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Is there any drink that conjures up images of relaxing on a beach in the tropics more than a daiquiri? And with good reason! The now-classic cocktail was reportedly first created in Daiquiri, a beach near Santiago, Cuba by an American mining engineer named Jennings Cox around 1905. While entertaining guests, Cox reportedly ran out of gin and used rum instead, mixed with lime juice and sugar — two ingredients that are abundant in Cuba.

Originally, the drink was served with cracked ice in a tall glass. A teaspoon of sugar was poured over the ice and the juice of one or two limes was squeezed over the sugar, followed by two or three ounces of rum. The glass was then frosted by stirring with a long-handled spoon. Eventually, the Daiquirí evolved to be mixed in a shaker using the same ingredients but with shaved ice.

A favorite drink of Ernest Hemingway and John F. Kennedy, the daiquiri has evolved over the years, spawning variations including the frozen daiquiri and Hemingway daiquiri which includes grapefruit juice and maraschino liqueur into the usual run and lime mix.

I suppose we can thank Cox’s shortage of gin over 100 years ago for the invention of the iconic summery cocktail: the hand-shaken daiquiri. This summer, it’s time to rediscover the daiquiri, and as always, drink responsibly.

This summer, rediscover the daiquiri. Bacardi Hand Shaken Daiquiri is the perfect addition to any summer get-together — fun, delicious, and ready to pour. Bacardi Hand Shaken Daiquiri is made with Bacardi Superior Rum, tangy lime and sugar. It is a perfectly balanced cocktail that is not too sour and not too sweet. bacardidaiquiri.glam.com

Whether or not you’re a born hostess, one thing is certain: This charming tea set will transform you into one faster than you can say “soy chai latte.” Beautifully etched with a ring of roses and awash in spring-fresh colors of rose, olive, maroon and sky blue, these cups come complete with matching saucers and even a wire rack on which to store and display. This is a cute gift idea, but it’s also a marvelous little room accessory that will brighten up the place considerably.

$44.99 at modcloth.com

Women spend hundreds of dollars each year on topical skin care products, but often neglect what they’re putting in their bodies. Frutels knows that a clear and healthy complexion starts from the inside out and has created an all-natural gummy candy that delivers powerful antioxidants and micronutrients that help clarify skin. The Frutels formula activates your body’s natural defenses against the causes of acne, which scientific evidence indicates are dietary deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations and stress. And, they taste good, too!

$24.95 for one-month supply at frutels.com

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