Vodka Martini 'shaken, not stirred' for James Bond in 'Spectre'

It'll be Vodka Martini "shaken, not stirred" for James Bond once again! Global luxury vodka brand Belvedere has announced its first-time collaboration with "Spectre", the highly anticipated 24th instalment of the popular film series, for the secret agent's favourite drink.

The character of James Bond popularised Vodka Martini, and it was actor Sean Connery who had first mentioned his preference for a "shaken, not stirred" drink in the 1964 Bond film "Goldfinger", after which the phrase became a Bond meme.

In "Spectre", actor Daniel Craig will be seen sipping it after he ditched Vodka Martini for beer in the last Bond film "Skyfall".

The limited editions of two custom-made Belvedere bottles and packaging will mark the association between the vodka brand and Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

To celebrate this new era of Bond and Belvedere martinis, the brand has replaced the iconic Belvedere Palace with the famous MI6 headquarters on the bottle, while Belvedere's signature blue palette will be switched for a distinctive green, mirroring the secret spy agency's ink of choice. It will be a collector's edition of 100 bottles.

A 007 twist will also be applied to Belvedere's iconic Silver Saber bottles, known for their cutting edge, metallic aesthetic and illuminating technology.

"Neither will be available at retail at the announcement, but the Silver Saber will be available for purchase towards end of 2015 and closer to the premier of 'Spectre'," Charles Gibb, president, Belvedere, told IANS in an email interview from London.

Belvedere officials are looking at the partnership as a "major awareness driver".

"Belvedere and Bond is a natural fit. James Bond is an international man of style

and substance, the most influential tastemaker in the world. This resonates incredibly well with Belvedere's customers, the life enthusiasts.

"'Skyfall', the previous Bond movie was the biggest film of all time in Britain and this partnership is a massive opportunity to drive awareness of Belvedere around the world, in the 120 countries where the brand is present, by reaching out to Bond and Belvedere fans alike," Gibb added.

The marketing programme for the special edition will include a global advertising campaign, which starts February 2015, and a wide range of promotion and activation rights around the film.

The film will come out Nov 6, 2015.