SVEDKA Vodka Introduces Electric New Flavor, Blue Raspberry

Number-One Imported Vodka[i] Expands Award-Winning Portfolio

SVEDKA Vodka has announced SVEDKA Blue Raspberry, the dynamic new addition to its award-winning portfolio. Continuing SVEDKA’s focus on flavor innovation, SVEDKA Blue Raspberry delivers on the extreme flavor trend with an explosive sweet berry and tart lemon profile. SVEDKA Blue Raspberry opens with bright raspberry and berry notes that build to an energetic, hard lemon twist. SVEDKA’s iconic, shelf-popping, two-tone packaging further communicates the bold flavor blend with vibrant fuchsia raspberry tones transitioning to an electric blue hue.

“SVEDKA constantly looks to break the mold by introducing bold flavors to the vodka category, and we’re excited to unveil SVEDKA Blue Raspberry as the newest dynamic addition to our award-winning portfolio,” said Diana Pawlik, SVEDKA Vodka’s Vice President of Marketing. “SVEDKA Blue Raspberry is an electric, sweet and sour flavor combination, offering Millennials an adventurous new meta-flavor to match their exhilarating approach to life.”

SVEDKA Blue Raspberry targets the palate thrill seekers who crave extreme flavors, a trend seen across the food and beverage space in sour candies, spicy snacks and electric energy drinks coveted by Generation-Y. With raspberry and blue raspberry being the most sought-after vodka flavors among LDA consumers[ii], SVEDKA Blue Raspberry answers the Millennial call for all things bold and audacious.

SVEDKA Vodka is the number-one imported vodka brand in the United States and has won numerous category awards and accolades, including a Gold Medal for SVEDKA 80-Proof in the International Wine and Spirits Competition (2014), Impact’s “Blue Chip” Brand Award (2012, 2013), the Fast Track Award at Beverage Information Group‘s 2011 and 2010 Growth Brand Awards as well as Impact‘s “Hot Brand” award in 2012. Additionally, SVEDKA received a Gold Medal for Exceptional Taste and Best Buy (BTI, 2008), and a Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2005, 2008, 2011). SVEDKA Blue Raspberry is the most recent stateside launch from the Swedish-imported vodka brand, which boasts other innovative flavors that include SVEDKA Cucumber Lime, SVEDKA Grapefruit Jalapeño, SVEDKA Mango Pineapple, SVEDKA Strawberry Lemonade, SVEDKA Strawberry Colada, SVEDKA Colada, SVEDKA Orange Cream Pop, in addition to SVEDKA’s core flavors: SVEDKA Cherry, SVEDKA Citron, SVEDKA Clementine, SVEDKA Raspberry, SVEDKA Vanilla and SVEDKA Peach.

Blue Heaven

Ingredients:

• 1½ parts SVEDKA Blue Raspberry
• ice. Shake and strain into a shot glass. Garnish
• with a lemon wedge.
• ½ part Blue Curaçao
• ¼ part fresh lemon juice

Instructions: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker over

Blujito

Ingredients:

• 1½ parts SVEDKA Blue Raspberry
• ¾ part simple syrup
• Pinch of mint
• 3 blueberries
• 2 raspberries

• ¾ part fresh lime juice

Instructions:

Muddle blueberries, raspberries and mint in a shaker. Add remaining ingredients over ice and shake. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

SVEDKA Blue Raspberry will be available nationwide beginning March 2017 (varies by market), in 50ML (Suggested Retail Price (SRP) $1.99), 375ML (SRP $6.99), 750ML (SRP $12.99), 1L (SRP $16.99) and 1.75L (SRP $21.99).

[i] 2016 Adams Liquor Handbook, 9L volume sold 2015

[ii] IRI Multi-Outlet + Conv + Liquor 52wk 1.8.17

[iii] IRI, Total U.S. Multi-Outlet + Convenience 52wk 1.3.16 and NABCA, 12 months through 12.31.15

 

The National WWII Museum Presents Exclusive New Orleans Tour Highlighting the City’s Top Attractions

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today – so that future generations will know the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National WWII Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifices of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front.

