Pull out your BlackBerry, iPhone and Treo and save the dates for the ultimate summer parties. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities, be entertained and forget about the recession, mark your calendar and plan your summer getaway. –malibu jones
 | Who? Jamie Foxx, Maxwell, Ne-Yo and others What? BET Awards 2009 When? Sunday, June 28, 2009 Where? Shrine Auditorium/Los Angeles |
 | Who? Chef Emeril, Shekinah Glory Ministry choir, performers offering a tribute to Luther Vandross What? Taste of Chicago When? Friday–Sunday, June 26–July 5, 2009 Where? Grant Park (Jackson Blvd. & Columbus Dr.)/Chicago |
 | Who? Kanye West, Maxwell, Beyoncé, John Legend, Dr. Juanita Bynum, T.D. Jakes and others What? Essence Music Festival 2009 (15th Anniversary) When? Friday–Sunday, July 3-5, 2009 Where? New Orleans |
 | Who? Swimwear designers, models and notable celebrities What? Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim When? Wednesday–Sunday, July 15–19, 2009 Where? The Raleigh Hotel/Miami |
BLUE TOAST
Jamie Foxx’s single featuring T-Pain “Blame it on the Alcohol” is sure to be a summer favorite. If you plan on joining the fun, here are some cocktails that feature the spirits highlighted in the song.
goose, got you feeling loose
Chocolate Candy recipe
1 ounce Godiva® chocolate liqueur
1 ounce vanilla schnapps
1 ounce creme de cacao
1 ounce Grey Goose® vodka
1 splash half-and-half
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Stir, pour into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve.
blame it on the henny
The Ginger Tea Cocktail
1 ounce Hennessy VSOP Cognac
2 ounces fresh brewed green tea (chilled)
1/2-ounce simple syrup (or splenda)
3 mint leaves
3 pieces ginger
Extra mint leaf for garnish
In a mixing glass, add ginger, mint and simple syrup and muddle. Pour the Hennessy and fresh tea over top and muddle a little more. Strain into an ice filled glass. Garnish with a mint leaf.
i
’ma take a shot of nuvo
The Midnight Kiss
1 ounce Proseco
3 ounces NUVO Sparkling Liqueur
Spoonful of muddled Raspberries and Blackberries
Serve in a Champagne Flute
Muddle raspberries and blackberries in a separate glass. Transfer to a champagne flute. Pour in Proseco. Top off with NUVO. Serve.
