Celebrity Cruises Mixes It Up Modern Luxury Style, Complementing Molecular And Martini Bars With New Craft Cocktails

Hawthorn Beverage Group to bring artisanal style to bar selections at sea

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Jul 19, 2013, 04:41 ET

MIAMI, July 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern luxury line Celebrity Cruises is shaking up the bar scene onboard by significantly expanding its selections of the beverage world's favorite comeback kid – the cocktail – with a selection of 30 entirely new craft cocktails offered exclusively on Celebrity's ships.

Already known for its popular Molecular and Martini Bars, Celebrity's new craft cocktail experience was developed through an alliance with artisanal cocktail developers Hawthorn Beverage Group, founded by noted cocktail creator Josh Durr.

The new craft cocktails blend vintage-style liqueurs with fresh ingredients, organic juices and the finest artisanal spirits, resulting in a combination of new-school libations and updated old-school favorites. A new line-up of "zero-proof" (non-alcoholic) cocktails also will be introduced – 'Sparkling Mint Lemonade' or 'Raspberry Fizz,' anyone? – along with an assortment of fine wines by the glass. Celebrity's current list of international beer selections will be expanded, too, to join Celebrity's industry-first offering of craft beers in an even more well-rounded variety of styles, from pale ales and IPA's to Belgian ales and premium lagers.

"Together with Josh Durr and the highly skilled mixologists at Hawthorn, we worked to create flavor profiles that vacationers will thoroughly enjoy, while also focusing on the details, quality of ingredients, and craftsmanship," said Celebrity's manager of Beverage Development Chanelle Duarte. "Through our creative guidance and the methodical specifications of Josh and his team, Celebrity is 'stirring up' an authentic, trend-forward craft cocktail bar experience for our guests."

Growing up in a culture tied to the bourbon distilleries of Kentucky, Durr's passion for the art of spirits mixology began at a young age, ultimately inspiring him to pursue a career that fully immersed him in the craft. He has since been honored with a "Rising Star Award" from Cheers magazine, and editorial recognition in The New York Times, Playboy, Forbes, Wine Spectator, Chicago magazine and Cheers magazine, and has landed a client list that includes Apiary, Diageo, Pernod, Remy Cointreau and Ruth's Chris, among others.

Durr attributes his success to focusing on three key pillars: staying relevant and ahead of trends, masterfully developing cocktail programs to provide brand-unique experiences, and joining forces with staff to execute the programs with precise attention to detail and quality.

Celebrity's guests will have the opportunity to indulge in the full, new craft cocktail experience across its modern luxury fleet by the end of 2013.

About Celebrity Cruises:
Celebrity Cruises' iconic "X" is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers' precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity is one of five cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). For more information, dial 1-800-437-3111, visit www.celebritycruises.com, or call your travel agent.

SOURCE Celebrity Cruises