The National WWII Museum‘s latest travel experience will shine a spotlight on the institution’s home: the city of New Orleans. The exclusive Operation Home Front tour will showcase the best the Crescent City has to offer, including TripAdvisor‘s top attraction in the city and No. 4 in the nation: The National WWII Museum. Guests traveling on this one-time-only tour will take in VIP experiences of every kind – including a black-tie awards gala, an insider’s tour of the Museum, a ride on a restored patrol-torpedo boat and tickets to grand opening events for the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit.

The National WWII Museum’s US Freedom Pavilion – The Boeing Center where the American Spirit Awards gala will take place.

Tour participants will receive tickets to the Museum’s American Spirit Awards gala, an annual event that celebrates the American spirit by recognizing individuals whose work reflects the values of those who served America during World War II. A-list honorees will mingle with patrons and guests at the glittering gala, which will feature The Midtown Men – four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” – along with special guest Tom Brokaw and world-renowned honorees receiving the Museum’s highest honor.

Participants of the Operation Home Front tour will enjoy luxurious accommodations at the Windsor Court Hotel.

Guests will also be invited to participate in grand opening events for the institution’s newest permanent exhibit, The Arsenal of Democracy: The Herman and George Brown Salute to the Home Front – nine immersive galleries that explore the WWII Home Front like never before. The remarkable tour program also includes a thrilling ride aboard PT-305, the Museum’s newly restored combat patrol-torpedo boat. Operation Home Front guests will be among the first to embark on this piece of WWII history on Lake Pontchartrain, where PT-305 began her maritime life more than 70 years ago.

Tom Brokaw will be among the special guests at the National WWII Museum’s American Spirit Awards gala.

Additional features include a VIP screening of the 4D film “Beyond All Boundaries,” a special performance by the Victory Belles and a private, historian-led tour of the Museum’s Road to Berlin and Road to Tokyo exhibits, as well as an optional cultural excursion to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.

Pricing for Operation Home Front is $2,599 per person based on double occupancy, which reflects a $600 per couple early booking savings discount when reserved by March 7, 2017. The program features luxurious accommodations at the Windsor Court Hotel, private motorcoach transportation from the airport and throughout the city. Most meals, beverages and all gratuities are included. For more information and registration, visit http://www.ww2museumtours.org or call 877-813-3329 Ext 257.

Just In Time For The Valentine’s Day Shopping Season, The New Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel Brings Final Shopping Amenity To Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive Curbside Valet Parking Ushered in in Grand Style and Now Available for Beverly Hills Guests and Shoppers

New Valet Offering Enhances Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel’s Arrival Experience As the Only Hotel on the World-Famous Shopping Street

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel announced today in partnership with the Rodeo Drive Committee and the City of Beverly Hills that curbside valet parking has officially arrived at the legendary shopping street. Rodeo Drive, internationally recognized as the intersection of fashion and entertainment, is an exceptional destination for both Southern California residents, as well as visitors from around the globe. The more than 100 distinguished retailers all help create an unparalleled atmosphere only found on the three blocks of this famed drive. (For more information about Rodeo Drive, please visit www.rodeodrive-bh.com and follow us on Instagram at @RodeoDrive. #OnlyOnRodeo)

Left to Right: Regional General Manager of Luxe Hotels, Adam Sydenham, Chairman and Founder of Luxe Hotels, Efrem Harkham and Beverly Hills Mayor, John Mirisch, welcome curbside valet to Rodeo Drive. (Photo: Business Wire)

Starting today, the first-ever street level valet service in Rodeo Drive’s history arrives just in time for the Valentine’s Day shopping season. Hotel guests and Rodeo Drive visitors alike will experience a grand sense of arrival to the world-famous shopping destination. Located in front of Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel’s iconic address, 360 N. Rodeo Drive, the street’s new valet amenity will be available for hotel guests of the property and is also open to the street’s shopping visitors, ensuring a luxurious experience that only Rodeo Drive can deliver.

