Hit the jackpot with a fabulous get-away

 

 

The jackpot for Wednesday’s Powerball Lottery has reached a jaw-dropping $1.5 billion, with millions of dreamers contemplating how they would spend the money, should they beat the 1-in-292 million odds of winning.

Personally, I am hoping for an altruistic winner, someone who would spread that lovely cash around doing good in this world. Still, I hope the new billionaire also would indulge in a treat.

Unknown-1How about a great vacation? Here are five pricey possibilities:

Private New Zealand Adventure – Folks who don’t have to show up for work can spend 44 days in New Zealand. This custom itinerary includes white-water rafting down the Rangitaiki River; hiking tours through national parks; wine tastings at historic wineries in the South Island’s Cromwell region; helicopter flights to remote locations; fly fishing at top-tier lodges; tours of the glowworm-lined Waitomo Caves; and sailing through the Bay of Islands. After a month-plus in New Zealand, head to the 50th State with nine days in Hawaii, split between Maui’s Montage Kapalua Bay and Honolulu’s renowned Halekulani hotel. The trip starts at $83,000 per couple.

Icebreaker North PoleNorth Pole via Nuclear Icebreaker – Sail for the legendary North Pole on a 14-day Arctic voyage aboard the nuclear icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory. Chill out with a view of the moving icebreaker from a helicopter. Feel the crunch of thick pack ice under your boots, and observe bears, birds, seals and walruses. The tour starts at $26,995 per person.

Unknown-3 Tour The Silk Road by Private Train – Retrace one of the most important trading routes of ancient civilization on a 22-day private train tour in the footsteps of  Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. For centuries, merchants and adventurers journeyed to and from China on ancient routes stretching 4,000 miles through some of the most challenging landscapes in the world trading silk, spices and perfumes. Get on board for fares starting at $24,595 per person. (If you don’t hit the lottery, shorter hops are available for a lot less.)

Unknown-2Russian Space Tour – Explore the Russian Space Program at Star City, Russia’s premier  training facility, where wanna-be cosmonauts can participate in Zero-Gravity Flight or Space Walk Training in the Orlan Space Suit Lab. At the remote Russian launch facility on the Kazakh steppe, you can make friends with top international space officials, space veterans and the family of the next space crew. The experience also includes the launch of the Soyuz on its way to the International Space Station. Prices lift off at $14,495 per person.

Unknown-4Ultimate Africa Safari – Africa is a continent of wonders, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest freestanding mountain in the world; Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World; Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera; Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world; and Cape Town, an international city with award-winning vineyards a grape toss away. This 29-day private tour explores the finest of Southern Africa, including luxurious hotels and primo tent camps. Safaris start at $27,175 per person.

Broken Shed Vodka is whey cool

bottle_2011_0-98x300Two guys in a tumbledown shack have lots of time to think. And, odds are they can really use a drink.

In a dinged-up shed on a mountain in New Zealand, two Yanks from Connecticut dreamed up a New Zealand vodka. The aptly named Broken Shed is distilled four times. It’s gluten-free, additive-free and naturally smooth. No sugar, either.

The creamy notes come from whey, which the Broken Shed folks refer to as “milk honey.” The result is an inviting vodka that is round, rather than sharp, with no cloying sweetness.

Whey to go, guys.

Expect to pay about $30 for a 750 ml bottle. Broken Shed is currently available in New York, Connecticut and online purveyors.

0You could tuck a bottle of Broken Shed in the freezer and enjoy with ice and a lemon twist. The makers suggest a classic cocktail to get us through ‘til spring.

In the 1960s, the Old Fashioned cocktail was in vogue. My grandparents traveled with their own blend, delighting hosts who would add ice and an orange slice. Typically made using bourbon or whiskey, Broken Shed has put their own spin on this timeless temptation.

 

Here’s a whey-cool recipe:

Old Fashioned

3 oz Broken Shed vodka

3 dash bitters

1 sugar cube

Zest of lemon/orange/grapefruit

Garnish- flamed or not

In glass, add sugar cube with bitters and few slices of zest, add 3 oz vodka and 4 cubes ice. Stir for 10-15 seconds.

Garnish and serve to copious thanks.