algonquin hotel

Neiman Marcus Unveils 2009 Christmas Book

Filed under: Dining, Spirits, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Wings

Neiman Marcus just unveiled the 2009 edition of the renowned Christmas Book, offering customers the ultimate in cutting-edge, dream-fulfilling gifts. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers and evolved into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts. Among the highlights of this year's catalog:

His & Hers Gift Package, $250,000: An ICON A5 sport aircraft with custom trailer and sport pilot license training for two. The ICON A5 is from a world-class team of engineers and designers who helped create the groundbreaking Virgin Global Flyer, and features an amphibious hull and landing gear to take off and land just as easily on water as on land.

Algonquin Round Table Experience, $200,000: Exclusive dinner party at NYC's legendary Algonquin Hotel (above) with guests including Christopher Buckley, Roz Chast, Nora Ephron, Malcolm Gladwell, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Adam Gopnik, John Lithgow, Anna Deavere Smith and George Stephanopoulos. Proceeds to benefit First Book, the 2009 Christmas Book Charity.

2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, $105,000: Limited to only 50 examples, the bespoke version of Jag's new flagship features a supercharged 5-liter V8 that delivering 470 hp, a custom interior of butter-soft navy and ivory leather and Zebrano matte wood accents, and includes a five-piece set of matching Jaguar luggage in navy blue leather.

HALL Artisan Wine and Art Experience, $20,000: Learn organic, artisan winemaking firsthand, tour the estates in Napa and the art collection, and have the opportunity to create your own personal vintage in a private blending session with HALL's Winemaker with a custom vintage bottled for you. Includes accommodations at Auberge and a private dinner party with Ambassador Kathryn Hall.

Maker's Mark Master Distiller Experience, $7,500: All-access, VIP experience with Maker's Mark Master Distiller, Kevin Smith. Spend a day making whiskey, step by step and take home two bottles of the rarest Maker's Mark – golden bottles etched with your likeness and dipped in gold wax with 24-kt gold flecks. Includes luxury accommodations in Louisville and a gourmet dinner hosted by Bill Samuels, the 7th generation of Maker's Mark.

Get In The Christmas Spirit With AOL Radio's 10 Best Christmas Songs.

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World's Pricest Cocktails

by Sandy Maple (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

When dining out, having a few drinks with dinner can really impact the bottom line when the bill is presented. While the markup on alcohol is always fairly significant, a few shots of Johnny Walker Black don't come close to doing the kind of damage to the pocketbook that the world's priciest cocktails will.

Take the Dazzle cocktail for example. Served at the Second Floor Bar at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, UK, this little concoction will set you back $51,200. But if you order it, rest assured that you will walk away with more than a buzz. In addition to the the rose Champagne and strawberry and lychee liqueur, the cocktail is served with an 18-karat white-gold ring with pink tourmaline and diamond stones.

If the idea of a gem in your drink appeals, there are other establishments where you can drop a bundle on a beverage with a little extra sparkle. The Blue Bar at the Algonquin Hotel in New York offers a Martini-on-the-Rock for $10,000. With 72 hours advance notice, they will mix up a martini to your specification and drop in your choice of diamond cut and setting. The Piano Bar in the Sheraton Park Tower Hotel in London, will also let you customize your pricey gem drink. The Diamond/Ruby Cocktail starts with Charles Heidsieck champagne blended with Remy Martin Louis XIII cognac, angostura bitters and a sugar cube and is finished off with a gem of your choice. A .6 carat diamond will set you back a mere $4,350, but if you really want to impress your date, choose the 2.6 carat version for $19,000.

If you aren't in the market for a nice piece of jewelry, but still appreciate an expensive libation, try the Mai Tai at the Merchant Hotel in Belfast. With a rare shot of Wray & Nephew 17-year-old rum mixed in, this one will set you back $1,400. Or visit a Capital Grille at any one of their 27 locations and they will happily mix up a $1,000 martini for you. Depending on just where you visit, the drink will be paired with an appropriate piece of Lagos jewelry, from pearls in New York to diamonds in Las Vegas. And any guilt you might feel at ordering such a pricey drink will surely be drowned by the knowledge that for each cocktail sold, about $500 goes to Share our Strength, a charity that battles hunger around the globe.

But wait, there is more. Here you will find even more pricey cocktails to be had all over the world. Cheers!

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