The flagship of the Luxe Hotels brand, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel boasts the distinction of being the only hotel located on the world-famous street, Rodeo Drive, known globally for its high-end designer boutiques and the glamor of Beverly Hills. Set amongst couture fashion houses and restaurants, it is the ideal choice for guests seeking a glamorous backdrop for virtually any Los Angeles or Beverly Hills experience. The hotel gives guests a sense of being in a private club, with exclusive access available only to guests staying in the hotel. The 88-guestroom hotel conveys a stylish blend of the relaxed Southern California spirit and the elegance of Beverly Hills. The Luxe Club on Rodeo lounge offers a tasting room and bar offerings in a social club “members only” ambiance. It is a place like none other where guests can relax, gather and converse over a fine selection of beer, wines and spirits and delectable bites. The hotel’s wrap-around penthouse terrace and open rooftop deck is the only space in the hotel accessible to the public and is an ideal spot for hosting functions with spectacular views. It is the only rooftop available on the legendary street. (Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel, www.luxerodeo.com is a brand of Harkham Hospitality, Inc.)

Macy’s Celebrates Black Art, Expression and Culture During Black History Month

Macy’s Hosts BJ The Chicago Kid, Jay Ellis, Marcus Samuelsson, Crissle West And More At Eight Stores Nationwide

This February, Macy’s celebrates Black History Month by welcoming a host of stars from a variety of fields including fine art, music, literature, the culinary arts, and spoken word. Black culture has electrified the pulse of American life for generations, from music and fashion to film, television, and activism. It has created a wave of change that has helped propel the country to new heights. This year, our celebrity guests will share how creative self-expression and a strong connection to their heritage have shaped their careers. As part of Macy’s Black History Month celebrations, Grammy-nominated artist BJ The Chicago Kid, “Insecure” actor Jay Ellis, award-winning Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Marcus Samuelsson, and “The Read” podcast host Crissle West will join other emerging stars in conversations focused on the influence and impact of black culture on all facets of American life.

Macy’s Black History Month events will be held at the following stores:

• Macy’s Herald Square (New York City) – Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6 p.m.
• Macy’s City Center (Philadelphia) – Thursday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
• Macy’s State Street (Chicago) – Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
• Macy’s Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) – Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m.
• Macy’s Lenox Square (Atlanta) – Thursday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m.
• Macy’s Lenox Square (Atlanta) – Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.
• Macy’s Aventura (Aventura, FL) – Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.
• Macy’s Union Square (San Francisco) – Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
• Macy’s Metro Center (Washington, D.C.) – Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5:30 p.m.

“Macy’s is once again thrilled to celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to our nation with special events in our stores. Macy’s values the diversity of all of its customers and inclusion and respect are at the heart of our core values. We are happy to join with our associates and customers nationwide in honoring the legacy of African American achievement during Black History Month and beyond,” said Kristyn Doar-Page, Macy’s vice president of Diversity & Inclusion Strategies.

Macy’s celebrates Black art, expression, and culture during Black History Month (Graphic: Business Wire)

In New York City and Washington, D.C., writer and pop culture commentator Crissle West will moderate thought-provoking conversations with local artists. In Philadelphia and Atlanta, Chef Marcus Samuelsson will share stories from his new book, “The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem!” In Chicago, BJ The Chicago Kid and Jay Ellis will participate in an engaging panel discussion and talk with the audience.

Rapper, spoken-word poet, actor and activist Saul Williams serves as the national ambassador for Macy’s Black History Month Celebration. Exclusive video performances and interviews from Williams, hailed as the “poet laureate of hip-hop” by “CNN,” will be featured at www.macys.com/celebrate.

“I am very glad Macy’s is furthering the discourse around artistic self-expression in black culture. As a performer who uses words to bring attention to social justice causes, I feel it is paramount to stimulate engagement and awareness through our words and our art,” said Williams.

