What do Republicans and a magnificent species of tree in sub-Saharan Africa have in common? Elephants! Of course, everyone knows that the mighty pachyderm is the long standing symbol for the Grand Old Party but few realize that the elephant tree of Africa produces one of the world's foremost cream liqueurs: Amarula.

Well, the Amarula folks - they of the elephant tree - want to toast the GOP - they of the elephant symbol - with some special cocktails during the Republican National Convention in New York City August 30 - September 2, 2004.

"Because we have elephants in common, Amarula wanted to develop some special cocktails that Republicans in New York and across the country can enjoy during the convention," explained Amarula marketing director Nancy Antle. "However, these cocktails are so good even Democrats will enjoy them," she hurriedly added.

Antle went on to note that the elephant tree - the correct title is the marula tree - received its nickname because the massive beasts gorge themselves on marula fruit when it ripens in early February. "Elephants travel for miles to locate ripened marula fruit and frequently bump the marula trees to shake fruit to the ground," she said.

Amarula is the second largest selling cream liqueur in the world and was introduced in the U.S. marketplace in 2002. It has a delicious rich taste with hints of caramel, butterscotch, chocolate, and vanilla.

Among the recipes sure to get every Grand Old Party started are:

• The Charging Elephant Martini - Three ounces of Amarula mixed in a shaker with one ounce of vodka and strained into a martini glass.
• The Right Tusk - Amarula with a splash of raspberry liqueur
• The Trunk and Tusk - Three ounces of Amarula mixed with an ounce of rum
• The Delegate Elephant - Amarula on the rocks with a splash of triple sec