The world’s first luxury vodka, Belvedere Vodka, is revisiting the classics to celebrate the iconic martini on its global appreciation day of June 19th. Starting on this date and spreading across the Globe, Belvedere Vodka will be initiating the “World’s Largest Toast” to the martini on World Martini Day.
Auckland will be joining in on the global World Martini Day celebrations by hosting a ‘Casino Royale’ themed cocktail party at Auckland’s iconic Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill on June 19th. Guests will be given a true martini experience by being welcomed to Harbourside on a red carpet with James Bond inspired imagery as a backdrop. Guests will be able to enjoy a selection of Belvedere Martini’s at the signature Belvedere bar on the deck whilst enjoying a game of roulette, black jack or poker accompanied by live jazz music.
Following on from this event Belvedere will launch an Instagram Martini promotion, where followers are encouraged to post a creative twist on a Belvedere Martini between the 19th of June and 13th of July including the ‘#BelvedereNZ’ hashtag. All photos with the correct hashtag will go in the draw to win the ultimate luxury casino weekend.
The Belvedere Vodka Martini is made with Dankowskie rye, a superiorrye grown in Poland’s Mazovian region, and diluted with proprietary artesian water, Belvedere Vodka is the natural choice as the base of your martini. It’s perfect balance of elegance and character. Belvedere Unfiltered is vodka at its smoothest and most distinctive, boasting aromas of baked bread and toasted nuts on the nose and a rich combination of salted caramel, sea salt and white pepper flavors on the palate. The finish is a silky smooth balance of salty and sweet, with notes of vanilla.
Then come the four easy steps – Shaken or stirred; options on vermouth; the ratio of vodka to vermouth followed by the garnish (traditionally an olive or lemon twist). Enjoying a martini is a very individual experience, and although the ingredients are few, the possibilities are endless and are best when approached with confidence – shaken, stirred, straight up or on the rocks. For those just beginning their Martini journey, the Classic Belvedere combines Belvedere Vodka with Lillet Blanc and a refreshing twist of pink grapefruit, while the Belvedere Unfiltered creates an excellent on the rocks choice, paired with Dolin dry vermouth and a green olive or cucumber slice garnish.
“The Martini’s durability is testament to its ability to withstand many variables, but today we restrict ourselves to only asking for shaken or stirred, lemon or olive,” says Claire Smith, Belvedere Vodka Head of Spirit Creation & Mixology. “The beauty of this iconic drink lies in the truth that it is the most personal cocktail. Knowledge is power, but also makes for a better drink. Therefore, the most perfect Belvedere Martini is not a prescribed recipe we tell you to drink, it’s one that you’ve crafted yourself, because you know HOW. Think of this as a journey of exploration, a voyage if you will. You’re like Christopher Columbus, in search of a new Martini experience, something exciting and mysterious, uncharted territory, and getting to Know Your Martini along the way.” The Know Your Martini master class is a perfect illustration of Belvedere Vodka’s motto “Know the difference”, highlighting the brand’s unrivalled quality and rich heritage of Polish vodka-making.
Stemming back to the late 1800’s, the timeless cocktail has aligned with the culture of its moment in history – from the post-prohibition era where it portrayed sophistication, to its signature cinematic entrance into the world of James Bond, and up to present day with Belvedere.
Shaken or Stirred Classic Cocktail Recipes
The Classic Belvedere
2 oz/60ml Belvedere Vodka
¼ oz/10ml Lillet Blanc
Twist of pink grapefruit
Combine Belvedere and Lillet in mixing glass and stir over ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of pink grapefruit.
