Summertime is here and with it, the desire to enjoy long drinks sitting by the pool, after a game of golf or tennis, or a day out sailing, and Celtic Crossing Liqueur from Ireland is perfect anytime.

This amber Irish beauty has 30% alcohol by volume, and is a delicious secret blend of Irish whiskey, cognac, and a hint of honey that is sensational mixed in cocktails, taking center stage served over ice as an aperitif, or paired with dessert. I found Celtic Crossing Liqueur with its delicate, slightly sweet nose, smooth and silky mouth feel with decided honey notes on the palate, and a warm finish that reminds you that there are spirits and cognac in this tasty liqueur, to be a versatile companion for creating both cocktail and culinary recipes.

When the summer temperatures start rising, I love to create refreshing long drinks that my guests can lazily sip in place of drinking ice tea or the usual lemonade. Luxury Experience's Celtic Tea Time is a thirst quenching long drink that is sure to delight your guests on a warm summer day.

Luxury Experience's Celtic Tea Time
For 2 cocktails

Fill a shaker glass with ice, pour in ingredients and shake until metal can is frosty. Strain cocktail into 2 long drink glasses filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime slice.

Celtic Crossing Liqueur adds a touch of sophistication when paired with a variety of spirits including whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, and champagne. Luxury Experience's Celtic Greytini is a twist on two cocktails, the classic martini (gin and extra dry vermouth) and the Greyhound (gin or vodka and grapefruit juice). The result is a smooth martini perfect for cocktail hour.

Luxury Experience's Celtic Greytini
For 1 cocktail

Add ice to a shaker glass, and then add Celtic Crossing Liqueur, gin, and grapefruit juice. Shake until metal is frosty, and strain into a chilled martini glass. Pour Extra Dry Vermouth in a spray bottle, and spray over the cocktail. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

Luxury Experience's Sean, Jose and William, is a luscious cocktail made with a blend of Celtic Crossing Liqueur, tequila and Crème de Poire.

Luxury Experience's Sean, José and William
For 1 cocktail

Add ice to a mixing glass and add all ingredients except for the pear slice. Stir well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pear slice.

Luxury Experience's Celtic Roy is a twist on the original Rob Roy, (which was a little sweeter and made with 50% sweet vermouth and 50% whiskey, a dash of bitters and a maraschino cherry).

Luxury Experience's Celtic Roy
For 1 cocktail

Add ice to a mixing glass and add all ingredients except for the bitters. Stir well and strain into a chilled cordial or short glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Celtic Crossing Liqueur is also exceptional when added to culinary recipes. Its hint of sweetness perfectly complements the tangy Gorgonzola, mushrooms, and the black mission figs in Luxury Experience's Ravioli with Celtic Crossing, Gorgonzola, Portabella Mushrooms, and Black Mission Figs. When these ingredients meld together, the leprechauns are working their magic.

Luxury Experience's Ravioli with Celtic Crossing, Gorgonzola, Portabella Mushrooms, and Black Mission Figs
For 2 Persons

Boil the ravioli in salted water until al dente.

Meanwhile, in a large pan, melt the butter until foamy, and then add the mushrooms and figs and sauté over medium heat until the mushrooms start to release their juices. Crumble the Gorgonzola and add it to the mushrooms and figs and cook over low heat stirring occasionally, until the Gorgonzola has melted. Add 3.5 ounces of Celtic Crossing Liqueur, stir, cover and let the sauce simmer to poach the figs for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove cover, add 0.5 ounce of Celtic Crossing Liqueur, stir, and remove from heat.

Divide ravioli between two plates, spoon the sauce over the ravioli, and garnish with minced tarragon.

Celtic Crossing Liqueur is imported by Castle Brands, Inc. in New York.

Castle Brands, Inc.
570 Lexington Avenue, 29^th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Telephone:      1-800-882-8140
www.CastleBrandsInc.com  
www.CelticCrossingLiqueur.com  

© June 2007. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved.