Grey Goose Brand Ambassador Kayla Grigoriou knows a perfect martini when she sips one. Grigoriou, who joined Bacardi-Martini Australia this month, has a background in spirit distilling and massive on-premise experience, across venues such as hotels, cocktails bars and premium restaurants, most recently as manager at Bar Torino & Chianti in Adelaide.

According to Grigoriou, while the martini is a classic staple at bars, people are increasingly drinking them at home as well.

“Creating more elaborate, high-quality cocktails at home is a positive trend that has occurred following COVID-19,” she said.

“People have become more knowledgeable in cocktail making and spirit pairings, leading to an increased willingness to invest more in a premium spirit.

“Consumers are no longer dependent on going out to the bar to enjoy these high-end drinks, but are now turning to their bar trolleys and liquor cabinets to whip up their next cocktail.”

Grigoriou (above) said the appeal of the classic Martini with its many variations is that it is incredibly simple to create.

“Whether you prefer it with olive, extra vermouth or a lemon twist, the classic has the capability to appeal to a wide range of Martini – and vodka – connoisseurs.

“Vodka has also always been popular amongst Australians, due to its immense versatility and approachable flavour profile. With the love for vodka, the super-premium vodka category in Australia has surged by 34%.”

Mixing the perfect martini

“Martinis are all about quality,” Grigoriou said. “You need to make sure that when you are picking your ingredients you are picking the best quality you can. Everyone should have a bottle of vodka – Grey Goose, of course – in the freezer and a bottle of dry vermouth – preferably Noilly Prat – in the fridge.

“These two perfectly complement each other and make a cracking Martini. All you have to do is vary the amount of vermouth, adding in olive brine if you wish or simply a lemon twist and you have the base for the perfect weekend drink!”

When it comes to making the perfect martini, Grigoriou said it should always begin with a super-premium spirit.

“As a Martini is extremely alcohol centred, with the spirit as the hero, it’s essential you have a vodka that is smooth and satisfying to sip on. That’s why Grey Goose Vodka, which sweet, floral, and only made with single-origin Picardie wheat and
natural spring water, is the perfect base for any Martini.

“As we know, Martinis are simple in ingredients but difficult in execution. You want a super-premium spirit and a vermouth that isn’t too floral – nice and dry. Vodka is the hero of a martini, and therefore you want a vodka that has texture, a little flavour and overall, a smooth finish.

“Aside from your vodka, dilution and ensure your drink is chilled is the most important part. And then trial and error to see how you actually enjoy sipping your Martini.

“Is it dirty (olives and brine) or with a lemon twist? Wet – more vermouth – or dry, with only a drop of vermouth? That is the fun part, experimenting and finding your perfect Martini of choice.”

After-dark Martini tips

Fellow Bacardi Martini expert Joey Chisholm has also shared his best tips on how to enjoy a Martini after dark.

1. You can never go past a Classic Martini Cocktail. Once you have the classic recipe down pat, you can explore a
   variety of other martini recipes
2. Impress with an Espresso Martini Cocktail for a change from the usual after dinner coffee for your guests. It’s
   sophisticated, caffeinated, and perfect for being the ultimate host.
3. For centuries, vodka has traditionally been served after dinner as a digestif. So, rather than serving it straight,
   opt for a Wet Martini Cocktail which contains vermouth another traditional digestif.
4. If you’re too full for dessert but craving something sweet yet tangy, try making a Passionfruit Martini Cocktail
   – it’s just right; refreshing and fun. They’re so morish – it is hard to stop at one!
5. For a romantic night in, pop on some French love songs while making a classic French Martini Cocktail.
6. Finally, if you want a quiet end to your night at home — one last, delicious sip to end the day — look no further
   than The Fireside Martini Cocktail. Easy, tasty and fragrant.

Grey Goose Classic Martini Cocktail

• 50ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 10ml Noilly Prat Original French Dry Vermouth
• Dash of Orange Bitters

Method: Add Vodka, Vermouth and bitters to a cocktail shaker and mixing glass filled with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist, grapefruit twist, onions, or olives.

Grey Goose Espresso Martini Cocktail

• 50ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 30ml Single Origin Espresso
• 20ml Coffee Liqueur
• Pinch of Salt
• 3 Coffee Beans

Method: Add Vodka, Espresso and Coffee Liqueur into a shaker. Shake briskly and strain into a Martini cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.

Grey Goose Wet Martini Cocktail

• 50ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 10ml NOILLY PRAT Original French Dry Vermouth
• Dash of Orange Bitters
• 2 Mediterranean Olives

Method: Build ingredients in a Boston Glass. Topped with cubed ice and stir. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a pair of Mediterranean olives.

Grey Goose Passionfruit Martini Cocktail

• 40ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 20ml Passionfruit Liqueur
• 50ml Passionfruit Puree
• 2 flat bar spoons of Vanilla Sugar
• 1 shot of champagne on the side

Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with all ingredients and briskly shake for 20 seconds. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass and
garnish with half a passionfruit. Serve with a shot of champagne on the side.

Grey Goose French Martini Cocktail

• 35ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 50ml Freshly Pressed Pineapple Juice
• 10ml Chambord
• Raspberries

Method: Build ingredients in a Boston Glass. Topped with cubed Ice and shake. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a raspberry.

Grey Goose Fireside Martini Cocktail

• 50ml GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• Organic Maple Syrup
• 1 Sprig Rosemary
• 1 Pinch of Salt
• 50ml Freshly Squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juice

Method: Prep the glassware ahead of time to build the cocktail in front of guests. In the bottom of a rocks glass, briefly crush the rosemary leaves into the maple and salt. Fill with good-quality ice and add the GREY GOOSE. Top with fresh pink grapefruit juice and stir well. Garnish with an extra sprig of rosemary.

Bacardi-Martini Australia expands its Advocacy team