{"id":180371,"date":"2026-06-25T16:51:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/?p=180371"},"modified":"2026-09-02T17:41:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T15:41:17","slug":"from-5050-to-olive-oil-the-martinis-new-rules-for-world-martini-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.altamuradistilleries.com\/en\/press-release\/from-5050-to-olive-oil-the-martinis-new-rules-for-world-martini-day\/","title":{"rendered":"From 50:50 to Olive Oil: The Martini\u2019s New Rules for World Martini Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ back_color=”color-125270″ back_image=”156599″ overlay_color=”color-125270″ overlay_alpha=”60″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ content_parallax=”0″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” overlay_color_type=”uncode-palette” uncode_shortcode_id=”974210″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”4″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][vc_empty_space empty_h=”4″][vc_column_text el_class=”home-events” uncode_shortcode_id=”422423″]<\/p>\n

From 50:50 to Olive Oil: The Martini\u2019s New Rules for World Martini Day<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”3″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”186585″ el_class=”press-release-content”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”121921″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][vc_single_image media=”157218″ media_width_use_pixel=”yes” alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”195325″ media_width_pixel=”940″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”378994″ el_class=”pressrelease”]Italy June 2026: On World Martini Day 2026, a new set of rules is emerging across the world\u2019s best bars, from olive oil to the 50:50, from terroir to texture, reshaping how the martini is built and understood. Firmly within this global shift sits Altamura Distilleries, the Italian vodka distilled from Puglia\u2019s ancient durum wheat, increasingly present in the conversations and bars defining modern cocktail culture.<\/p>\n

The martini has always rewarded conviction. For more than a century it has been the benchmark of the bar: simple in construction, unforgiving in execution and endlessly debated. But across London, New York and beyond, the drink is being rethought with a new sense of balance, flavour and cultural relevance, reflecting a broader evolution in how people want to drink today.<\/p>\n

Part of that evolution is being driven by the rise of exceptional vermouths. The increasing appreciation of bottles such as Carpano, Noilly Prat and Mancino has opened the door to wetter martini styles far beyond the now fashionable 50:50. Bartenders are once again treating vermouth not as a background ingredient, but as an essential part of the cocktail\u2019s structure, aroma and identity.<\/p>\n

Alongside this is a growing openness to olive oil as a serious cocktail ingredient and a renewed focus on provenance led spirits. Together, these movements are reshaping the martini into something more expressive, layered and culinary in character. Altamura, born from a durum wheat cultivated in Puglia for more than two thousand years, sits naturally within this moment. Its natural umami depth allows it to work with olive oil\u2019s savouriness rather than be overwhelmed by it.<\/p>\n

This evolution found a defining expression at Clemente Bar in New York, where a martini built with Altamura Distilleries Vodka was recognised by Esquire as Martini of the Year. Created by Sebastian Tollius and Richie Millwater, the drink combined curry, green chilli and olive oil, fat washed into both vodka and gin before being layered with vermouths to create something savoury, textured and unexpected. Altamura was chosen not for neutrality, but for character.<\/p>\n

Running alongside this is the revival of wetter martini served more broadly. Once dismissed as diluted versions of the classic, these styles are now being reappraised as more refined and expressive interpretations of the drink. Lower in alcohol yet richer in complexity, they reflect a move towards longer, more social drinking occasions where balance and flavour take precedence over sheer strength.<\/p>\n

For a spirit like Altamura Distilleries Vodka, this shift is not a compromise but an opportunity. The vodka brings enough earthiness, texture and soft spice to hold its structure as vermouth takes on a larger role. Where a neutral spirit disappears, Altamura converses.<\/p>\n

That philosophy is reflected in the Altamura house martini itself. Built to a 75\/25 ratio and finished with orange bitters, the serve intentionally nods back to the earliest martini recipes, where bitters, aromatics and texture played a central role in the cocktail\u2019s identity. It is a reminder that the martini was originally conceived as a complete cocktail, not simply a glass of ice cold vodka.<\/p>\n

This sense of character begins at the source. Altamura is the world\u2019s first vodka distilled entirely from 100 percent Altamura durum wheat, the same ancient grain that defines the region\u2019s Protected Designation of Origin bread and has shaped Puglia\u2019s culinary identity for millennia. Triple distilled and bottled at 43 percent ABV, the spirit is smooth and full bodied, with notes of citrus, soft spice and a persistent umami character.<\/p>\n

