6 Premium Cocktails To Drink Your Way Around The Globe From Home
You may be looking for an excuse to put down the Clorox wipes or leave your virtual teaching duties behind (at least for a lunch break) to treat yourself to a delicious cocktail hand-crafted by YOU. Three Words: World Cocktail Day (May 13). And because of the Queen you are, you deserve the premium liqs—none of that bottom-shelf stuff!
In honor of the global celebration, BACARDÍ has launched six different cocktail kits with Cocktail Courier, a service that delivers perfectly portioned ingredients and detailed instructions directly to your doorstep (aka social distancing-approved!) Whether you're a rum lover, tequila enthusiast, gin drinker or scotch sipper – there's a drink for everybody.
Let's be honest, you don't actually need a holiday to mix one of these bad boys up, because any day can be World Cocktail Day in quarantine. But if you're catching a case of FOMO right now, check out the libations below to see what you can work with from your personal stash while you wait for your kit to arrive.
BACARDÍ Rum Banana Daiquiri
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
The smooth, subtle notes of almond and vanilla of BACARDI Superior pair exquisitely with the quintessential Caribbean flavor of ripe banana for a tropical daiquiri riff.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts BACARDÍ Superior Rum
- 0.25 part Banana
- 0.25 part Vanilla
- 0.75 part Lime
- Garnish: Dehydrated Lime Wheel
Method:
Shaken and served in a coupe glass.
Patrón Tequila Watermelon Basil Margarita
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
With notes of fresh agave and oak, Patrón Reposado is the perfect tequila for a bountiful fruit- and herb-filled margarita. Travel on island time with this balanced juxtaposition of sweet and savory. A unique take on the margarita, it will leave you feeling like you're on a Mexican vacation.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Patrón Reposado Tequila
- 0.5 part Watermelon Puree
- 0.5 part Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 part Lime juice
- Garnish: Dehydrated Lime Wheel
Method:
Shaken and served in a rocks glass.
Grey Goose French Passion
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Travel to the coast of Southern France and taste this tropical twist on traditional Provence. Exquisite French Grey Goose Vodka meets sunny passion fruit, zesty lime and warm cinnamon for a warm weather retreat for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Grey Goose Vodka
- 0.25 part Passionfruit Puree
- 0.25 part Cinnamon
- 0.50 part Lime
- Garnish: Dehydrated Flower
Method:
Shaken and served in a rocks glass.
Bombay English Garden Gimlet
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Taste the 10 hand-selected botanicals of Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin accompanied by fresh basil and floral lavender for a new take on the gimlet.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Bombay Sapphire Gin
- 0.75 part Lemon Juice
- 0.5 part Basil Syrup (1:1 dilution sugar:water)
- 2 dashes Lavender Bitters
Method:
Shaken and served in a rocks glass.
Dewar’s Scotch Emporium Highball
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
A sly nod to John Dewar's humble beginnings in Perth, Scotland, this highball pairs the classic swirl of honey and Scottish heather of Dewars White Label with aromatic earl grey and bright lemon for a new take on a classic.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 part Dewar's Scotch White Label
- 0.25 part Lemon
- 0.25 part Earl Grey Syrup
- 3.5 parts Soda Water
- Garnish: Lemon Wedge
Method:
Shaken and served in a highball glass.
The Cazadores Huntsman
Courtesy of BACARDÍ
Originating in Puebla, Mexico, the rich smoke and slight spice of ancho chili pairs perfectly with warm vanilla and the tropical, citrus notes of Cazadores Reposado for the perfect spirit-forward sipper.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 parts Cazadores Tequila
- 0.25 part Ancho Chili Vanilla Agave
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Garnish: Orange Expression
Method:
Stirred and served in a rocks glass.
Click here to purchase a cocktail kit. Tune into Insecure star, Jay Ellis' Instagram@jayrellistoday for tips and tricks on how to make the drinks.
Featured image via Shutterstock
Jazmine A. Ortiz is a creative born and raised in Bushwick, Brooklyn and currently living in Staten Island, NY. She started in the entertainment industry in 2012 and now works as a Lifestyle Editor where she explores everything from mental health to vegan foodie trends. For more on what she's doing in the digital space follow her on Instagram at @liddle_bitt.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Actor Jessie T. Usher reveals his secrets for maintaining his physical appearance while filming Amazon Prime's The Boys.
The series, which spans four seasons, follows vigilantes as they battle corrupt superheroes. In The Boys, Usher portrays Reggie Franklin, also known as A-Train, a superhero with incredible speed.
During a recent Men's Health magazine interview, the 32-year-old spoke about his diet and workout regimens. These routines help Usher stay in shape for the show's stunt work, which involves intense cardio to match his character's super-speed abilities.
In the discussion, he revealed his workout regimen consists of resistance training and cardio. On rest days, the Shaft star incorporates yoga and stretching into his routine.Jessie On What He Eats In a Day
Regarding his diet, Usher shared he typically eats three meals daily with minimal variations. He begins each day by hydrating and waiting an hour or two before breakfast. On production days for The Boys, Usher opts for eggs with herbs and seasonings, accompanied by fruit.
The Dangerous Lies actor keeps it light for lunch with protein-rich options like quinoa bowls or salads with lentils, chicken, and vegetables from CAVA. Dinner is his heartiest meal, featuring chicken and fish (particularly sea bass or salmon), after which he refrains from eating for the rest of the night.
Usher focuses on protein intake for all his meals rather than counting macro calories to support muscle growth. He boosts his protein with peanut butter shakes. While maintaining a disciplined diet, The Almost Christmas star allows himself occasional indulgences like Funyuns or Nutter Butters. To round out his health regimen, Usher takes daily vitamins.
Jessie On His Diet And Workout Routine For "The Boys"
When asked about adjusting his diet or workout routine for his role in The Boys, Usher explained that his health-conscious lifestyle eliminates the need for significant changes.
“Honestly, no. Because by the time I got to The Boys I was already health conscious. Very much aware of what I was putting in my body and how,” he said.
Regarding his workouts, Usher revealed he tailors his routines to include more diverse cardio exercises. This approach ensures he's physically prepared for the scenes he shoots for the show.
“A day of working out for The Boys is a little bit different. I feel like I added more variations of cardio work,” he stated. “When [you’re shooting] you just have no idea what they’re about to throw at you. I just want to be ready for all of those challenges, especially the cardio things. I just wanted to have the endurance to be able to get through whatever type of scene that I would possibly be shooting.”
Season four of The Boys is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Everything ‘The Boys’ Star Jessie T Usher Eats In a Day | Eat Like | Men's Health
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Feature image by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures