Happy Hanukkah with a Blue Dreidl Toast

Catch yourself dreaming of a blue Hanukkah?

One of the best all inclusive resorts in Mexico, the triple-A, Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast celebrates Hanukkah (December 24 – January 1) in a special way.

They have conjoured up a delightful cocktail specifically made for the Festival of Lights. It’s called the Blue Dreidel and it’s perfect for celebrating 8 or 80 nights at this gorgeous all inclusive resort.

Commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Jewish holiday is observed for eight days and nights by the kindling of the menorah lights.

For traveling palates who can’t make it to the resort this year, the recipe to make at home is as follows.

Presented with chocolate coins serving as traditional Hanukkah gelt (money), the drink is a combination of Bombay gin, macerated grapes, fresh rosemary and lemon juice.

The Blue Dreidel Cocktail

1 oz Blue Curaçao

● 1 oz Bombay gin
● Dash of lemon juice
● 1 tsp sugar
● 4 green grapes
● Soda Water
● Chopped dried fruit
● Slice of lemon
● Sprig rosemary

Macerate the grapes, lemon, rosemary and sugar in a glass. Add ice, gin and Curaçao to glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon and sprinkle rosemary on top. Serve and enjoy.

The fabulous Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit enjoys a privileged natural setting with flowering, landscaped gardens beside a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

The centerpiece of the gardens is a three-tiered infinity pool, a popular spot with guests for catching the legendary sunsets. The AAA Five Diamond all-inclusive resort features 267 ocean-view suites, some with private plunge pools, and all with plasma TVs, wireless internet access, fully stocked mini bar, L’Occitane amenities and Nespresso machines.

New Wellness Suites include a personal training session and massage in-suite in addition to other fitness amenities, such as a Lifecycle Exercise Bike, organic soaps, an Alchimia Apothecary Aromatherapy Kit, a Nikken Kenko pillow and comforter, and LED lamp with a clock and timer. Of the resort’s five restaurants, three, serving French, Italian and Mexican gourmet cuisine, have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and presentation.

An oasis of wellbeing, the resort’s Leading Spa of the World offers 20 treatment suites, more than 30 spa treatments, many inspired by the native traditions of Mexico and a signature water journey.

Other features include a fitness center, 24/7 in suite service, water sports, business center, tennis, baby concierge, Kids Club, and teen lounge during holidays.

Puerto Vallarta is just a 15 minute drive away. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features more than 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting facilities, including the Grand Marissa Ballroom, which consists of more than 6,000 square feet and is easily subdivided into five separate rooms.

The resort’s facilities also include four other rooms ranging from 681 to more than 1,954 square feet that offer several arrangement variations to maximize meeting productivity and efficiency. The resort has won numerous awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, U.S. News and World Report and Forbes.

Hat’s off to the brothers, Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, and Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts.

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About Jake Johnson 243 Articles
Jake Johnson is a full-time travel bum, who prefers warm climates where the women wear less clothing. We've tried to teach him things like manners and diplomacy, but we've given up and simply rely on our editors to remove the most offensive bits from his articles. We take no responsibility for his inane ramblings opinions - they are his own.
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