Recognition has followed quickly. Wine Enthusiast awarded Altamura 94 points, describing it as a pristine choice for vodka martinis, while the Drinks International Bartenders\u2019 Brands Report identified it as a standout new entrant at the top end of the global bar trade.<\/p>\n

From its origins in Puglia, Altamura has rapidly established itself on the world stage. It now sits in bars shaping international cocktail culture, from Martiny\u2019s in New York to leading venues across London, Barcelona and across its homeland in Italy. Distribution spans more than 17 countries and 26 US states, with growth exceeding 200 percent year on year. As of 2025, it also holds the position of Official Vodka Partner of The World\u2019s 50 Best Hotels.<\/p>\n

In a category historically dominated by French and Polish producers, Altamura Distilleries Vodka represents something genuinely new: an Italian vodka with a clear sense of origin, flavour and purpose.<\/p>\n

The martini has always reflected the culture around it. In 2026, that culture is asking for more flavour, more intention and more honesty about where things come from. Altamura Distilleries Vodka, a spirit rooted in ancient ground and shaped by a clear point of view, sits firmly within that shift.<\/p>\n

Recipes: Altamura Distilleries Martini<\/strong>
\n60 ml Altamura Distilleries Vodka
\n20 ml Carpano Dry Vermouth
\n2 dashes orange bitters<\/p>\n

Stir over ice and strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.<\/p>\n

Clemente Bar Martini<\/strong>
\n1 oz Altamura Distilleries Vodka
\n0.5 oz Malfy Gin
\n0.5 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
\n0.5 oz Cocchi Extra Dry Vermouth
\n0.25 oz Cocchi Americano
\n4 sprays saffron bitters
\n6\u20138 drops curry olive oil<\/p>\n

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Finish with saffron bitters, curry olive oil and a martini olive.<\/p>\n

Dirthai Martini<\/strong>
\n60 ml Altamura Distilleries Vodka
\n10 ml Mancino Secco Dry Vermouth
\n10 ml Thai brine<\/p>\n

Stir over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a pickled white grape.<\/p>\n

ENDS -[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ auto_height_device=”yes” content_parallax=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”172729″ back_color_type=”uncode-palette” el_class=”press-release-content”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1\/1″ uncode_shortcode_id=”777078″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”801204″ el_class=”pressrelease”]Notes to editors:<\/strong>
\nAltamura Distilleries is the creator of the world\u2019s first vodka distilled entirely from 100% Altamura durum wheat – the same PDO-protected grain behind Pane di Altamura, the world\u2019s only bread with Protected Designation of Origin status.
\nFounded by Frank Grillo and Steve Acuna, two Americans who relocated to Puglia in southern Italy, Altamura Distilleries Vodka is triple distilled and bottled at 43% ABV to preserve the wheat\u2019s distinctive character: a smooth, full-bodied spirit with umami depth, cereal sweetness and a clean, warming finish.
\nTriple distilled and bottled at 43% ABV, Altamura Distilleries Vodka has quickly gained international recognition. Wine Enthusiast awarded the vodka 94 points, while the brand has received Double Gold and Best Imported Vodka at The Fifty Best, two Gold Medals at the Global Spirits Masters and Best International Vodka at the 2023 New Orleans Spirits Competition during Tales of the Cocktail.
\nIt was also named in the Drinks International Bartenders\u2019 Brands Report in 2026 and has served as the Official Vodka Partner of The World\u2019s 50 Best Hotels since 2025.
\nAltamura Distilleries Vodka is available in the United Kingdom and Italy via Amazon, in the United Kingdom via Master of Malt for \u00a332.50, and in the United States through the Altamura Distilleries website at www.altamuradistilleries.com.<\/p>\n

PRESS CONTACTS<\/strong>
\nAntoni Heatley | antoni@cutlasscomms.com | +44 (0)7852 985 773\u2028Tim Harfield | tim@cutlasscomms.com IG @altamuradistilleries | @cutlasscomms[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″ mobile_visibility=”yes”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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