Grey Goose Premium Vodka has partnered with one of the most influential bartenders from Pisa, Italy – and while he calls London home these days, Giorgio Bargiani was in Melbourne to launch a new bespoke martini menu available exclusively at Le Martini at Crown Melbourne.
He gained recognition for his famous signature sky-high martini pour; and awarded Tales of the Cocktail’s International Bartender of the Year in 2023.
You can sample some of his curated list at Crown Melbourne. Here’s a sample of what you can drink at the bar:
Altius N5—a complex martini with a rich bouquet, named after the most timeless of perfumes, Chanel N°5. Featuring a blend of Grey Goose Altius vodka, elderflower liqueur, vermouth and fino sherry, and served with a unique edible blue paint lining the glass.
The Golden Gibson—building on the DNA of The Gibson (said to be the brainchild of early 20th-century US illustrator Charles Dana Gibson), this distinctly savoury cocktail features an intriguing blend of aromatic elements that effortlessly enter this classic into today’s new Golden Era of mixology.
The Apricot and Cocoa Vesper—built around a base of Grey Goose original and offering an homage to the iconic drink made famous by James Bond in Casino Royale.
Giorgio Bargiani spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I come from a small city famous for its leaning tower, a place rich with my heritage. But after moving to London, I discovered the world which is why I love this city so much.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana – Oops! I’ve dropped the lemon tart!
FAVOURITE BAR
Maybe Sammy in Sydney. I love the vibrant energy of the place, the music, the people, and the fun. But I also love its touch of elegance. I would order anything served by Stefano.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
50/50 martini, not dry, clean, but definitely fun after you had two or three.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Definitely a ginger shot.
OVERSEAS BAR
Alquimico in Cartagena, Colombia and BKK Social Club in Bangkok, Thailand.
FAVOURITE WINE
Cervaro della Sala
FAVOURITE WINERY
Cantine dei Marchesi Incisa della Rocchetta.
NEXT DESTINATION
Las Vegas.
Tell us about the bespoke martini menu exclusively available at Le Martini at Crown Melbourne and what you hoped to capture?
In conceiving this new menu for Le Martini, I wanted to pay tribute to the iconic characters that have played a role in the popularisation of the martini around the world, highlighting signature ingredients, and of course, Grey Goose. The result is a trio of martini-style cocktails named after the legendary painting of Bosch to highlight the delightful flavours that the cocktail collection offers.
You’re known for your signature sky high martini pour – tell us how you mastered it?
Consistency and training are keys. Excellence comes with training so I have been practicing for the past 10 years.
On being awarded Tales of the Cocktail’s International Bartender of the Year in 2023 – what do these accolades mean to you?
There’s nothing more rewarding than being celebrated by our industry peers. Awards aren’t our end goal, but they inspire us to keep pushing forward, stay motivated, and continually refine our craft as we grow and evolve.
Tell us about Le Martini at Crown and what you love about these collaborations.
I have always loved creating personalised experiences for different people, so this was an amazing opportunity to showcase my unique approach to creating cocktails. Doing this on the other side of the world, in a country I have only visited once but truly love, made it even more special. I am also incredibly grateful for the support of Grey Goose, a premium brand I genuinely enjoy working with.
What makes a great bar?
A great bar is built on genuine hospitality, which elevates both the product and the service.
