• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

  • All
  • Family
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Decor
  • About Lena
  • Contact

Savour the Summer: Belvedere Vodka Martini

June 20, 2014 By Lena

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have noticed my tweets toasting World Martini Day, celebrated every year on June 19th. But do we really need a reason to indulge in a martini? Just thinking out loud here.

World Martini DayCourtesy of Belvedere Vodka, the original and true expression of luxury vodka, I channeled my inner Bond and created a classic dry martini. But for all my savvy and sophistication, I know very little about martini culture – except to only accept one from a stranger at a bar.

(I’ve done the morning-after walk of shame after accepting two – I won’t be repeating that any time soon!)

So, what exactly is a vodka martini? A vodka martini is a cocktail containing unequal portions of vodka and dry vermouth (somewhere in a ratio of about 2:1) served chilled, in a conical stemmed glass, garnished with either a green olive or a lemon twist.

Shaken or stirred? Well, here are the facts. Shaking cools a drink more quickly, but is more likely to chip small shards off the ice, some of which will make their way into the drink, no matter how carefully one strains and pours. Which may be part of the reason why some people prefer their martini stirred. At the end of the day, neither option is better – it’s simply what you prefer.

Though it’s decidedly cooler to say #BelvedereShaken.

What’s the big deal about vodka? Premium vodka, specifically the iconic Belvedere brand, is created exclusively from Polish Dankowskie Rye and quadruple-distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity. It is completely free of additives and is sourced from purified water from Belvedere’s own artisan wells. 

Tell me more! Okay, here’s what you can expect. According to Belvedere, to start, the nose will detect light notes of vanilla, along with the gentle characteristics of the softest cream. The palate will be invigorated with a naturally smooth, rich, velvety texture swaying between sweet and savory – with a hint of black pepper and spice. The long, luxurious finish is simply beautiful, with notes of almond, clotted cream, and faint characteristics of Brazil nut.

Belvedere Vodka World Martini DayI’ll admit it; the dry martini was served to my husband, who appreciates the refined sophistication and pureness on the palette. But I’m a girly girl! Yes, I was the one ordering a Fuzzy Navel at the bar in my early 20’s. (I later graduated to Sex on the Beach and then G&T, but I’ll forever prefer my drinks to taste like candy.) Hence, you can bet that that my martini was more of a Killer Kool-Aid.

Belvedere Vodka World Martini DaySpecial thanks to Belvedere Vodka for helping us celebrate World Martini Day. So, what are your plans for the weekend? Perhaps they include a martini or two? (If so, I’m only an e-mail away!) Enjoy the summer, friends!

Filed Under: Food Tagged With: #WorldMartiniDay, Belvedere Vodka, Belvedere Vodka World Martini Day, mixed drinks

Previous Post: « Planning the Perfect Trip: Summer Travel Tips
Next Post: #FamilyTravelCA: Introducing Four Seasons Toronto »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maggie C

    June 20, 2014 at 8:52 am

    My go to brand of vodka is Belvedere or Grey Goose. Great article!

    • Lena

      June 20, 2014 at 8:53 am

      Thanks Maggie! Cheers!

  2. Anne Taylor

    June 20, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    I love a good martini! I remember my aunt came up from L.A. once and we went out for drinks. She was so pissed off with our “tiny” martinis. I guess in L.A. martinis are a lot bigger lol

    Have a great summer Lena and family!

    • Lena

      June 20, 2014 at 2:29 pm

      Large martinis in LA? I think I need to take a road trip! Same to you Anne!

  3. MrDisco

    June 20, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    I don’t believe I’ve tried a martini

    • Lena

      June 20, 2014 at 2:29 pm

      What?? This is scandalous in so many ways!

  4. Suzie M

    June 20, 2014 at 6:19 pm

    there are so many fabulous ways to mix a martini hard to chose whats best

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      It’s true!!

  5. JaimeeM

    June 20, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    That is one fancy martini shaker set!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Hahaha it’s pretty awesome :)

  6. Chandra Christine O'Connor

    June 20, 2014 at 7:20 pm

    I have a bridal shower on sunday I seem to be on the road all weekend long drives. Ive never had a martini I dont think Id like it not a fan of vodka

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Maybe go easy on the vodka.. they’re really delish!

