Savoir-Faire Meets Silicon: Martell Shakes Up AfroTech Houston with a Taste of Legacy
Houston felt a little more refined Tuesday night as Martell brought its “Make It With Martell” cocktail experience to Acropolis 306 in celebration of AfroTech. The private, invite-only affair wasn’t just another mixer — it was a masterclass in how legacy meets innovation.
As the oldest of the cognac houses, Martell has centuries of savoir-faire to its name, yet this night proved that heritage doesn’t mean holding back. Global Ambassador Jasmin Goldstein led guests through an evening that blurred the lines between luxury and creativity — a space where glassware met game-changing energy.
photo: Lauren Cowart
Ty Hunter
photo: Lauren Cowart
Celebrating its roots as the oldest of the cognac houses, Martell set the tone for a new cocktail culture – one that defies expectations, redefines tradition, and elevates the classics. Guests were immersed in the world of Martell, led by Martell’s Global Ambassador Jasmin Goldstein,who interacted with guests throughout the evening.
photo: Lauren Cowart
Guests spun the Roulette Revolution wheel to land on custom Martell remixes of timeless drinks like the Blue Swift Negroni and Cognac Margarita. Over at the Smash Bar, hands-on artistry took center stage — muddling, grape-pressing, and crafting one’s own pour became performance art.
In a room filled with innovators, creators, and visionaries of the AfroTech crowd, Martell didn’t just serve drinks — it served perspective. Each cocktail was a reminder that culture, like cognac, gets better when you remix it with intention.
photo: Lauren Cowart
photo: Lauren Cowart
For those inspired to keep the flavor flowing, Martell dropped cocktail recipes from the night so you can bring a touch of savoir-faire to your own story.
Because when you make it with Martell, you make it yours.
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)
Old 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
Ashley & Corey 2LOUD | photo: Lauren Cowart