Luxury
Top 10 Most Popular Cocktails
Below are the Top 10 Cocktails guaranteed to get your taste buds racing.
Cosmopolitan
The tangy concoction of vodka, triple sec, lime juice and cranberry juice has managed to leapfrog the venerable screwdriver as many vodka drinkers prefer the Cosmopolitan’s cleaner and slightly tart taste. The keys to the preparation of a Cosmopolitan are a good brand of cranberry juice and Cointreau Triple Sec, two essential elements to the drink.
Ingredients;
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz Cranberry juice
1/2 oz Fresh sour mix
Lemon twist for garnish
Mojito
The Mojito complimenting summer perfectly with a fresh minty taste. The mixture of white rum, mint, lime juice, sugar and soda water is crisp and clean with a relatively low alcohol content, the soda water can be replaced with sprite or 7-up. When preparing a mojito always crush the mint leaves as opposed to dicing to unlock oils that will assist with enhancing the minty flavour.
Ingredients;
10 fresh mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into 4 wedges
2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
1 cup ice
1 1/2 fluid ounces white rum
1/2 cup club soda
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai is a Polynesian-style cocktail that has a fruity tropical taste sweet and vibrant. The mixture of light and dark rum, orange curacao, orgeat syrup and lime juice has been a symbol of Tahitian culture ever since the drink was first created.
Ingredients;
1 oz light rum
1 oz gold rum
1/2 oz Orange Curacao liqueur
1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
1/2 oz lime juice
1 oz dark rum
Mint Julep
The concoction of Bourbon, a little bit of water, powdered and granulated sugar and plenty of mint has long been a very popular way to drink a cocktail. Simple yet refined.
Ingredients;
1/2 cup water.
1/2 cup white sugar.
2 tablespoons roughly sliced fresh mint leaves.
1 cup Kentucky bourbon.
2 sprigs fresh mint leaves for garnish
Caipirinha
Originally based on a remedy to cure Spanish flu, the national drink of Brazil is made with cachaca (spirit from a sugar cane) or white rum/vodka, brown sugar and lime juice.
Ingredients;
2 oz Cachaca (Rum)
1 lime
1 tsp sugar
Margarita
The simple mixture of tequila, triple sec and lime juice is often blended with ice but is traditionally served on the rocks. The cocktail is generally presented in a salt rimmed glass. Various fruity versions have been adapted from the traditional lime, such as raspberry, peach and strawberry.
Ingredients;
1 (6 ounces) can frozen limeade concentrate
6 fluid ounces tequila
1 oz Cointreau orange liqueur
2 fluid ounces triple sec
Pina Colada
The classic tropical cocktail, with a distinctive look and taste. More of a smoothie as opposed to an alcoholic beverage. The modest yet perfect blend of coconut milk, rum and pineapple juice has been a firm favourite throughout the years.
Ingredients;
2 oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1 Maraschino cherries
6 oz pina colada mix
2 oz pineapple juice
1 pineapple quartered and sliced
Californication
Californication as used by the Red Hot Chili Peppers means the mixing of different cultures. The cocktail reflects this with the various spirits used within the cocktail from all over the world. A mixture of run, vodka, tequila and gin finished with orange liqueur, lemon juice and orange juice to mask the various spirits used throughout. Strong and yet sweet. The cocktail is finished with either a slice of orange or a twisted peel of orange rind.
Ingredients;
1/2 oz of vodka, gin, white rum and tequila
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 oz Orange liqueur
3 oz’s fresh squeezed orange juice
Garnish with slice of fresh cut orange
Long Island Iced Tea
A cocktail that never seems to go out of style. The potent concoction of rum, tequila, vodka, gin and triple sec finished with a mixture of sweet and sour cola and lemon juice. Tea isn’t actually an addition to the drink, but the ingredients used predominantly the cola, provide the profile of tea with much more flavour.
Ingredients;
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz light rum
1/4 oz tequila
1/2 oz triple sec
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice or possibly to taste
6 oz cola or potentially to fill broken ice
Apple Martini
The Apple Martini or “Appletini” adds a twist to the typical dry martini. Vodka is used as opposed to gin as the basis of the cocktail and apple schnapps is added for a sweet but slightly sour twist. The cocktail is usually finished with lemon juice and garnished with a slice of apple, simple but tasty.
