NEW YORK [ ABN NEWS ] — Luscious summer fruits and fragrant herbs and spices are currently starring in refreshing cocktails at Two E Bar/Lounge at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel on New York`s Central Park. Enjoy locally sourced blueberries, watermelon, fresh pressed apricot juice, basil, thyme, tarragon and more during the Two E Bar/Lounge Farmer`s Market Cocktail Festival through September 24.

Raise a glass to summer`s best with a creative $14 drinks menu designed by mixologists Paul Johnson, Chris Juell and Sachin Hasan. Inspired by Farmer`s Market Week (August 5-11, 2012), the team selected ingredients from their favorite New York farm stands at local Greenmarkets, including Union Square and Harlem, to develop these inventive cocktails. Speak Low showcases freshly pressed apricot juice from Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY, and the Berry Berry Nice is a tartly mix with blueberries from Breezy Hill Orchards in Staatsburg, NY. It will be difficult to choose a favorite from the Famer`s Market Festival menu:

Speak Low
Leblon Cachaça, Fresh Tarragon Leaves, Fresh Lime Juice & Farmer’s Market Apricot Juice

Konnichiwa
Ketel One Vodka, Fresh Farmer’s Market Pineapple & Organic Sushi Ginger, Midori Liqueur,
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice & Simple Syrup

If you prefer, treat your friends to an at-home salute to summer that is Berry, Berry Nice:

Hendricks Gin 1-1/2oz in a rocks glass
Muddle with 5-6 blueberries
St.Germain 3/4oz Shaken, with
Lime Juice 1/4oz and
Thyme-infused Simple Syrup 1/3oz
Pour into glass
Top with 4-5 skewered blueberries

Or, to develop your own signature summer cocktail, take some favorite market and ingredients tips from the Two E team:

Paul Johnson prefers first cold press “cherry stomp” juice and fresh Basil leaves from the folksy market nestled in the center of Rockefeller Center with Ron Barrilito Rum, fresh lime juice and a splash of soda for a refreshing drink on any end of summer day

Chris Juell heads for Indian Spices and fresh watermelon at the Jackson Height’s farmer’s market, perfect with the silky combination of Pisco100 and a hint of lychee for our summer travelers looking to cool down after a hot day out and about in the city

Sachin Hasan makes a beeline for the California Farmer’s Market in Astoria to select sushi grade ginger and pineapples to mix with vodka and midori liqueur for his #1 at-home taster, his wife

For more information, visit www.twoeny.com; for the latest news, find The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York on Facebook or Twitter.

About The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York
After 80 years, Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York continues to set the standard for elegance and unrivaled hospitality for a New York luxury hotel. Located on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel is an exclusive AAA Five Diamond property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, the iconic hotel underwent a $100 million renovation, updating 189 guestrooms, including 38 suites, as well as the hotel’s banquet and social event spaces. The Pierre’s 11 residential-style Grand Suites come with the trappings of a private Taj Royal Attaché trained in the palaces of India to flawlessly fulfill guests’ every whim. Two E Bar/Lounge offers light fare, afternoon tea and a stylish bar featuring a no-cover jazz series every Tuesday evening. This fall, The Pierre, A Taj Hotel welcomes Sirio Ristorante New York, the eponymous restaurant from famed restaurateur Sirio Maccioni of Le Cirque fame. To reserve, please call 1.800.743.7734 or visit www.tajhotels.com/thepierre

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia`s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 99 hotels in 56 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India`s premier business house. www.tajhotels.com

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