
Photo Credit: Lauren Cowart
Martell Launches "Make It With Martell" Cocktail Experience with Bastille Day Bash in Harlem
Martell Cognac brought French elegance to Harlem’s vibrant Native venue, kicking off Bastille Day in style with the exclusive launch of its “Make It With Martell” cocktail experience. The invite-only celebration marked the start of a national road tour that will spotlight Martell’s bold approach to cocktail culture. As the oldest of the great cognac houses, Martell celebrated its legacy while setting a forward-thinking tone for the future of mixology.
By Justin WallaceJuly 16 2025, Published 7:02 p.m. ET

Photo Credit: Lauren Cowart
Guests were welcomed into a world of flavor and flair led by Martell’s Global Brand Ambassador Jasmin Goldstein and the highly respected cognac educator Ms. Franky Marshall. The evening was more than a tasting—it was an immersive exploration into the soul of Martell. From storytelling and guided tastings to live performances, every moment was designed to challenge expectations and deepen appreciation for cognac in modern mixology.

Photo Credit: Lauren Cowart
Interactive stations brought the brand’s ethos to life. The “Roulette Revolution” let attendees spin a wheel for custom takes on cocktails like the Blue Swift Negroni and Cognac Margarita. The “Smash Bar” turned guests into bartenders as they hand-muddled fresh ingredients, while the “Grape to Glass Sensory Station” offered a multi-sensory look at Martell’s craftsmanship. With this dynamic kickoff, Martell is not just raising glasses—it’s raising the bar on what a cognac experience can be.
For those looking to recreate last night’s cocktails, you can find the recipes below.

Photo Credit: Lauren Cowart
The Martell Smash
A classic julep remixed with cognac and juicy grapes, smashed to order for a Martell signature taste experience
1.5 parts Martell V.S Cognac
0.5 parts Raspberry Syrup
1.5 parts Apple Juice
0.75 parts Lemon Juice
6 seedless White Grapes (muddled)
Bold Fashioned
The much-loved classic crafted with Martell Blue Swift – the world’s first V.S.O.P cognac aged in bourbon barrels – sugar, and aromatic bitters
2 parts Martell Blue Swift
0.25 parts Sugar
3 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
Margarita
Reimagined top-shelf refreshment with Martell, orange liqueur, lime and agave nectar
1.5 parts Martell V.S Cognac
0.75 parts Italicus (or orange liqueur)
0.75 parts Lime Juice
0.25 parts Agave Nectar
Negroni
The ultimate bitter aperitivo refinement with Martell, sweet vermouth and bitter aperitif liqueur
1.5 parts Martell Blue Swift
1 part Sweet Vermouth
1 part Bitter Aperitif Liqueur