Tag Archives: Mahiki

Prince William Turns 30: Let’s have a cocktail.

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A BIRTHDAY BEVERAGE FIT FOR A KING
– Supermarket creates Royals’ favourite cocktail for a less-than-princely sum –

Prince William inherited £10 million from his mother on his 30th birthday today, and the Queen also got a 16% pay rise. For those with less money you can enjoy Prince William’s favourite tipple but without the £135 price tag – thanks to supermarket Aldi who has recreated the royals’ favourite cocktail, the famous Mahiki Treasure Chest, for less than a fifth of the price.

Coined the “Aldiki”, the cocktail is recommended to be served in a treasure chest, just like the original, which is enjoyed by royals, actors and musicians alike at trendy London bar, Mahiki.

Costing just £25.80 and serving 16 people, the Aldiki is an exotic mix of rum, brandy, peach schnapps and fruit juice from the supermarket’s award-winning drinks range – topped off with a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine.

Expert mixologist and cocktail guru Michael Stringer, who created the Aldiki especially for Aldi, has created a video demonstrating how to recreate the drink at home in time for the Prince’s 30th.

Michael said: “Mahiki’s Treasure Chest is deservedly a world-famous drink, but for anyone on a tighter budget, the Aldiki is a great alternative. The top quality range of spirits available at Aldi means that Brits who like to be creative with their cocktails can afford to experiment at home without breaking the bank.

“The Aldiki is a refreshing and theatrical cocktail perfect for a right royal celebration – and it proves that you don’t need a regal budget to party like a prince.”

The supermarket is sending the Aldiki ingredients to Kensington Palace today, to congratulate the Prince on reaching his milestone and encourage him to try out the tasty tipple at the party the Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly throwing for her husband.

An Aldi spokesperson added: “We wanted to help our customers celebrate this special date in a fun but affordable way. And what could be more fitting than raising a glass to the Prince in the style that he enjoys most – but at just a fraction of the price.

“We’re hoping the Aldiki might even receive the royal seal of approval from Kensington Palace.”

To create your own Aldiki cocktail at home, simply view the how-to video at www.aldi.co.uk, or follow the recipe below:

THE ALDIKI (Serves 16)
1. Pour several handfuls of ice cubes into your treasure chest or punch bowl
2. Add 800ml apple juice, 800ml pineapple juice, 250ml orange juice, and stir
3. Squeeze in the juice of 4 fresh limes
4. Make up your sugar syrup by dissolving 6 tablespoons of caster sugar in 200ml boiling water. Leave to cool before adding to the cocktail mix
5. Add the following award-winning Aldi spirits to the blend:
a. 400ml Old Hopking White Rum
b. 600ml Old Hopking Dark Rum
c. 200ml Cocobay White Rum & Coconut
d. 200ml Oscar’s Peach Schnapps
e. 250ml Napoleon Brandy
6. Top with a bottle of chilled Veuve Olivier Sparkling Brut sparkling wine
7. Stir to blend and add more ice cubes if desired
8. Finally, add a selection of chopped fresh fruit (eg. pineapple, lemon, orange and passion fruit) to garnish

Meet the Spencers: How to manage the in-laws on your (Royal) wedding day

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Meet the Spencers: How to manage the in-laws on your (Royal) wedding day

There are just nine days to go until HRH Prince William of Wales ties the knot with Catherine Middleton, and no doubt pre-wedding jitters have well and truly set in.

But while most couples concern themselves with button-holes and buffets in the run up to the wedding, Wills and Kate have bigger problems afoot. The in-laws.

As the silver is polished, and the flowers are arranged, the happy couple will no doubt be contemplating the one part of the day they can’t control: their relatives. Will Uncle Gary create a spectacle when he flies in from La Maison de Bang Bang? And what’s cousin Amelia planning for her biggest public appearance since that incident at McDonald’s Cape Town?

Luckily for Wills and Kate, thecoupleconnection.net – an online DIY relationship support service, which helps couples deal with issues ranging from in-laws to infidelity and offers free marriage preparation materials – is on hand with some top tips for reeling in the rellies on their big day.

1. You can say what you like about your own family, but tread carefully when it comes to your partner’s. If Uncle Gaz chats up one of the Spencer girls on the edge of the dance floor, you’d do well to blooming button it, Wills.

2. Think through your seating plan carefully. Do you really want Earl Spencer on a table full of single girls? Would Lady Kitty and Chelsy Davy collude to turn a state occasion into a raucous night at Mahiki? Consider who you’d rather keep apart.

3. Have autonomy over your day. Wills and Kate know that ensuring you make the final decisions gives pushy grandmas less room for manoeuvre. Instead give relatives specific tasks that will make them feel valued without allowing them to interfere in other areas.

4. If you’re going to invite the black sheep of the family, take the pressure of yourself and insist your partner invites at least one oddball from their side, too.

5. Introduce the in-laws beforehand. If you think one side might be frosty, arrange a pre-wedding outing that will help break down barriers. Wine tasting usually works.

If all this fails, stuff them all and just elope.

Fortunately for the Royal couple, 29 April is likely to run smoothly. William and Kate undertook marriage preparation in the months leading up to the wedding and have most likely already discussed how to deal with any family issues that might arise.

For those that don’t have the Archbishop of Canterbury on speed dial, it’s now possible to prepare for the big day by working through thecoupleconnection.net’s “making a commitment” articles, which help address issues that may arise throughout a marriage – all in a space and time convenient to them, and without the need to sign up for more formal marriage preparation classes.

Victoria Aitken on music, film and fashion.

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1) You have tried a few different careers in your life. What is your favorite?

Same ones as you…Aren’t you also a writer and actress ? [I am indeed – Editor] I love being a singer songwriter as its a combination of being a writer and actress. But love acting too as its so fun-I almost gave it up but this year was great-a fun film I just acted in Persuite just got into rain dance and this summer I acted in film – called the lotus eaters, the script was amazing- and they have lots of great bands music in the film.

2) Who are your musical influences?

Ace of Base, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Dave Aude – I love his remixes- I also was just listening to some Bimbo Jones remixes which are great.

3) Who is the most inspirational person you have ever met?

That varies from time to time, right now its very inspirational listening to Glam Scum radio -its not your usual kind of radio station , check out www.glamscum.com

4) Do you think being called Aitken is a help or a hindrance ?

In music- a hindrance for fashion parties it helps- helps with some things, hinders things with others.

5) Your music career is going well. How does that feel?

It feels amazing ! I can hardly believe I’ve had 4 songs in the charts one after the other.

6) Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?

Usually men ! As Lady Gaga’ would say usually from some “Bad Romance”

7) Where do you hang out in London?

Bungalow 8 , Whisky Mist – Piers Adam is amazing- I ran into him in the street recently and he has been very kind. Also Guy Pelly- who used to be the man behind Mahiki has a new venture (place) coming soon and knowing him, it will be somewhere amazing –

8) What are your favorite designers?

Latisha Reuss- I love her rings, Just Bluff for T-shirts, Gina for shoes,
Mecura sunglasses are amazing.

9) What is your proudest moment?

Getting to number 7 in the dance charts without a record label.

10) What’s next?

New songs

Thank you Victoria.