In order to further build on trade momentum behind its leading cognac brand Courvoisier, Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine (UK) Ltd (ADUK) has created a series of six new signature cocktails featuring its stylish Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif.

Developed in partnership with bar and cocktail professionals IP Bartenders, the inspiration for the new signature cocktail range was taken from Courvoisier’s historical and unparalleled links with the French Imperial Court, Napoleon Bonaparte and significant occasions in his life.  Inspiration includes key battles, places and a valuable and irreplaceable diamond.

“Supported by an extensive in bar training programme, the Courvoisier Connoisseurs Class and through our specialist on trade team Balance, the new signature drinks add another layer of history and provenance behind contemporary Courvoisier cocktails whilst providing bartenders with a collection that will inspire them to develop their own creations,” says Liz Hodson, Senior Brands Manager for Courvoisier at ADUK.  “We really are seeing a renaissance in cognac cocktails in the UK and I’m delighted that Courvoisier^® is taking its rightful place at the helm of this growing consumer trend”, she concludes.

 The flagship of the new Courvoisier series is Courvoisier Regent XV.  Named after the famous Regent Diamond, which was once part of Louis XV’s crown and was worn by Marie Antoinette before being placed into the hilt of Napoleon’s coronation sword in 1804. The Regent XV is made with three ingredients, all of which are French.

The Regent XV

Ingredients

40ml Courvoisier^® VSOP Exclusif

15ml Crème de Cassis

10ml Dry Vermouth

Glass

Pre – chilled balloon

Method

Fill mixing glass with cubed ice; pour in all the ingredients and stir. Stir into balloon glass (add cube ice as desired).

Garnish with Lemon zest/twist

The Regent Diamond is today exhibited at the Louvre.

Others in the series include:

Courvoisier^® Borodino Berry:

Borodino is a small town near Moscow; this was the only full-scale confrontation between the French and the Russians. Victory at this bloody battle left the French with a clear road to Moscow.

Courvoisier^® Saragossa Sour:

Saragossa in Spain was the site of a series of sieges. After 6 months the French were victorious, while the Spanish reported over 50,000 losses.

Courvoisier^® Montpellier Cherry:

Napoleon’s father was a lawyer who encouraged his children to think as radicals. When his beloved father died in Montpellier, when Napoleon was just 16, his attitude changed and he was forced to provide for his family.

Courvoisier^® Bastille Blazer:

The storming of the Bastille on July 14th 1789 led to the French Revolution. The coup d'état of 18 Brumaire VIII (November 9, 1799) put an end to the period of instability – after which Napoleon was made First Consul and set him on the road to greatness.

Courvoisier^® Rivoli Twist:

The battle was an attempt to recover control of northern Italy after Austro-French peace negotiations broke down. The battle proved to be one of Napoleon’s most decisive conquests. Undermanned, it was only his superior knowledge of warfare that led to victory, the surrender of Mantua and the control of the Po Valley.

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“Stay focused, drink responsibly”

Courvoisier Cognac and Courvoisier VSOP Exclusif are registered trademarks of Courvoisier S.A.S

For further information please contact:

Mark Hunt

Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants

Tel: 01453 811960/ 07768 145583

Email: mark@jeffersonhunt.co.uk

Allied Domecq is a member of The Portman Group - promoting responsible drinking