Guests are invited to savor a new cocktail experience created by celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. "Our hotel lounges and bars are a place for friends and colleagues to come together, or a place to unwind with a delicious, hand-crafted cocktail at the end of a busy day-" said Meredith Quarnstrom, vice president of food & beverage, Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Hilton Hotels have announced the launch of "Travel.Taste.Toast." a new beverage initiative that brings innovative cocktail experiences to select Hilton hotel bars and lounges across the U.S.

To design the world-class cocktails Hilton tapped celebrity mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, known as The Modern Mixologist, who created drink recipes inspired by exotic destinations, including the sultry Sao Paolo Samba, alluring Barcelona, and adventurous Road to Hana inspired by the cool breezes of Hawaii (recipes included below).

In addition, bartenders at several Hilton Hotels participated in a contest to find the tastiest cocktail. The Hilton Austin's Mirjana Kucan took home first prize for her Hot Summer Night, a delicious blend of ABSOLUT® vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and honey muddled with thyme and topped with Sprite®.

"Travel.Taste.Toast." menus will include 20 cocktails representing 14 countries, including Thailand, Mexico, France and the U.K. Hotel bartenders received an instructional DVD and training materials to ensure that each cocktail is made to perfection.

 "Hilton's ‘Travel.Taste.Toast.' initiative celebrates the cultural diversity of our guests and our hotels, and celebrates the true art of cocktail making."