It's raining Gold and 42 Below at The Ritz

News release May 24, 2006

It’s raining Gold and 42 BELOW at The Ritz

The Ritz Hotel in London begins its centenary celebrations today (May 24th) with a spectacular cocktail based around New Zealand vodka 42 BELOW – and gold flakes.

Called The Ritz 100, the cocktail comprises 42 BELOW Pure (The Ritz’ House Pour), Grande Marnier, champagne and the gold flakes. It’s a concoction devised by the hotel’s Rivoli Bar Manager, Alan Cook, a firm fan of the New Zealand vodka, and will be available during the month of the centenary celebrations.

Mr Cook says he selected the New Zealand Vodka because “it’s a nice tasting, delicate vodka that mixes well with champagne.”

You’d expect a special 100 year birthday cocktail at one of the world’s best known hotels to attract a premium price and The Ritz 100 does just that, retailing for NZ$50 in the hotel’s bar.

42 BELOW chief vodka bloke Geoff Ross says the selection of 42 Below Pure shows the New Zealand brand is being recognised in all the right places.

“It’s great to see an iconic British brand such as The Ritz choosing a Vodka from the colonies to celebrate its centenary. This is colonialism in reverse – our vodka is laying claim to home territory in the most renowned of the empire’s establishments.

“It shows Kiwis should never be daunted about taking their brands to the world stage.”

An icon among the world’s best known five star hotels, The Ritz Hotel in London opened its doors on May 24 1906.

In the intervening years, its ornate bars, dining rooms and rooms – where no two rooms are alike – have nourished and accommodated kings and queens, ambassadors and prime ministers, presidents and generals.

The hotel features French Hotel style architecture and was the first steel-framed building of any significance in London. It was founded by renowned hotelier César Ritz.

42 BELOW Pure is in good company; The Ritz Hotel has a royal warrant, being the supplier of banqueting and catering services to HRH The Prince of Wales.

ENDS

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