Smirnoff continues Pride 2021 with announcement of year-long campaign “Color the Future” to push for LGBTQIA+ equality every day

Looking to the future, Smirnoff is continuing the brands decades of support as an ally in the ongoing fight for equality and equity for the LGBTQIA+ community with the launch of the brand’s new “Color the Future” platform.

“After the last year, the vision for what’s ahead must be more vivid!,” said Jennifer Holiday Hudson, North America Brand Leader, Smirnoff. “We’re looking towards the future with a renewed sense of optimism and purpose for how we show up and meaningfully support the eclectic and diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Smirnoff stands for inclusivity and creating good times, safe spaces, and a wide spectrum of products for everyone.

With the launch of the brand’s new ‘Color the Future’ platform, Smirnoff is looking to spread this message year-round and highlight some of the many colorful stories and personalities at the center of intersectionality, with activities that include:

• Action Not Ads – Community Building Events in Support of Local LGBTQIA+ Communities Throughout Pride Month and Beyond with sponsorships across the country. Smirnoff has committed to hosting multiple “Color the Future” community building events throughout the remainder of the year, where adults (21+) will express their intersectional auras through color while enjoying custom cocktails featuring Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka specially tailored to them, as well as Smirnoff’s newest and most vibrant lineup, Smirnoff Pink Lemonade.
• Continued Commitment in Educating Bar and Restaurant Workers in the trade about the importance of the LGBTQIA+ community to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ bars which were most-impacted by COVID-19.
• “Color the Future” Limited Edition Cocktail Kits created in collaboration with fellow ally Bubly and Cocktail Courier available for adults (21+) to purchase until July 7 on CocktailCourier.com. Smirnoff is donating $10 for each kit sold during the month of June (up to $10,000) to the Phluid Phoundation. With the Phluid Phoundation, these donations go directly to a network of grassroots organizations that channel their energy and resources to the LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Taking the Brand’s Commitment to Inclusive Representation Further with a pledge that the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities will represent at least 50% of all people in front of the camera and behind it across Smirnoff advertising and brand marketing.

For kore infomation, go to smirnoff.com

Scottish whisky distillery Dewar’s has unveiled an eco-friendly metal box for its 12-year-old and 18-year-old blended Scotch whiskies.

Metal was chosen not only for its economy, but also to help to make the core products more sustainable and easier to recycle, while still boasting a premium matte varnish finishes and a prominent label.

Featuring different colours and designs based on the product inside, the metal whisky boxes have been unveiled for Dewar’s 12-year-old and 18-year-old blended Scotch whiskies.

Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky Aged 12 Years contains notes of citrus, vanilla and dried fruit.

The 18-year-old is said to have notes of dark chocolate, marzipan and rich fruit, and is described as an ‘indulgent post-dinner dram’ by the brand.

For more infomation, go to dewars.com

For the first time in its history, the famed American Bar at the Savoy in London will actually have an American as its head bartender.

Tebay is a seven-year veteran of the renowned bar Death & Company in New York and will begin her tenure at the American Bar in August. Tebay will be the first woman to hold the position since famed bartender Ada Coleman, who served the venue from 1903 to 1924.

Tebay said: “Becoming head bartender at the American Bar is not just the professional opportunity of a lifetime, it’s also an opportunity to continue building the bar’s legacy as a beacon of innovation and quality – in both the way we create our drinks and in how we deliver our service.”

Tebay studied at the French Culinary Institute and has a background in pastry, which she has applied to her cocktail-making technique. She said she aims to reassess some of the processes of the American Bar, which first opened in 1893.

“I hope to honour the historical significance of the American Bar and modernise bartending culture within the community at large, championing under-represented perspectives and re-evaluating best practices in order to maximise sustainability,” she explained.

Franck Arnold, managing director of The Savoy, commented: “We’re really excited to be welcoming Shannon to The Savoy. We admire her vision and her focus on teamwork. We’re looking forward to seeing her reopen the American Bar with a menu that will display her reverence for the bar’s history, and showcase the creativity and talent of the team as a whole.”

For more information on American Bar, go to thesavoylondon.com

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer and acclaimed celebrity nail artist, Chaun Legend, have joined forces to rescue canned seltzer fans from nail-cracking catastrophes this summer with a few helpful tips that will keep those Instagram-worthy nails in sensational condition all seltzer season long.

“As someone who sculpts works of art onto the hands of entertainment’s biggest stars, I will stop at nothing to avoid those unnecessary cracks, chips and dents associated with everyday mishaps,” said Chaun Legend.

“I jumped at the chance to work with Hornitos and share foolproof tricks for preserving the masterpieces of my fellow nail artists across the country against the side effects of seltzer can opening. Simply put, there’s no need to sit out seltzer season just because of a fabulous set!”

