Cocktails & Create: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Partners with Artist Joey Yu and Mixologist Franck Dedieu for Virtual Masterclass

LONDON, UK – 13 May 2020: Today BOMBAY SAPPHIRE launches a brand-new masterclass as part of its ‘Stir Creativity at Home’ series. The leading premium gin brand invites gin enthusiasts and art lovers alike to join a one-hour virtual masterclass to hone their cocktail-making and illustration skills from the comfort of their homes. Kicking off the bank holiday weekend, the ‘Cocktails & Create’ workshop will take place on Friday 22nd May and will bring together the creative minds of two spectacular co-hosts: artist and illustrator Joey Yu and award-winning bartender Franck Dedieu.

This virtual two-part workshop follows research* that reveals that 83% want to be ‘more creative’, with respondents to the survey citing creativity as a great way to accomplish both ‘self-expression’ (48%) and ‘a sense of achievement’ (54%). As part of the brand’s commitment to Stir Creativity, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has brought together pioneering creatives from the world of cocktails and art, to offer budding creatives of all abilities a chance to create unique drinks and illustration masterpieces that they can be proud of.

When asked which form of creativity they would most like to improve, 60% said they would like to hone their ‘drawing and painting’ skills, which is why BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has enlisted the support of award-winning artist and illustrator Joey Yu. Joey will guide guests through the process of drawing their own bold, modern window scene, which will be either an interpretation of the current view from their window at home or a reimagination of a view that is special to them, perhaps one that has inspired their creativity in the past.

Joey Yu commented: “There is no better time to explore your creative side than right now and Illustration is one of the most accessible art mediums for people to engage with. You don’t need lots of expensive tools and supplies to get started, just simply pick up a pen and come and join in. The concept of ‘windowscapes’ allows us to re-imagine the world and depict what it is we want to see when we look out at the world. Whether it’s based on a memory, somewhere we’ve always aspired to visit, or maybe just our current view with a different perspective.”

During the masterclass, Franck Dedieu – winner of international bartending awards – will show guests how to create two cocktails, a G&T Twist and classic Bramble cocktail, using the iconic BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin (purchase here) and new BOMBAY BRAMBLE (purchase here). BOMBAY BRAMBLE is a bold new gin bursting with the with colours and flavours of blackberries and raspberries from a 100% natural fruit infusion. Dedieu is an expert when it comes to making showstopping drinks and has an impressive cabinet of awards under his belt, as well as a wealth of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as Michelin starred restaurant L’Antiquaire in Lyon, London EDITION Hotel and coveted cocktail bar, Coupette. Bringing his creative flaire to the workshop, Franck will offer tips and tricks on cocktail creativity throughout, such as how to add a twist to a classic G&T using simple store cupboard staple items found at home.

Brand Ambassador Franck Dedieu commented: “Mastering cocktail serves is a brilliant way to get creative at home – your kitchen store cupboard provides a myriad of unique garnishes and ingredients that you might not have realised could be cocktail components before. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin is the perfect starting point for all types of cocktails with a perfectly balanced profile that makes flavour combinations limitless.”

Attendees will be invited to follow along via the video-conferencing platform Zoom and will also have a chance to ask the experts questions along the way via the chat function for a fully immersive experience.

30 complimentary tickets will be available for the exclusive masterclass via Eventbrite from Wednesday 13th May. The Eventbrite page features ingredients and crafts lists, so guests can prepare ahead of time. Please note that the 30 complimentary tickets do not include drink and art supplies – details on where to buy the supplies can be found on the Eventbrite page.

This workshop is part of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE ‘Stir Creativity at Home’ series, which has launched to encourage creative output during time spent at home. Led by the brand’s co-creator network, the series additionally comprises of new at-home cocktail recipes from leading bartenders plus Create & Capture content on @BombaySapphireUK that offers followers tips and tricks on how to be more creative at home, and asks them to submit their versions of these mini-challenges for a chance to win prizes.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR:

*Research conducted by OnePoll in May 2019 surveyed 2,000 UK residents age 18+. The research identified the creativity values, goals and barriers of respondents to help support Bombay Sapphire’s Stir Creativity platform.

About BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is the world's number one premium gin by value and volume (IWSR). Based on a 1761 recipe, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin is created by perfectly balancing a unique combination of 10 hand-selected exotic botanicals from around the world. The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE distillery at Laverstoke Mill has won a BREEAM award for sustainability and is the home of the unique Vapour Infusion process, where the natural flavours of the botanicals are skilfully captured, resulting in the fresh and vibrant taste with which BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is synonymous. 

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has recently been awarded the prestigious Double Gold and Gold medal at the 17th San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

The BOMBAY SAPPHIRE brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Enjoy BOMBAY SAPPHIRE responsibly

For the facts: Drinkaware.co.uk

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE AND BOMBAY BRAMBLE ARE TRADEMARKS

ABOUT BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® AND CREATIVITY

Launching the ‘Stir Creativity’ campaign in 2018, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE is leading a global mission - a call to arms for everyone to engage with their creativity and unlock their creative potential. From advocacy programmes including World's Most Imaginative Bartender competition running in the US for the last 11 years to hosting The Glasshouse Project, a global advocacy programme bringing together the world's top bartenders in a series of creative workshops designed to push the boundaries of cocktail creativity.

For eight years, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE has run The Artisan Series, an art competition created by the brand to provide emerging artists with an international platform. The brand has also partnered with well-known artists and creators such as Tracey Emin, Thomas Heatherwick and Tom Dixon for the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Designer Glassware Competition.