CHARLOTTE, NC--(Marketwire - Jan 28, 2013) - In the spirit of the Chinese New Year, guests arriving at the luxury Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark Hotel during the holiday (February 10 to 11, 2013) will be offered a special treat upon check-in.

According to Kris Horacek, general manager, guests who arrive during the Chinese New Year will receive a complimentary miniature version of the "After Festival" cocktail (pictured) which will also be available as a drink special in The Bar at Flagstones. Guests who are under 21 will receive a non-alcoholic version of the drink. The Chinese New Year themed libation was designed by mixologists at Renaissance Hotels in Asia.

The tradition of the Chinese New Year is to reconcile, forget all grudges, and sincerely wish peace and happiness to everyone. Small gifts are usually exchanged when visiting friends or relatives at their homes. This will be the year of the snake in the Chinese culture.

The After Festival cocktail is a fruity concoction with a refreshing spring taste from the subtleness of basil. Those who would like to recreate this cocktail for their own Chinese New Year celebrations can follow this recipe:

Ingredients:
45 ml Chinese flower liqueur
30 ml Absolut pear
15 ml fresh orange juice
10 ml fresh lemon juice
10 ml Chinese plum juice
15 ml Simple Syrup
2 pieces fresh pear
2 pieces Basil leaves

Glass: Martini Glass
Garnish: Pear Wedge

Method:
Chill martini glass ahead of time. Muddle pear and basil leaves in dry shaker. Then put all alcohol with ice in this shaker and shake it very hard. Pour through fine strainer into Martini glass and serve with a Pear wedge garnish.

The AAA-rated Four Diamond Renaissance SouthPark Hotel is a sophisticated, contemporary, and inviting hotel. The boutique hotel is located in the affluent SouthPark neighborhood, just a few minutes south of uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. The hotel has 264 guest rooms, an indoor pool, fitness center, Flagstones Restaurant, and The Bar at Flagstones. For additional information, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cltrp-renaissance-charlotte-southpark-hotel/ or call 704-501-2510.

About Renaissance Hotels
Renaissance Hotels represents a diverse collection of more than 150 hotels in 35 countries worldwide. Each property is unique, offering passionate travelers a one-of-kind experience and memories they will be sure to take with them long after they depart. Within every hotel, guests are greeted by an exceptional array of amenities and an inspiring world of local discoveries. For travelers looking to experience something new, innovative and locally driven programs including the industry leading entertainment platform RLife LIVE as well R Navigator, ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. Renaissance Hotels. Live Life To Discover. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com. 

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