Setting the mood for the festivities.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? - Brief article

Cocktails play a prominent role in many gatherings. Whether at a casual get-together, elegant dinner, major social event, or anything in between, the type of drinks served often sets the mood for the festivities. New products continue to enter the market to fill this niche and we've come across a few noteworthy additions.

Lovers of tequila may be surprised to hear that Jose Cuervo, the largest producer of tequila Flavored through Mexico and around the world, has introduced three flavored varieties: Citrico, made with lime and other citrus fruits; Oranjo, containing orange and other citrus fruits; and Tropina, made with a blend of pineapple and tropical fruit flavors. While we're so accustomed to associating tequila with margaritas or as a quick shot followed by a little salt and lime, Cuervo Flavored Tequilas ($18.99, 750 ml), distilled and bottled in Mexico, can be enjoyed in shots, sipped on the rocks, or mixed in a cocktail. We particularly liked Tropina mixed with pineapple and orange juice. For more information and recipes, visit www.cuervo.com.

You may have noticed a new eye-catching, square vodka bottle covered in crisp, etched dots. That would be Yes! Vodka, the super-premium brand distilled in Holland. Made with 100% wheat grain and water purified by reverse osmosis, Yes! has an ultra-smooth finish thanks to a process borrowed from distilled gin--quadruple filtering. It first passes through a chill filter to freeze and remove any impurities, and then is charcoal filtered, micro purified, and finally crystal-clear filtered immediately prior to bottling. The product of J&S Imports, Shaumburg, Ill., Yes! ($29.95, 750 ml) can best be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but also is well-suited for any mixed drink.

For more information, visit www.yesimportedvodka.com.

If flavored vodkas are your passion, Stolichnaya Authentic Russian Vodka has debuted the world's first blueberry-flavored variety, Stoli Blueberi. Distilled from Russian grain and clear natural water, it is immersed in the aromatic essence of freshly picked blueberries before being quadruple filtered. While the crystal clear Stoli Blueberi ($19.99, 750 ml) is best served ice cold and is smooth enough to drink by itself, Stoli turned to The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS to create specialty cocktails...