Have You Ever Been Tempted to Drink Axe Bodyspray?

Written with Greg Thompson

There are always rumors of winos drinking aftershave just for the alcohol. Thursday night at the elegant LA/Beverly Hills area Sofitel Hotel, the idea went markedly upscale.

Every year since 1983, when Axe was launched in France by Faberge (now part of Unilever - as is Axe), a key part of Axe's success has been staying current with the release of new fragrances. This year's premiere fragrance is Bergamot. Along with two other fragrances from a new line of body sprays named Proximity, it was heralded by Belvedere vodka cocktails that were inspired by the key notes of the fragrances. In other words, Axe Body Spray cocktails!

We gathered at Rande Gerber's swank Stone Rose Lounge last night for Behind the UnScene, where we had a chance to check out the Axe "buzz", so to speak. The concept of body spray-inspired drinks seemed a little strange, but was interesting enough to entice us. Overall, the drinks were delicious and the evening was a smashing hit. And far superior to drinking canned heat. Stay tuned for Red Carpet photos and event coverage.

Bergamot was created to highlight this year's eponymous fragrance. Bergamot is the bitter orange that gives Earl Grey Tea its famous flavour (note the "Tea Time" spelling). The bitter taste of Bergamot was imitated by adding fresh key lime juice to Belvedere Cytrus. Simple syrup made this drink more approachable -- and, like the fragrance, lighter than the Amber. Shaken, not stirred, and poured up in a martini glass, Bergamot was the most traditional of the three cocktails. (Elise Thompson)