Ingredients;
2 oz vodka
1 oz apple Schnapps splash of Cointreau thin apple piece for garnish sour apple martini
2 oz vodka
1 oz apple Schnapps with big squeeze of fresh lime juice thin apple slice for garnish
Luxury
Cartier’s New High Jewellery Collection is a Love For The Wild
In 2021, the American Museum of Natural History in New York presented Beautiful Creatures, an exhibition showcasing some of the most eccentric jewellery designs of the past century. One standout piece was the iconic crocodile necklace of Mexican actress María Félix, a loyal Cartier patron. Félix, renowned for her bold sense of style, famously strolled into Cartier’s Paris store in 1975 with her pet crocodile, requesting a necklace in its likeness. Cartier delivered, crafting two intertwined crocodiles encrusted with over a thousand emeralds and yellow diamonds. For Félix, crocodiles symbolized freedom, an embodiment of the spirit she associated with Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema.
Fast forward to today, and Félix’s wildest dreams seem to have come to life at Cartier’s latest high jewellery collection, Nature Sauvage, previewed at the historic Kursalon Hübner gallery in Vienna. Among the star pieces is the Koaga necklace, a masterful creation where a zebra clasps an emerald-cut diamond and a 6.25-carat pear-shaped rubellite in its mouth. The zebra’s form is exquisitely rendered in alternating onyx stripes and pavé diamonds, making the creature feel almost lifelike.
The relationship between animals and jewellery has deep mythological roots, often glorified through rituals and symbolism. In ancient Egypt, scarab beetles were worn as earrings to signify respect for life’s cyclical nature. Meanwhile, in Hellenistic Greece, gods and goddesses took on the forms of winged creatures in adornment. So, what is it about animal-themed jewellery that continues to captivate us? According to Amanda Triossi, a jewellery historian based in Rome, the allure lies in our primal instincts: “Wearing wild animals like panthers or tigers gives one the sense of having conquered them. It’s empowering, as if you inherit the animal’s strength and attributes.”
Cartier captures this essence beautifully in its Amphista necklace. Featuring two intertwined snakes with diamond scales set with emeralds, their heads adorned with kite-shaped diamonds, the necklace echoes ancient Chinese philosophy’s yin-yang balance. The pièce de résistance? Nine octagonal Colombian emeralds, weighing a total of 14.72 carats.
Triossi also notes that many historical heroes are often depicted draped in the skins of animals they’ve vanquished, a symbol of triumph. Today, jewellery transforms that symbol into something precious and eternal—animal skins reimagined in imperishable materials.
Later that evening, at a celebration held at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest in Austria, the enchantment of Cartier’s collection was heightened. The museum’s octagonal domes featured paintings of animals dancing with angels, setting the stage for a magical night. Guests were greeted by masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Caravaggio’s Madonna of the Rosary, alongside Cartier page boys in their signature red hats. The evening’s soundtrack, a seamless blend of Bach and Kygo, was curated by DJ Gillian Sagansky, lending a modern twist to the classical ambiance.
The following day brought another cultural adventure—a visit to Otto Wagner’s Villa, a stunning summer palace designed by the famed architect. The paintings adorning the villa’s walls depicted animals in various forms—some caught in purgatory, others wandering the biblical bardo, with alligators restlessly emerging from swampy landscapes.
Luxury
Indian Craftsmanship Meets Italian Savoir Faire : Rahul Mishra x Tod’s
Quiet luxury was expected to dominate for a while, with many predicting that the return of bold, extravagant fashion would take its time. However, maximalism seems to be making a swift comeback, especially in the realm of designer collaborations. Hot on the heels of the vibrant, print-heavy H&M x Anamika Khanna collection, another limited-edition line has arrived, celebrating opulent luxury: Rahul Mishra x Tod’s.
As part of Tod’s T-Factory project, which features exclusive collaborations with creative innovators, this marks Indian couturier Rahul Mishra’s debut in the international accessories space.
Mishra is a true ambassador of Indian design. Along with his wife Divya Mishra, he leads his eponymous label, which has brought the essence of India to the global stage in remarkable ways. A regular at Paris Fashion Week and the first Indian designer to showcase at Paris Haute Couture Week, his creations have adorned celebrities like Zendaya and Mark Zuckerberg, and have graced magazine covers in South Korea, China, and Europe. With such a path-defining legacy, it’s no surprise that Mishra and his visionary label were Tod’s natural choice for their first-ever Indian collaboration.
