Grey Goose, the super-premium vodka blended and bottled in the celebrated Cognac region of Western France, has created some succulent summer cocktails starring its classic spirit (above left) and fresh, evocative flavors: Grey Goose La Poire (center left), L'Orange (center right) and Le Citron (right). While each is excellent served on the rocks with a slice of the fruit used to make it, these artful concoctions are designed to be enjoyed poolside or at summer gatherings. Read on for recipes:

Le Citron Caipiroska

1 1/4 parts Grey Goose Le Citron
1 lime cut into eighths
1 part simple syrup or 1 tsp sugar
club soda or water

In a glass shaker, combine the lime and simple syrup and muddle well. Add the vodka and fill with ice. Shake well. Pour ice and all ingredients into a rocks glass. Top off with more ice if necessary and a splash of club soda or water. Garnish with lime wedge.

Grey Goose Heather 81

2 parts Grey Goose Vodka
3/4 parts honey
1/2 part hot water
6 mint leaves, plus more mint leaves for garnish
1/2 part Drambuie

In a cocktail shaker combine honey, hot water and 6 mint leaves and muddle well. Add ice, vodka and Drambuie. Shake well and strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves and piece of honeycomb.

The Ritz-Carlton is rolling out a new "Bar Experience" at its luxurious properties worldwide, building on a tradition of elegant cocktails and catering to a new generation of patrons. Where once such bars were once noted for their high-end singles scenes and some serious drinking, the company's latest research shows they are now primarily visited by those more interested in socializing with friends and colleagues, and hence food is increasingly important. So is the whole concept of "comfort" as opposed to ostentation. The new Ritz-Carlton bar experience includes both new cocktails, new appetizers and even edible cocktails. The impeccable service remains as always.

The new bar menu features gourmet comfort food meant for sharing among a group. The final menu includes 30 snazzy snacks such as brie and parsley risotto balls, smoked salmon and arugula egg rolls, chilly water lobster flat bread and calamari in remoulade sauce. Each Ritz-Carlton property features a selection of these 30 in addition to some local specialties. The idea behind the whole project is to reinvigorate and reposition the brand, eliminating the "illusion of rigidity" and prohibitive priciness the luxe chain may have given off in the past and "creating a nice environment where you feel comfortable" in the bars and lounges.

We went down to the elegant bar at 2 West at the amazing Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New York City to experience it firsthand the other night and got extremely comfortable, so we would say it's definitely working. On the cocktail front, among our favorites was the Sunsplash, made with Grey Goose L'Orange vodka, Cointreau, fresh lemon and orange juice, and cranberry. Another standout was the Ritz-Carlton Martini, made with Tanqueray No. 10 gin, simple syrup, peeled English cucumber, mint and lime juice. Food-wise we particularly enjoyed the Italian spicy sausage and artichoke pizza, the mini Black Angus beef sliders, and the plate of artisanal cheeses served with quince paste, honey comb and chutney.

Rachel Roy is in the news again, and this time it's not because of the dough that she and husband Damon Dash owe. Roy has teamed up with vodka maker Grey Goose, which commissioned her to exclusively design and create a signature cocktail dress to be worn by the brand's spokesmodels at select Grey Goose-sponsored events across the country. The dresses will be labeled "Rachel Roy exclusively for Grey Goose Vodka." Grey Goose was the official title sponsor of the Rachel Roy Spring 2009 Fashion Presentation earlier this month during New York Fashion Week, and the partnership also will include trunk shows and store openings.

The cocktail dress will resemble a classic silhouette with clean, modern lines. Made of stretch wool for structure and ease of movement, the design will include a feminine draped neckline and an element of fluidity in the back detailing. (See gallery.)

Roy's creation is "derived from the classic heritage and discerning taste of the luxury vodka brand," according to Grey Goose. Roy notes, "In keeping with this tradition, my design matches the timeless fluidity of the little black dress, with a hint of the iconic, signature blue to capture the effortless elegance of this occasion."

In addition to joining with Grey Goose, Roy has jumped on the green bandwagon by designing eco-friendly clothing, which she will continue to selectively incorporate in seasons to come. Roy will donate 100% of the proceeds to Orphan Aid Africa, an organization that aims to help orphans in Ghana.

[Via Grey Goose and BlackVoices.com]

Grey Goose, the super-premium vodka blended and bottled in the celebrated Cognac region of Western France, has come up with some suitably chic new summer cocktails for refreshing oneself in high style. Grey Goose Master Mixologist Nick Matoune foraged at local greenmarkets and farm stands for fresh ingredients including fruits, herbs and berries for his latest concoctions: The L'Orange Carlyle Cocktail, Le Citron Kirby, La Poire Goldenrod, Pink Cadillac, and Heather 81. "I use freshly made, freshly squeezed, freshly picked ingredients for most of my drinks, which is not as complicated as it sounds," Matoune tells Luxist - a philosophy we espouse ourselves. "These drinks are crisp and refreshing and highlight the natural bounty of summer. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the layers of complexity inherent in their subtle, natural flavors." See the gallery for photos and recipes and get ready for some seriously mouthwatering mixology.

Normally, alcohol and cars just don't mix, but Grey Goose and Rolls Royce seem to have decided to use that combination to promote a message of social responsibility - as well as one of the enjoyment of luxury goods. The companies are creating two fully customized Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms, which will drive around (presumably in highly visible nighttime hot spots) with fully-trained chauffeurs who will educate people about the importance of "Sipping Responsibly." The cars will have a signature blue paint and upholstery, mahogany-veneered door cappings, lots of sterling silver inlay and will prominently feature the Grey Goose logo throughout.

At the end of the program, both vehicles will be auctioned off to raise money for charity.

Lovers of Grey Goose Vodka and flavored vodkas alike should be excited about the release of Grey Goose La Poire, the first pear-flavored vodka to enter the US market. The super-premium vodka is made with the essence of Anjou Pears and has a sweet, mellow flavor that is augmented with the scents of honeysuckle and wildflower. The company feels that not only will it appeal to consumers, but to chefs and bartenders looking for more refined flavor to work with in their recipes. It will be distributed nationwide this month and sold for about $28.