With family gatherings and 4th of July, summer parties, showers, weddings and more just around the corner, the pressure is on to find just the right array of unique and festive thirst quenchers and palate pleasers for your guests.

Make a hit with XUXU fresh strawberry purée with vodka from Germany. With its combination of farm-fresh strawberries infused with vodka, XUXU is pure summer in a glass. A favorite warm-weather tradition in Germany, this strawberry concoction from the respected spirits house Underberg, is perfect as a cocktail base (think tequila, rum, vodka or champagne cocktails!) or over ice cream for a delicious finale to an alfresco dinner or BBQ.
A healthy aspect to XUXU --- strawberries are loaded with powerful antioxidants that have been known to help fight cancer and other free radicals. Researchers recently announced that strawberries with alcohol can actually enhance the nutritional benefits-so drinking Xuxu in moderation is actually good for you,

Currently available at select retail stores and on-premise locations in the New York Tri-State area, XUXU will be rolled out to additional key US markets in summer 2007. XUXU retails at $20 per1L bottle. For further information about XUXU, including cocktail recipes, visit www.xuxu.de

XUXU STRAIGHT UP: KEEP IT SIMPLE:

Looking for a summertime punch that is refreshing and light? Try XUXU's Beach Pail Punch. Grab a galvanized or glass bucket, add ice, XUXU and sparkling wine to taste and voila, an instant and seasonal party hit. Add a little extra flair: freeze XUXU in ice cube trays (look for fun shapes!), add extra fruit or lime for an extra punch of flavor!

XUXU & Tequila - Beat the Summer Heat! From Allen Katz, one of New York's top Mixologists (Host of Martha Stewart Living Radio's "Cocktail Hour")
The Rhube

2 oz XUXU

1 oz Gran Centenario Reposado

½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

½ oz Simple Syrup

Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Top with a splash of house-made rhubarb soda.* Garnish with a fanned strawberry.

*For Rhubarb Soda:

To make rhubarb syrup, combine 6 cups chopped rhubarb stalks with 1 ½ cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the syrup and refrigerate (for up to one week). Makes 20 oz. Combine equal parts rhubarb syrup with chilled club soda for Rhubarb Soda.

[For a shortcut, substitute the rhubarb soda for ready-made natural fruit sodas- Izzy's or Blue Sky work perfectly]




Dessert

Forgot a dessert? It's too hot for heavy desserts, but you have craving for something cool and flavorful. XUXU makes it easy to whip up a delectable treat - just pour ice cold XUXU over your favorite ice cream or cheesecake, add blueberries and sparklers and voila 4 th of July in a pinch!