FRANKLIN & SONS & PATRÓN TO GIVE AWAY FREE COCKTAIL KITS IN THE UK

To celebrate National Tequila Day (24th July) Franklin & Sons have joined forces with Patrón Tequila to give away £10K of free cocktail kits across the UK.

With the aim of spreading awareness of Mexico’s national cocktail, the tequila-based Paloma, both brands are hoping that you will join them in seeing the Paloma as the summer serve of the season. Across the UK, the drink has already started to grip the nation’s imagination with a 54% increase in interest this past year.

To further heighten enthusiasm, the brands are looking to distribute over 700 free tequila-based cocktail kits (worth £10,000) as part of their online giveaway.

Franklin & Sons, makers of premium mixers, and creators of the Pink Grapefruit Soda featured in the Paloma are giving visitors the chance to try this refreshing, fruity cocktail for National Tequila Day, in partnership with Patrón Tequila and Flight Club.

To try this trending cocktail for free, all that participants have to do is head to the Franklin and Sons website, and enter the giveaway using this form. Participants also have the chance to win 90 minutes of social darts for up to 12 guests plus a £300 bar tab to spend on food and drinks at Flight Club – simply upload a picture of your Paloma creation to Instagram, tag @franklinandsons and use the hashtag #remarkabledrinks to share your cocktail.

“It’s been fantastic to see the Paloma cocktail rise in popularity across the UK over the last year, as the serve has made its way out of city bars and becomes the up-and-coming drink to make at events and parties this summer,” said Sam Coles, Senior Brand Manager at Franklin & Sons.

“This refreshing cocktail, thought to be first created in the town of Tequila, is often seen as the most popular cocktail in Mexico, above the well-known Margarita, and is massively growing in popularity here in the UK as many discover its refreshing flavours.

“Even if you don’t win a cocktail kit, don’t miss out – the Paloma is easy to make at home,” continued Coles. “My personal preference is to use a reposado tequila for more complexity and colour in the drink. Top with Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda and garnish with a wedge of pink grapefruit for the perfect serve.”

The competition is for over 18s only, with full terms and conditions at franklinandsons.co.uk

Paloma

Ingredients

50ml Patrón Reposado Tequila
10ml Lime Juice
10ml Agave Syrup
Topped with Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda
Salt for the salt edge (optional)

Instructions

Add the first three ingredients and stir them into an ice-filled glass. Top with Franklin & Sons Pink Grapefruit Soda and garnish with a slice or wedge of grapefruit. As an optional extra you could first rim the glass with salt.

Venezuela Rum brand Santa Teresa 1796 has been named as the “Rum of the Year” at the Berlin International Spirits Competition, one of the most respected spirits competitions in Europe. Outperforming a field of 80, Santa Teresa was awarded a gold medal after receiving a score of 95 points.

“We feel great pride and honour that our exceptional rum has one more success under its belt,” said Andrés Chumaceiro, Director of Operations at Santa Teresa. “Santa Teresa 1796 flagship, not just for its awards, but because, wherever there is a bottle of this rum, anyone can feel represented in it because it symbolises second chances.”

The victory complements two other recent accolades received by the rum: the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, where Santa Teresa 1796 triumphed in the Best of Division Rum category, and the Denver International Spirit Competition, where the rum was also awarded a gold medal.

This brings the Solera rum’s gold medal count to 58, with over 100 medals in total.

“These 58 gold medals are a testament to the rum artisans,” continued Chumaceiro. “Our Maestors Roneros, who, with their knowledge and unmatched palate, managed to create Santa Teresa 1796; from each of our master coopers to each of the masters of rugby, who teach us by their example of the power to transform.”

Santa Teresa is the first rum producer in Venezuela, with over 227 years of tradition and expertise. It can be found in over 70 countries, proudly displaying the Denominación de Origen Controlado Ron de Venezuela.

For more information, go to santateresarum.com

Independent whisky bottler Boutique-y has announced the cocktail competition you have all been waiting for.

Pitting industry professionals against amateurs, bartenders against the off-trade, and influencers against at-home mixologists—the brand has launched the ultimate cocktail competition, Boutique-y Vs The World.

A first for the brand, the competition is open to ALL (18+, of course! who reside in the UK). The winner will receive a true ‘money can’t buy’ prize—a bottle of their very own whisky.

Working alongside Boutique-y’s Head of Whiskey Sam Simmons, the winner will participate in everything from choosing the cask to helping to design the label.

They will then receive bottle number one of their own TBWC limited edition whisky, which will be available for sale on Master of Malt. And we don’t need to tell you about the bragging rights!

So what do you need to do? Create the ultimate Boutique-y cocktail.

Each entrant will use the celebrated Canadian Corn Core Whiskey as one of five ingredients. These five ingredients need to be inspired by the word MOOSE (five letters). The Moose, of course, can be found on the distinctive red label of That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Canadian Corn Whiskey.

Points will be judiciously awarded for the serving itself, its drinkability, the creativity of the ingredients used, the garnish, the name and the story behind it.

No additional points will be awarded for Canadian fancy dress, but you’ll be forever a legend in the eyes of the team at That Boutique-y Whisky Company.

Divided into UK regions, the shortlisted entrants will be invited to make their cocktails in live heats (commencing on the 17th of June) across FOUR NIGHTS OF FUN. Expect celebrations, drinking some tasty whisky, and, importantly, making new friends.

Winners of these heats will be invited to ‘the Canada of the British Isles’, Manchester! (Yes, they know, but nobody calls it that.)