Top tips include:

• The side finger – avoid the sideways glances at your cracked acrylics by using the side of your finger to flip open the tab of a cold Hornitos Tequila Seltzer. Simple, but effective.
• The filing method – slide a nail file under the pull tab and push up from both sides of the board to spare your summer neon nails – also a great way to put those nail files collecting dust at the bottom of your purse to work!
• The buddy system – Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is best enjoyed with friends, so get “some buddy” else to open it. Spare your fresh fill by having another tequila lover fill in for you!

PIN IT

“Cracking a Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is perfect for those moments when you feel ready to step out with friends and have a fun night out,” said Beth Krigel, Senior Marketing Director of Tequila at Beam Suntory. “Ahead of National Tequila Day, we’re thrilled to partner with a creator like Chaun Legend to have a little fun and make sure you look and feel your best – all the way down to those bold nails – when you crack a seltzer this summer.”

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer combines real Plata tequila with refreshing seltzer, resulting in the perfect choice for those seeking out a ready-made cocktail for any party occasion. Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is available in two natural flavours – Lime and Mango – without any artificial sweeteners.

For more information, go to hornitostequila.com or follow along with Hornitos Tequila on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Due to lockdowns and COVID restrictions, the Plantation Rum Cup has extended its judging deadline for Australia & New Zealand until late August.

While COVID closure will be taken into account, competing venues are being encouraged to promote their cocktails until late August, including how they could feature on take away menus if restrictions continue.

The list of finalists will now be announced on September 1st via the Plantation Rum Asia Pacific Facebook & Instagram accounts.

On Monday, 20 September, the finalist teams will compete against each other for the first major title of Plantation Rum’s kind, a luxury experience provided in the winners’ home location and a ‘Welcome to Summer’ Party in the winning venue on 1 December.

The full list of participating venues are:

South Australia & Northern Territory

Maybe Mae, Westward & Chandelier Bar, Fumo Blu, Remy’s Deep Dish Pizza Bar, Ounce Bar, Memphis Slim’s House of Blues, BRKLYN, Hains & Co, Clever Little Tailor

Queensland

The Woods, Cobbler, Electric Avenue, Canvas, The Walrus Club, The Gresham, Osbourne Hotel, The Captains Daughter, Santé Cocktail Bar, Maker, Suzie Wong’s Good Time Bar, Savile Row, Backlane Bar & Street Food

New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory

Rum Diary Bar Newcastle, Neighbourhood Bondi, Jacoby’s Tiki Bar, Blue Kahunas, Cantina OK!, The Lobo, Grain, Old Mates Place, Marble Bar, The Exchange Hotel, Loft Byron Bay, Shorty’s

Victoria & Tasmania

1806, Moosehead Whisky and Blues Bar, Union Electric, Sherbini Bar, Evolve Spirits Bar, Wheelers Food Trucks and Bar, The Rum Diary Bar, Black Pearl, Curious Bar, La Madonna, Bar Clara, Collection Bar

Western Australia

Tiki as Fk

Auckland & surrounds

Liquorette, Bedford Soda & Liquor, Baduzzi, Ghost Donkey, Saxon + Parole, The Poni Room, The Bramble, Rooftop at QT Hotel, Bellini Bar at Hilton , Fitzroy Lounge Bar

Queenstown, Christchurch & surrounds

Cork Bar, Reds, Zanzibar Dunedin, Harbar, Mama Cod, LaLaLand Lounge Bar, Casa Publica

Wellington & surrounds

Hawthorn Lounge, Bitters & love

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s small-batch, handmade Teremana Tequila, has announced it’s taking to the road with The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip.

Inspired by The Rock’s famous phrase “MANA. GRATITUDE. TEQUILA.”, the Mana Mobile will travel the country, visiting towns, communities, and cities to “Bring the Mana.”

The celebratory Mana Mobile will stop by military bases, firehouses, hospitals, and other locations to share gratitude towards the nation’s first responders.  It will also stop at main streets across America to help encourage all to come out and support local businesses.

Road trip stops will showcase delicious Teremana Tequila cocktails (where allowed) shaken up by the Mana Ohana mixologists and delicious treats such as “DJ’s” cheat-meal favourites (his prized brioche French toast with Teremana Tequila-infused maple syrup) amongst others.

“I created Teremana to bring people together and I can’t think of a better way to bring people together than bringing the Mana Mobile directly to them.  Our Mana Mobile will deliver delicious Teremana cocktails, fresh and amazing eats and a whole lotta gratitude to people, towns and cities across North America,” says Teremana Founder, Dwayne Johnson.

“Our Teremana is proudly crafted by hand at our distillery in a small town in Jalisco and has truly become the “Tequila of the People”.  So keep an eye out for the Mana Mobile in your neck of the country and let the Teremana adventures begin!”

For more information, including The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip stops, go to teremana.com