serve cold in a martini glass.
Guests can enjoy their Fresini at the newly opened lobby bar at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, which is open every day from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., with happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. and live music on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For other destination-specific, Hilton-created libations, the company suggests a Piña Colada at the Caribe Hilton or a coffee-inspired drink at the Hilton Bogota (check out my review of the Hilton Bogota).
DEAL ALERT: Travelers looking to getaway this winter to the Hilton Mexico City Reforma, Hilton São Paulo Morumbi or any other hotel in the region can save up to 15% if they make reservations before Jan. 31, 2012 with the Any Weekend Anywhere Sale, for weekend stays from Dec. 13, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2013. For details, visit HHonors.com/Weekend.
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