Crystal Cruises Partners With Canadian Expedition Experts, Arctic Kingdom, For Second Northwest Passage Cruise

Following the astounding success and enthusiasm of its first-ever Northwest Passage sailing in 2016, Crystal Cruises‘ Crystal Serenity will again traverse the elusive waterway this August. Aboard the ultra-luxury vessel will be a comprehensive team of Arctic experts from the Canada-based Arctic Kingdom, global leaders in Arctic travel, who will share their knowledge and passion for the region’s unique culture, wildlife and geography with guests onboard, as well as lead discovery expeditions ashore.

The 32-day voyage departs Anchorage/Seward, Alaska for New York City on August 15, 2017, and sails through some of the most spectacular, remote areas of the previously unpassable polar region. Crystal Serenity‘s 2017 Northwest Passage Explorer will mark the final voyage for a classic Crystal ocean ship to sail through the Arctic region.

“The Arctic is like nowhere else on the planet,” says Graham Dickson, Arctic Kingdom president and CEO. “As the top land-based operator in the Arctic, we are excited to be providing exceptional opportunities for Crystal Serenity guests to authentically experience the Arctic – unlike ever before.”

Local Inuit guides, Northerners, marine biologists, archaeologists, expert divers, conservationists, photographers, and wildlife experts round out Arctic Kingdom’s team of expedition leaders and speakers for the epic voyage. Besides the many environmental perspectives of the Arctic, there are several cultural nuances to be explored by Crystal guests during the historic passage with visits to Ulukhaktok, North West Territories; and Cambridge Bay and Pond Inlet, Nunavut.

Polar Bears in the Arctic Photo credit: (C)Arctic Kingdom

“Partnering with Arctic Kingdom, the leading travel operator in this unique region, further raises the bar on the experience for our guests by offering them expertise from local adventurers,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s chairman, CEO, and president. “Planning and collaboration with top experts and authorities is a must to ensure the safety of our guests and crew. We continue to work closely with the United States and Canadian Coast Guards, Transport Canada, and a myriad of federal, state, provincial, territorial and local government agencies.“

In addition to carefully crafted Crystal Adventures, the ship’s captain will safely position the ship to take advantage of impromptu “Unexpected Adventures,” supported by Arctic Kingdom, including zodiac outings to view glaciers, kayaking in protected bays, and trekking the tundra with an expert guide, and helicopter flights to view the Arctic landscape from the air, favorable weather conditions permitting. Likewise, expedition teams will be scouting for wildlife including polar bears and whales throughout the voyage. Specialized viewing equipment on board will allow guests to experience incredible viewing from the comfort of the vessel.

Just as it was last year, Crystal Serenity will be accompanied through the Canadian Arctic by an escort vessel, providing enhanced safety and both vessels will use low-Sulphur Marine Gas oil fuel, exceeding environmental regulations. The escort vessel will carry additional safety and environmental protection equipment, as well as personnel specifically trained in its use. In addition, it will serve as a platform for two helicopters for ice reconnaissance and flight seeing, and zodiacs for landings in areas without a port facility. Both vessels will be manned by highly trained crew members and Canadian ice-pilots experienced in all aspects of operating safely in the Canadian Arctic.

Arctic Kingdom is the global leader in land-based travel, custom experiences, and logistics in the Arctic. From scheduled Arctic safaris to private journeys, and logistic support for film & TV productions, Arctic Kingdom has been crafting legendary Arctic adventures for almost 20 years. Unparalleled expertise in Arctic wildlife and habitat, and unmatched access, built through years of experience and deep-rooted relationships with local Inuit communities, allows Arctic Kingdom to provide the most incredible Arctic experiences in safety and comfort. Arctic Kingdom uniquely offers polar bear viewing in every season throughout the year, as well as exclusive opportunities to safely see narwhal, bowhead whales, walrus, and even polar diving. www.arctickingdom.com.

All-inclusive cruise fares start at $21,855 per person and are available for booking by contacting your travel professional or calling 888.799.2437. Crystal’s “Crystal Clear Choices” promotional savings offers additional value for bookings made by March 31, 2017.