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Salute To Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails

Bacardi U.S.A. and the USO Celebrate The Troops with the “Salute To Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails” Program

Celebrated Chef and Former Soldier John Besh and Mixologist and Former Soldier Bryan Stowe Create Easy Summer Entertaining Recipes and Cocktails; Encourage Americans to Give Back to the Troops while Celebrating this Summer

See also: Easy Grilling Recipes
(June 2010) – With backyard parties and picnics in the park in full swing, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and the USO encourage Americans to take a moment from their summer entertaining to toast the U.S. troops. Launching for the peak of barbeque season on Independence Day, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and the USO will introduce the “Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails” program, which gives consumers simple cocktail and grilling recipes to take the stress out of entertaining.  The program also provides American citizens with an easy way to support and remember our military heroes at home and abroad while celebrating this summer.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. has committed to donate $75,000 to the USO at the onset of summer, with consumers (21+) able to increase the total donation amount to a maximum of $100,000 through their participation in the program via the “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook fan page.  Each time a new fan of the program joins the “60 Second Cocktails” Facebook fan page, Bacardi U.S.A. will increase its donation to the USO by $1. The fan page will host an online copy of the program recipe book, additional recipe information and interactive mixology videos.  Become a fan of the “60 Second Cocktail”. (this promotion has expired)

“Our ‘Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails’ program gives consumers the tools they need to create inspired drinks and grilling recipes that will impress all of their friends and family,” said Julious Grant, senior vice president, national sales, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. “At the same time, it gives consumers a simple way to contribute to the men and women of the armed forces and their families through supporting the important programs of the USO.”

The “Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails” includes grilling and drink recipes made with Bacardi^® rum and flavored rums, Grey Goose^® vodka, Bombay Sapphire^® gin, Dewar’s^® blended Scotch whisky and tequila Cazadores^®.  Perfect for all at-home entertaining endeavors, these concoctions are delicious, fresh tasting and sure to impress summer guests.  Each recipe takes less than 60 seconds to make and includes fresh, seasonal ingredients readily available in your pantry or your local grocery store.

In addition, Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and the USO have joined forces with Chef John Besh to develop delicious grilling recipes that pair perfectly with the 60 second cocktails. The recipes include a Grilled Chicken Breast with Tequila Lime Glaze, Grilled Flank Steak with Louisiana Peach and Grey Goose Citron Glaze and Grilled Watermelon and Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad, each of which uses or pairs perfectly with one of the featured spirits to draw out the natural flavors while adding a little extra kick.  Perfect to dig into alongside a cold Bacardi Hand-Shaken Daiquiri, a Cazadores Margarita, a Bombay Sapphire Collins or any of the other 60-second cocktails, these simple dishes are sure to be a hit when hosting friends and family this summer.  And, since no barbeque is complete without a decadent and delicious dessert, Besh has also created a recipe for Grilled Peaches with Bacardi Gold Rum.  Ideal for serving alongside your favorite brand of vanilla ice cream or pound cake, this sweet treat is sure to leave summer guests begging for an invitation to the next soiree.

Besh remembers creating some of his first recipes in his tent while serving abroad. With a strong commitment to charitable causes, Besh is thrilled to be involved in raising funds for the USO, an organization close to his heart. Besh has been awarded for his culinary achievements, including recognition as one of Food & Wine’s “Best New Chefs” and runner up to become the next Iron Chef on Food Network.  Additionally, Besh’s cookbook, ‘My New Orleans’, has received rave reviews and he is currently filming an original series, “John Besh’s New Orleans” for release this fall on PBS.

“I’m psyched to be working with Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. and the USO to add some originality and spice to summer grilling,” said John Besh, “As a former soldier, I feel passionate about the goals of this program  and look forward to using delicious food and drink to benefit a cause I have such a personal connection with.”

Joining Besh in the program is Bryan Stowe, a seasoned mixologist currently mixing drinks in New York and Miami.  Stowe’s cocktail making style incorporates simple, yet creative recipes using organic, natural ingredients.  Like Besh, Stowe is a former soldier and remains involved in military charities.  In April, Stowe is planning to travel to Korea to perform his stand-up comedy routine for the troops.

“Because of my time in the military, I feel an authentic connection with the ‘Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails’ program.  Graduating boot camp remains one of the proudest days of my life, and the relationships I developed with my fellow warriors remain among my strongest friendships,” said Stowe. “I’m passionate about serving easy, creative recipes with a smile, and look forward to giving Americans some fun drinks to toast with this summer.”

The “Salute to Summer’s Best 60 Second Cocktails” program launches on Memorial Day, and will run through Labor Day 2010.