Vodka diplomats

In January Finlandia organised an interactive show, where senior vodka master Markku Raittinen and global brand mixologist Pekka Pellinen shared the secrets of vodka with bartenders and journalists. Vodka is the most frequently used spirit in bars worldwide and Mr Pekka showed why: he made creative but simple, tasty cocktails. He used a special smoker to prepare smoked cocktails and a vaporiser for flavouring his creations. Pekka Pellinen served long drinks in special cups, candy bags, small bottles with a special design, in paper boxes used by Oriental restaurants and in popcorn boxes. After the programme the two vodka gurus were members of the panel at the Finlandia Vodka Longdrink competition, which was won by Krisztián Nagy.