Luxury Awaits | A Luxurious Lifestyle Guide Brought To You By Lexus.

The culture of social drinking is rooted in the cocktail. Know the history, the rituals, the tips, and signatures you will need to mix comfortably in any scene.

The cocktail is truly and American invention. The original variations of cocktails can be traced back to the 19th century in New Orleans, where our pharmacists created a 'cure all' using Rye, Lemon, and a host of other ingredients and called it the Sazerac. (Sounds like homemade 'Tussin to us.)

In 2008, the cocktail has re-emerged as a mark of sophistication for bars, bartenders and patrons alike. Take the time to figure out which best suits you. Spend an off-night with friends chatting up the bartender for some candid suggestions, it's a great way to expand your cocktail vocabulary. Be mindful of the details—masterful bartenders will mix their own style into a drink, either in preparation or presentation, and usually they are happy to share their trade idiosyncrasies. If by the end of the evening you've come across a cocktail that has the potential to be your signature, take more than just a mental note to remember how its made. If its made well, you won't remember it in the morning.

Here's a nice one for the warm weather, traditionally called the Paloma though we've nicknamed it "LushLife."

You'll need:

2 ounces reposado or añejo tequila.
Juice of 1/2 a lime
pinch of coarse salt.
Grapefruit Soda or Lime Soda

You must:

Add ingredients to an ice-filled Collins glass; top with grapefruit soda (or lemon soda with a good squeeze of grapefruit). Take a good long look at what you've made before you sip it down. Ah, the LushLife is Good.