Pull up a virtual bar stool and get ready for an evening of truly original mixology with your host: self-proclaimed music legend Murdoc Niccals. The vodka brand Smirnoff and musical originators Gorillaz are back for the next installment in their creative collaboration, following the Limited Edition Smirnoff x Gorillaz No. 21 Vodka Bottle, which sold out in just 24 hours and featured some very special reimagined recipes of classic
Smirnoff cocktails. Gorillaz fans should get ready to mix along with Murdoc as he smooth-talks the audience through his delicious, pickle-perfect creation: The Vodka Murdini.
“When we blend our creativity with our partners, we create innovative and disruptive new experiences for audiences to enjoy,” comments Mark Jarman, Head of Smirnoff GB. “Gorillaz are entertainment originators and real pioneers. This masterclass is a true testament to the endless possibilities that arise from embracing the true power of originality!”
The masterclass will go live on YouTube at 18:00 GMT on the Thursday, November 24 on the Gorillaz YouTube Channel and the class is strictly for over those 18+ only (21 in the U.S., please). Fans wanting to follow along at home will need to have to hand: a cocktail shaker, jigger, ice, a martini glass, vermouth, olive brine, pickles and — of course — a bottle of Smirnoff’s No. 21 vodka. The ever-charismatic Murdoc will go live on air to walk fans through his cocktail creation, before hosting a Q&A with those curious about his cocktail credentials or his lasting musical legacy.
“Would you like to know the secret to my signature cocktail, The Vodka Murdini? Or maybe you just want to see me shaking one of those cocktail things while I spin inspiring yarns and solve all your problems? Then tune in to my LIVE mixology masterclass with Smirnoff!” says Niccals. “Not into cocktails or top-draw banter? Just sit back and behold my dazzling new tuxedo!”
The Smirnoff x Gorillaz collaboration began with each of the four band members putting their own personal twist on some classic cocktails made famous by Smirnoff. Since 1864, the brand has impacted on global cocktail culture, introducing the likes of the Vodka Martini cocktail and the Brits’ favorite Bloody Mary into the global liquor cabinet.
This mixology masterclass marks the first time that one of the Gorillaz band members/characters will be able to react live and in real time to fans, thanks to the animation wizards at Nexus Studios (who recently brought the band’s music video “Cracker Island”) and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett.
