Let’s drink to that

The world’s most awarded vodka, New Zealand’s 42Below, was introduced in a private party at Embassy SuperClub last March 25. It was an all out evening of learning, fun, and delicious vodka cocktails.  And, to make the night complete, 42Below’s very own brand ambassador Jacob Briars flew in to join the festivities.

As 42Below’s certified Vodka professor, Briars first recounted the history of the brand which began as a weekend hobby, in a small garage in Wellington by some crazy New Zealanders and today has achieved cult vodka status, becoming the hippest drink for the fashionable, artistic set the world over.

The secret to its taste?

Well, there are several factors, the most important probably being that it comes from the cleanest place on earth. Not to mention, unlike other Vodkas with 37-40 percent alcohol, its smooth and distinct flavor comes at 42 proof!

Briars then kept guests enthralled with his skillful and dynamic demonstration of how to mix various refreshing and indulgent cocktails using 42Below and a wide array of ingredients and combinations.  He even created a cocktail especially for the Philippines called Summerbreeze — a mix of dalandan juice/ apple juice and 42below pure.

After the program, guests continued to party on, as various 42Below cocktails flowed free throughout the night to the soundtrack of Embassy DJ Owens Sun.

 Marketing head and expatriate Rajiv Ghumman, the man behind 42below, as well as Bacardi and Grey Goose, further said about the brand: “From Volar and Drop in Hongkong, to The Beverly Hills Hotel in LA, Bungalow 8 in New York, the Victor Hotel in Miami, Madonna’s favorite haunt, The Blue Room at The Berkeley in London, Buddha Bar in Paris, M.O.S. (Ministry of Sound) in Singapore and Bed Supper Club in Bangkok, this hip, scorching new vodka brand from the 42nd parallel has truly taken the world by storm, and party people everywhere have  fallen in love with its distinct flavor and its quirky and dynamic attitude. It’s got a truly incomparable taste and Jacob has shown us the many delightful ways of drinking this sensational new vodka brand.”

Want to try out one of Jacob Briar’s favourite 42Below mixes? Here’s a simple recipe you can sample at home:

Chilli Mango Gimlet

This is a lively juicy cocktail that is not only a delicious aperitif but can be enjoyed on its own. Take a little care when using fresh chillis, and be careful not to touch your eyes, or other sensitive parts of your anatomy, after preparing chillis.

45 mls (1 1/2 oz) 1 1/2 parts 42Below Pure vodka

10 mls (1/3 oz) 1/3 part lime cordial or lime syrup

45 mls (1 1/2 oz) 1 1/2 parts mango juice

Juice of half a lime

Dash of gomme or simple syrup

1 small slice of chilli, seeded

In a cocktail shaker, squeeze in limes and add 42Below vodka, syrups and juice. Fill with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.