Relais & Chateaux searches for best Bond Girl inspired martini

Everyone knows that James Bond loves his martinis – shaken, not stirred. But what kind of martini would a Bond Girl drink?

Relais & Châteaux, a collection of 480 celebrated boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants worldwide, wants to know. They’re holding a contest to find female mixologists to shake things up with style and sophistication and create a fabulous martini inspired by the Bond Girls.

“Relais & Châteaux and the Bond films have a lot in common,” said Jaume Tápies, international president of the Association. “Both use sophistication, a sense of mystery, gorgeous natural surroundings and the element of surprise to create memorable experiences and a celebration of the senses, so I think we have the expertise to judge the best Bond Girl inspired martini.”

To enter, send a link to video, 2 to 3 minutes in length, of yourself preparing the martini (Bond Girl attire optional) and explaining why your martini is one that Bond Girls like Honey Rider, Solitaire, Octopussy, Vesper Lind and Melina Havelock would imbibe. Like the Bond Girls, your martini recipe and video should be smooth, cool, and sophisticated.

Five finalists will be selected based on originality, showmanship, and your explanation of why your recipe is the best Bond Girl-inspired martini that deserves to be served at Relais & Châteaux properties. Finalists must be available to participate in a final round of judging at a cocktail event to be held at the Relais & Châteaux Maison in Manhattan on November 30. Bond Girl Carole Bouquet, who portrayed Melina Havelock in For Your Eyes Only, will attend the event.

The contest winner will receive a two-night stay for two at one of the fabulous properties to be selected as new U.S. members of Relais & Châteaux for 2010. In addition, the winner’s video and recipe will be featured on the new Relais & Châteaux Facebook page, and the cocktail will be served at select Relais & Châteaux resorts.

The November 30 black-tie event will feature a display of authentic, one-of-a-kind props from the major James Bond movies, including gadget props from 1962-2008, wardrobe from Casino Royale, the “golden gun” from The Man With the Golden Gun and assorted props from For Your Eyes Only, from David Zaritsky’s collection. Zaritsky is one of the foremost collectors of Bond memorabilia in North America.

The contest will run from Thursday, October 8, through midnight EST Wednesday, November 4. For information about contest rules and how to enter, visit this page.

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