      • Lena

        August 4, 2014 at 5:58 pm

        Or try a sweet one to start – like watermelon!

  7. DebH

    June 20, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Didn’t know there was such thing as a World Martini Day!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:53 pm

      Of course there is! LOL

  8. loucheryl

    June 20, 2014 at 10:21 pm

    I would love a martini right now! It’s Friday night!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      I hear that!

  9. Nicole W.

    June 21, 2014 at 2:29 am

    World martini day?! I’m in!!!!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Hahaha remember to celebrate next year!

  10. Debbie W

    June 21, 2014 at 4:36 am

    I’ve never had a martini. BYW… I like that carrying case.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      So do I – it’s beautiful!

  11. Nicky

    June 21, 2014 at 12:51 pm

    nice bottle, bet the contents taste good ;-)
    this weekend we are having friends over for a visit :-)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      Perfect time for a martini!

  12. Flora M

    June 21, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Love that martini set you have. Don’t worry, I won’t be tempted to scoop it (I don’t drink).
    I did enjoy reading the difference between “shaken” and “stirred” though – I have always wondered since the James Bond movies LOL

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:54 pm

      LOL well there you go!

  13. Eldon

    June 21, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    I never had a vodka martini before

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      You must try them :)

  14. MrDisco

    June 21, 2014 at 8:13 pm

    love the fancy case it came in

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Me too!

  15. Heidi C.

    June 21, 2014 at 10:50 pm

    I have to admit that I also like my drinks sweet so I am not much of a martini girl but my hubby loves them.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      I like sweet martinis :)

  16. Florence C

    June 22, 2014 at 10:45 am

    I don’t think I had a Martini. I will be vacationing for a few days with my daughter this summer, so I think when we go to eat I will order myself one.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:55 pm

      Please do! Enjoy!

  17. MrDisco

    June 22, 2014 at 1:59 pm

    I had a friend who swore by Finlandia vodka. I’ve come to learn that it wasn’t as premium as he made it out to be.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Hahaha I think Belvedere is the way to go :)

  18. Rick F

    June 23, 2014 at 10:07 am

    I love Vodka Martinis

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Awesome! Me too!

  19. Victoria Ess

    June 23, 2014 at 11:42 am

    I’m not a big fan of martini’s, unfortunately, but I do love belvedere!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      That’s awesome!

  20. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    June 23, 2014 at 12:13 pm

    Not a fan of Martini’s but will have to try Belvedere out in other drinks.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Please do Judy!

  21. Holly

    June 24, 2014 at 5:51 am

    I’m not a big drinker, but I love a dirty Martini!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Sometimes they just hit the spot!

  22. Melinda L.

    June 24, 2014 at 10:22 am

    I am all about the vodka. Can’t wait to mix it up this summer with a wide range of cocktails.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Woo hoo Melinda!

  23. Stephanie LaPlante

    July 9, 2014 at 11:41 am

    I have a new found love for martinis

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:56 pm

      Love to hear that!

  24. Anne C.

    July 15, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    I have never ever tried a Martini, but I am sure I would like it sweet too. Anything too dry is not my cup of ….vodka? I have never tried Belvedere, but it is now on my list.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Happy that it is! Please try it!

  25. Treen Goodwin

    July 23, 2014 at 9:21 am

    I had a Martini once and it was way to strong , i need one made by a pro … i think i would like it much better seems like a great drink :)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Yup, it has to be made just right!

  26. kathy downey

    November 15, 2016 at 11:55 am

    I know it must be a sin….I’ve never tried a martini !!! Honestly what’s up with that?

  27. kathy downey

    September 23, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    Got to try the Vodka martini and damn i didn’t know what i was missing..so tasty!

  28. Debbie White Beattie

    June 20, 2018 at 4:36 am

    I love vodka especially in my ceasars

Primary Sidebar

Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

Connect with Lena

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Featured

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Virtual Queue Strategies

Five Cool Tips for a Backyard Ice Cream Bar

Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!