Patrice McHugh, managing director of the Bars To Go Group of Companies, was recently selected to appear in a cocktail booklet alongside the world's leading mixologists.

The book, Don Julio Luxury Booklet, will be released in February 2010, and the world's top mixologists were asked to submit a recipe using Don Julio as the base spirit, in addition to fresh ingredients. In addition, the drink is to be accompanied by a ritual. Case in point, the known way to drink tequila is with salt, then sucking on lime.

Wanting to step away from the usual way of drinking tequila, each mixologist's recipe and ritual is sure to be a hit with tequila fans.

Reposado Lightning

McHugh's Don Julio recipe incorporated the use of fresh tangerine juice, ginger juice, Agave syrup and Don Julio Reposado tequila. The finished product is called the 'Reposado Lightning', while her ritual celebrates Jamaica's achievements and spirit.

The ritual starts by imitating the world's fastest man, Usain Bolt, by quickly running on spot for 9.58 seconds, after which, do Bolt's signature 'lightning pose'. Then quickly drink the Reposado Lightning. After drinking, quickly run on spot for another 9.58 seconds then do the 'lightning pose'.

It's going to be an undeniable hit among party-goers, bar-hoppers, college fraternities and others across the world.

Humbling

McHugh said, "When they contacted me I was in shock but excited. It has been a long journey getting to this point, so for an international brand to recognise your hard work in the field it's quite exciting but, at the same time extremely humbling.

"Also, with the drink, I wanted people across the world to recognise Jamaica for our achievements, our energetic spirit and associate it with someone who is internationally known for being just as vibrant. So I immediately thought of Usain and his energy. I think it will be a great mix, so to speak, when the book is released in two months and persons start doing the ritual."

Other international mixologists to be featured in the booklet include international spirits and cocktail wizard, Gary Regan, who is known for his books, The Bartender's Bible, New Classic Cocktails, The Joy Of Mixology, The Martini Companion: A Connoisseur's Guide and many others, and Dale Degroff, an unparalleled authority and a much sought-after expert in the industry, and universally acknowledged as the 'King Of Cocktails'. His books include The Essential Cocktail: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks, The Bar and Beverage Book, The Craft Of Cocktail: Everything You Need To Know To Be A Master and others.

'It has been a long journey getting to this point, so for an international brand to recognise your hard work in the field it's quite exciting ... '