The Final will be held in Manchester on the 4th of July, purely to stick forks up to Canada’s neighbours across the Southern border because that’s how they do things at Boutique-y HQ.

“So, how do I enter?” Well, it’s a cunningly simple entry process! Simply visit www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompany.com for all the information and to enter your winning cocktail by 20th May 2024.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his premium, small-batch tequila, Teremana, are returning their annual “Guac on The Rock” initiative, but this year, running the campaign for the entire month of May.

In it’s fourth year, the campaign allows fans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family while continuing to support their local restaurants and enjoying the classic combination of tequila and guacamole.

This year, the brand will reimburse restaurant goers for their guac when they purchase any Teremana® Tequila cocktail with an order of guacamole from May 1st through May 31st.

“For Cinco de Mayo and my birthday this year, I’m happy that the Guac will be on the Rock for a full month,” says Teremana® Tequila Founder, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“It’s a testament to Teremana’s incredible success that we can give back to our tremendous bars and restaurants and our loyal fans for a fourth year in a row, in an even bigger way than before. I can’t wait to see more people come together to support our nation’s hospitality workers and say thank you by raising a Teremana® Toast and participating in Guac on the Rock!”

The annual “Guac On The Rock” tradition is part of Teremana Tequila’s efforts to Share the Mana. Mana is at the heart of the brand, propelling it to bring good energy, bring people together, and do the right thing.

Consumers 21 and over who purchase a Teremana cocktail with an order of guacamole will be reimbursed up to $10.

To learn more about the initiative, and to find restaurants and bars that carry Teremana, head to guacontherock.com.

Martinique Rum distillery Rhum J.M has launched EDDEN, a preservation initiative outlining the sustainable practices implemented throughout the distillery, from renewable energy initiatives to waste reduction strategies.

A three-point process, the initiative showcases the distillery’s commitment to the sustainable development of its ecosystem and to preserving its surrounding land.

EDDEN also aims to inspire the community to continue working on preservation and passing down the practices and heritage generationally for years to come.

The distillery, located at the foot of Mount Pelée, has treasured its rich land, where some of the best sugarcane in the world is grown.

In this light, Rhum J.M. promises to continue investing in the land’s soil through a circular economy. This process is carried out by cultivating and protecting the nutritious soil, minimising its impact by committing to 100% of the by-products being reused, and stimulating the local economy through the transmission of excellence by continually educating their employees.

With careful research and analysis, Rhum J.M also limits the use of herbicides to minimise their effects, giving the rum its internationally respected and recognised Bonsucro Certification.

EDDEN will preserve the land’s culture and share its farming knowledge with the local communities, from the youth to the elders. By passing on its efforts and knowledge to the local community, Rhum J.M. hopes to protect the land for future generations, allow them to continue the journey of modernity and tradition, and offer premium-quality rums globally.

Global liqueur brand Grand Marnier is collaborating with Grammy-winning rapper 2 Chainz to launch its new digital content series, The Rouge Room.

Celebrating the power of unexpected collaborations, the Rouge Room has been designed to provide a consistent visual space where the brand can bring contemporary Grand Encounters to life year after year.

Born out of our proprietary blend of cognac and orange liqueur, Grand Marnier is itself a representation of two disparate entities coming together to form something incredible.

This premise will allow The Rouge Room to create a starting point for different collaborators to explore cultural relevance through storytelling and content.

In the inaugural iteration, Grand Marnier has joined forces with 2 Chainz to blend two distinct worlds, united by a mutual dedication to creativity and passion.

Renowned as one of the most prolific collaborators in the music industry, 2 Chainz embodies the very essence of a Grand Encounter. His exceptional talent seamlessly enhances the work of his partners, resulting in a harmonious fusion of creativity and artistry.

“I’ve always been a Margarita fan,” explained 2 Chainz, “but I found the secret ingredient that makes the classic even better: Grand Marnier.

“I tried a Grand Marnier Quintessence margarita a few years back on my show ‘Most Expensivest’ and let me tell you that blend of cognac and orange is pure magic. It’s a whole vibe upgrade for your margarita and drink style,” he continued.

Mirroring the interior of a Grand Marnier bottle, The Rouge Room is colour-drenched in the rich hues of Grand Marnier red. 2 Chainz takes centre stage to showcase how the blend of Grand Marnier’s key ingredients can elevate the classic Margarita to new heights for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

“Teaming up with 2 Chainz for the launch of The Rouge Room content series allows us to forge deeper connections with consumers seeking new ways to savour and sip Grand Marnier,” said Andrea Sengara, Vice President of Marketing for Campari America.

“This series not only highlights the blend of fine cognac and orange liqueur but also invites consumers to reimagine their cocktail experience, from elevating the classic margarita to sparking inspiration and discovering their own unique ways of enjoying Grand Marnier.”

Director Ray Neutron captured the creative, with complementary visuals from Breyona Holt. 2 Chainz’s bold look—a custom rouge suit—was curated by stylist Erik Ziemba. Together, this blending of creatives from diverse backgrounds built a Grand Encounter in itself to produce content that truly speaks to how Grand Marnier enhances the cocktail experience.

The unexpected encounter that defines Grand Marnier will also come to life across the US for consumers 21+ as part of the brand’s ‘Encounters on Road’ event series and dedicated presence at the 2024 Roots Picnic, one of the summer’s most highly anticipated festivals, on June 1st and 2nd in Philadelphia.

To check out The Rouge Room content series, head to @grandmarnierusa.