The Centenary of Canberra has inspired a classic martini cocktail – and to localise it even more, it has a Northside and Southside twist.
The Centenary martini – the Centini – is the creation of Schmooze founder Phillip Jones, and has the enthusiastic backing of noted Martini lover Robyn Archer, the Centenary of Canberra’s Creative Director.
The Centini will take its place among a range of Centenary products – from scarves and brooches to platters, teatowels, chocolates, wine and even condoms – created to honour Canberra 100th birthday.
The Centini recipe uses premium ingredients sourced from around Australia – gin from Western Australia, two vermouths from Victoria (tinged gold for the Northside, red for the Southside), ice made of water from the Snowy River and locally-grown olives.
The Centini will be officially launched tonight at a sold-out event at the National Press Club. Half the proceeds of the $39 tickets to the launch will benefit the official Centenary charity Dollars for Dili, as will proceeds of the online auction of the hand-made martini set by Yass glass artist Peter Minson.
“Every now and then, a martini is just the trick – and the creation of the Centini couldn’t come at a better time to warm us up for all that the Centenary program offers in the beautiful chill of winter,” said Robyn Archer.
“This is a terrific initiative as it enters the territory of our Centenary red, white and sparkling from local winemakers, and our award-winning Meals to Midnight partners, the Hyatt Centenary Supper Club and King O’Malleys, the Centenary pub.”
For more information: http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/oneevent.php?id=1063.