Belvedere Vodka, once again was a beverage sponsor, providing signature cocktails served in exquisite glasses for toasting and celebrating throughout the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. From the opening gala at El Paseo Center downtown to the Lobero Theatre nightclub, where celebs and film makers joined forces each evening, to the chic Lounge in the Arlington Theatre it was time for sponsors, attendees and celebrities to enjoy a Belvedere with signature cocktails following the SBIFF tributes each evening.
 
Allison Janney and Margot Robbie did print and television interviews in the Belvedere Lounge in the Arlington following their Outstanding Performers of the Year Award presentation on the Arlington Theatre stage before a packed house of enthusiastic film lovers.
 
Additional 2018 SBIFF honorees included Willem Dafoe, Gary Oldman, Saoirse Ronan, Sam Rockwell, Margot Robbie and Allison Janney. Prior to each evening tribute, the honorees arrived in the Club 85 Lounge where Belvedere cocktails were served with passed canapes.
 
A few favorites from Belvedere 2018 served at SBIFF events and after parties included the Modern Greyhound and the Belvedere Martini. See recipes below. Have your own Oscar party on March 4 and whip up a few.
 
MODERN GREYHOUND
1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka
0.5 oz Aperol
3 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
1 oz Tonic Water
Method: Combine all ingredients in a tall glass filled with ice. Roll contents and garnish with a grapefruit slice and a dash of salt.
 
BELVEDERE MARTINI
2 oz Belvedere Vodka
0.25 oz French Fortified Wine
Method: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir over ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pink grapefruit twist.
 
ESPRESSO MARTINI
1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka
1 oz Espresso
0.5 oz Coffee Liqueur
Method: Add all ingredients to a pint glass. Add ice to top of glass and stir for just over 1 minute until properly diluted. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with coffee beans.