On Monday, July 14th, The Knockturnal was on the scene in Harlem as Martell brought Bastille Day to life with a celebration that brought together French heritage and Harlem soul. The iconic cognac house took over Native, a beloved neighborhood hotspot, to debut its “Make It With Martell” cocktail experience, and in true Martell fashion, it was bold, refined, and full of flavor.
The exclusive, invite-only evening marked the kickoff of Martell’s bold Roulette Revolution tour. A nationwide celebration reintroducing the cognac house’s 300-year legacy to a new era of cocktail culture.
Guests stepped into a fully transformed, blue-lit space where Afrobeats pulsed through the room, setting the vibrant energy throughout, with every corner of Native reimagined for the night.
At the Roulette Revolution station, guests spun a custom cocktail wheel and tasted Martell twists on classic drinks like a Blue Swift Negroni and a Cognac Margarita. The Smash Bar brought out everyone’s inner mixologist, letting guests muddle fresh ingredients and build their own version of a Bourbon Smash. Meanwhile, the Grape to Glass Sensory Station took attendees on a hands-on journey through the grapes that define Martell, adding an immersive layer to the tasting experience.
Signature drinks of the night included:
The Martell Smash
A refreshing twist on a classic julep, combining juicy grapes and smooth cognac for a custom-made, muddled 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 to order)
Bold Fashioned
Martell’s take on the iconic Old Fashioned, rich and smooth with a bourbon-kissed finish:
- 2 parts Martell Blue Swift
- 0.25 parts Sugar
- 3 Dashes Aromatic Bitters
Margarita (Reimagined)
Bright and refreshing, with a top-shelf remix using cognac in place of tequila:
- 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 (Martell Style)
The beloved aperitivo made deeper and more decadent with cognac:
- 1.5 parts Martell Blue Swift
- 1 part Sweet Vermouth
- 1 part Bitter Aperitif Liqueur
Martell Global Ambassador Jasmin Goldstein and cognac educator Ms. Franky Marshall guided the crowd through stories, flavor pairings, and tasting notes, making the night both interactive and unforgettable.
Food from Native was curated to perfectly pair with each cocktail, elevating the experience and creating true harmony between sips and bites. Martell’s Harlem takeover wasn’t just a launch. It was a bold statement that tradition can evolve, and luxury can be immersive, vibrant, and rooted in storytelling.
Photo Credit: Lauren Cowart
