Martini launches campaign with The White Lotus star

Bacardi-owned brand Martini has announced a new campaign with Emmy-nominated actress Simona Tabasco, who rose to international acclaim last year when she starred in the second series of hit show The White Lotus.

In her latest on-screen appearance, Tabasco has teamed up with the Italian sparkling wine and vermouth brand on a new campaign featuring a signature cocktail and promotional video.

Tabasco, who played Lucia Greco in HBO’s The White Lotus, returned to Sicily, where the second series of the show was shot, for the Martini collaboration.

The Italian actress has created a list of her favourite venues to visit in Sicily as part of the campaign, including Bam Bar, Taormina; La Plage, Isola Bella; Morgana, Taormina; San Domenico Palace Hotel; and Piazza XI Aprile, Taormina.

Martini has also brought Simona together with mixologist Maura Milia, formerly of London’s Connaught Bar, to create a bespoke cocktail: the Martini Simona Spritz. The pour is a spicy twist on the classic Bianca Spritz.

Milia said of the collaboration: “It was a dream to work with Simona on this signature drink, a new recipe for MARTINI with a touch of spice is very exciting. This year, spicy cocktails have been leading the charge with the fiery trend gaining momentum as bar professionals are reaching for chilies, hot sauce and other punchy ingredients to really make an impact.”

The recipe for the Martini Simona Spritz is as follows:

50ml Martini Bianco
50ml Prosecco
50ml Soda
Dash of Chili Tincture
Garnish: Mint sprig, lemon wheel and sliced fresh chillies
Method: Build in Spritz glass over lots of ice, stir gently and garnish.

In other news, Tabasco’s The White Lotus co-star Michael Imperioli opened an “upscale speakeasy” in New York City’s Upper West Side in December. Read more on that story here.