Since 1864, Smirnoff has introduced some of the most iconic and widely replicated cocktails into our collective cultural drinks cabinet, from the vodka martini that took America by storm to the creation of Brit favourite the Bloody Mary. Smirnoff, bold and inventive as ever, is celebrating their historic disruption in cocktail culture via ‘True Originals’ by handing over some of their best-known cocktails and No. 21 bottle to be reimagined by musical originators Gorillaz this autumn. Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz brought a never-before-seen immersive and creative approach to music.

The release of their eponymous debut album in 2001 saw 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Russel Hobbs and guitar prodigy Noodle burst onto the global stage following a collision of mishaps, meetings and pure luck to blow up a pre-digital world with their colourful backstory and ground-breaking virtual ways to become a truly global cultural phenomenon.

This collaboration, a testament to the endless possibilities that arise from embracing the power of distinctiveness, begins with each of the four band members creating their own personal twist on some classic cocktails made famous by Smirnoff. From Murdoc’s Vodka Murdini (a spin on the classic vodka martini) to Russel’s Smirnoff Brooklyn (paying homage to the vodka Manhattan and his love for chilli), each one of the band’s signature recipes will feature on the exclusive limited edition Smirnoff x Gorillaz bottle.

Commenting on the collaboration, Murdoc said “Nothing to see here folks — just the OG vodka brand teaming up with the OG virtual band. Cheers Smirnoff — pleasure doing business with you! I’m not usually one for labels, but this is a beauty!”

“Smirnoff is built on the spirit of originality and individuality in all forms; Gorillaz are true originals who dare to push the boundaries in everything they do. We are thrilled to be working with the band to continue creating originality and disrupting the creativity of cocktails.” Mark Jarman, Head of Smirnoff GB.

As you would expect from the two originators, the partnership will also see a truly original experience to come later in the year.

To get your hands on this one-off bottle, head over to Amazon from 27th October 2022. And to those who aren’t fortunate enough to nab a bottle in time, don’t forget to bookmark the Smirnoff x Gorillaz cocktail recipes, to recreate a truly original moment from the comfort of your own home. Follow Smirnoff social media channels for more information.

Smirnoff presents ‘True Originals’ with Gorillaz. – Smirnoff Vodka martini becomes the… Vodka Murdini.

Until smooth Smirnoff Vodka came along, nobody had tried using vodka in a martini. In the 1950s, Smirnoff led a cocktail disruption across America by replacing gin in this classic serve and now millions of martini fans mix with Smirnoff Vodka instead of gin.

Murdoc Niccals is affectionately regarded by the Gorillaz fandom community as Pickle (owing to his green skin) and we wouldn’t put it past him to consider himself the ideal candidate for the next Bond, so it was a no brainer to take the shaken-not-stirred classic and whack a pickle in it… Hold the olive.

Vodka Murdini Recipe (Units per drink: 2)

Ingredients:

● 50ml Smirnoff No.21 Vodka
● 15ml Belsazar Dry Vermouth
● 10ml Olive brine
● Dash of saline optional
● Pickles (to garnish)

Preparation:

1. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Measure Smirnoff Vodka, Vermouth and brine in a
jigger and pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
3. Shake until cold.
4. Double strain into a cold martini glass.
5. Garnish with pickles.

The Smirnoff Vodka Manhattan becomes the… Smirnoff Brooklyn

Named after a New York City Borough and dating back in 1864, the Manhattan was originally enjoyed with whiskey. Fast forward seven decades along comes Smirnoff in the 1930s opening up a new world of flavours for Manhattan lovers and enthusiasts, with vodka rapidly becoming the perfect ally to vermouths and bitters.

Russel Hobbs is from Brooklyn — straight up (no ice). Whilst the modern Manhattan sits on the darker side, Hobbs is here to lighten things up with a twist on the OG Smirnoff Vodka original recipe. He doesn’t farm chilli peppers for nothing: he’s turning up the heat with a chilli twist… Hold the cherry.

Smirnoff Brooklyn Recipe (Units per drink: 2.5)

Ingredients:

Preparation:

● 50ml Smirnoff No.21 Vodka
● 25ml Sweet Vermouth
● 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
● Chilli slices
● Whole large red chilli

1. Measure both Smirnoff Vodka and Vermouth in a jigger and pour cocktail ingredients into mixing glass with ice.
2. Add 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters and 2-3 slices of chilli.
3. Stir down until cold.
4. Strain into a cold martini glass.
5. Garnish with whole chilli.

The Smirnoff Vodka highball becomes the… Vodka Eyeball

Like the other iconic cocktails made famous by Smirnoff, the highball has a long history dating back to the 1890s but it wasn’t until 1950s that Smirnoff mixologists swapped out the usual brandy or whiskey for their iconic ultra smooth blend — the rest is history!

2D famously has a pair of eyes that (for reasons unknown) go from black to white, and he keeps a pet satsuma. Meet: the Eyeball. He still doesn’t know it’s actually called highball, hence the gummy eye garnish…

Vodka Eyeball Recipe (Units per drink: 2)

Ingredients:

● 50ml Smirnoff No.21 Vodka
● Soda Water
● Fresh lemon juice – squeezed from
a large wedge
● Eyeball gummies (optional)

Preparation:

1. Fill a long glass with ice.
2. Measure Smirnoff Vodka in a jigger and add to the
glass.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir.
5. Garnish with eyeball gummies.

The Smirnoff Passionfruit martini cocktail becomes the… Sayonara Martini Cocktail

This modern classic has become a UK favourite in the last several years with Smirnoff being part of its revolution since 2008. The delicious combination of passion fruit, vanilla and lime flavours burst through the smoothness of Smirnoff Vodka – a cocktail that was truly made for flavour first.

Wave goodbye to bad vibes and demons alike. Enter passionfruit and welcome echoes of a childhood in Japan with yuzu sake. A delicate touch of vanilla completes Noodle’s Sayonara Martini.

Sayonara Martini Cocktail Recipe (Units per drink: 2.25)

Ingredients:

● 50ml Smirnoff No.21 Vodka
● 25ml Yuzu Sake
● 15ml Vanilla syrup
● 35ml passion fruit puree
● Half passion fruit to garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Measure Smirnoff Vodka and other cocktail
ingredients in a jigger.
3. Pour into a cocktail shaker and shake until cold.
4. Double strain into a cold martini glass.
5. Garnish with half passion fruit.

Available to buy here

W: Smirnoff

@smirnoffeurope