Mishra describes this collaboration as a beautiful fusion of “Italian craftsmanship serving as the canvas for Indian vision.” Tod’s iconic Gommino loafers and mules, along with the Di Bag and T Timeless shoulder bag, have been reimagined with intricate resham embroidery, crystals, and sequins—all meticulously hand-embroidered at Mishra’s atelier in Noida. “It was a technically challenging process that took time to perfect. I can confidently say these are some of the finest bags and shoes you’ll ever witness, in terms of craftsmanship and longevity. Such pieces are forever,” Mishra proudly shares.
Crafted entirely between India and Italy, the limited-edition pieces from this collection are a true love letter to the artisanal heritage of both nations. “There’s a beauty in the teamwork here,” Mishra explains. “We received raw materials from Italy and worked on integrating our embroideries seamlessly into their leather. The pieces were then sent back to Tod’s, where they transformed them into stunning, three-dimensional products. In that sense, it’s been a genuine collaboration between Italy and India.”
Mishra firmly believes that the future of global design will be shaped by a global Indian aesthetic. “Just as French, Italian, British, and Japanese designs are now seen as universal,” he explains. This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing that narrative. “When you push the boundaries of ‘handmade in India’ to be respected at the pinnacle of luxury, everything else will naturally follow,” he emphasizes.
Luxury
Timeless Jewelry Pieces to Invest in for a Lifetime
Yves Saint Laurent famously remarked, “Fashions fade, style is eternal,” and this sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of building a jewelry collection meant to last a lifetime. Certain classic pieces have transcended time, achieving iconic status and adding instant sophistication to any ensemble.
With the festive season approaching, it’s the perfect time to invest in jewelry that can be cherished for generations. These timeless creations, adored by Hollywood stars and royalty alike, are always a wise choice. From the instantly recognizable Cartier Love bangle to Chanel’s classic pearls, De Beer’s diamond studs, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ lucky Alhambra talisman, here are 10 truly special pieces to buy now and wear forever.
For those seeking more budget-friendly options, don’t forget to explore these affordable jewelry brands as well.
The Cartier Tank Watch
Introduced in 1919, the Cartier Tank Watch was inspired by the armored vehicles of World War I, with its sleek design reflecting the tracks of early tanks. Its timeless elegance has ensured a devoted following ever since.
The Tiffany & Co. Open Heart Pendant
Designed by Elsa Peretti, who joined Tiffany & Co. in 1974, the Open Heart pendant features a sleek, open-centered heart inspired by Henry Moore’s sculptures. Its modern yet classic design remains a favorite.
The Chanel Pearl Earrings
Pearls add an instant touch of sophistication, and Chanel’s pearl earrings are a perfect example. Coco Chanel famously adored pearls, and her fashion house continues to celebrate them with elegant designs that remain stylish.
The Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace
First launched in 1968, the Alhambra necklace is inspired by the Alhambra Palace in Spain. Its design, featuring clover-shaped motifs and vibrant semi-precious stones, remains a Van Cleef & Arpels signature.
The Bulgari Serpenti Watch
Since the 1940s, Bulgari’s Serpenti collection has embodied the allure of the serpent. Elizabeth Taylor’s famous appearance wearing the Serpenti watch in “Cleopatra” cemented its iconic status.
The Boodles Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Popularized by tennis player Chris Evert in the 1970s, this elegant bracelet features a continuous row of diamonds, making it a versatile piece that complements any outfit.
The Piaget Cuff Bracelet
Piaget, originally a watchmaker, began crafting exquisite gold jewelry in 1961. The stackable gold bangles, inspired by Mediterranean hues, offer a touch of sunny warmth.
The Harry Winston Cluster Earrings
Renowned for handling some of the world’s most famous diamonds, Harry Winston’s cluster earrings, with their dazzling pear and marquise-cut diamonds, continue to be a symbol of glamour.
The Cartier Love Bracelet
Created in 1969 by Aldo Cipullo, the Cartier Love bracelet is an iconic piece symbolizing eternal love. Its unique design, secured with tiny screws, has made it a beloved classic.
Investing in these pieces ensures you’ll have timeless, elegant additions to your jewelry collection that will continue to bring joy for years to come.
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