Whether you’re an art aficionado or self-proclaimed nonfan, an 80s kid, or Gen Zer, you’ve probably heard of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The iconic New York City artist’s demonstrated ability to visually express cultural topics in a way that transcended boundaries and time is just one of his defining factors – and the reason why the artist’s work has garnered recent attention from around the world.
While an exhibition titled “King Pleasure”, featuring over 200 never-before-seen pieces and other rare works, makes its way from city to city, another series titled “Seeing Loud: Basquiat and Music” has found its home in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Both current shows allow visitors an opportunity to see the artist in an honest and intimate setting. Sketches from subway rides and insights into his life as a musician are staged next to some of the artist's most renowned works to give a holistic view of the zeitgeist which encapsulated Basquiat’s work.
After meditating on the artist’s proclivity for truth and meaning, it’s clear that Basquiat’s fearless approach to creativity and passion for self-expression is the through-thread in all of his endeavors – and the basis for its latest partnership with Bombay Sapphire.
Created in collaboration with Jean-Michel Basquiat's sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, Bombay Sapphire’s Special Edition bottle, the first ever to launch in Canada, draws inspiration from the artist's time spent in Los Angeles. Featuring one of Basquiat's earliest works, Untitled (L.A. Painting), the bottle is cast with the original painting’s colors of golden yellows and bright blues that mimic the weather felt on the West Coast of California, a place where Basquiat would frequent to escape the constant hustle and bustle in NYC.
Incorporating the artist’s signifying motifs – the crown, the bird, the skull, the coin – Bombay Sapphire’s Special Edition bottle honors Basquiat’s legacy while encouraging brand fans to “stir creativity”, an initiative that’s been in play since 2018. Featuring events that serve to inspire and elevate individuals in the cocktail creation space through advocacy programs and competitions, Bombay Sapphire’s “Stir Creativity” mission coincides with one of Basquiat’s values to help provide access to the art world for those who have a passion for self-expression.
Made with a unique combination of 10 hand-selected, 100% certified sustainably sourced botanicals from around the world, Bombay Sapphire has an unrivaled smoothness and perfectly balanced taste, making it an ideal canvas for unique cocktails.
Impassioned by Basquiat's constant curiosity, the creative minds at Bombay Sapphire mixed up the collaboration’s signature cocktail, “King Meets Queen”. This drink draws inspiration from the artist’s use of bold colors and sharp lines with Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh pineapple puree, lemon juice, honey, and tonic.
Stir your own with the recipe below:
"King Meets Queen"
1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
0.5 oz Real Pineapple Puree
0.5 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Honey Syrup 1:1
5 oz Fever-Tree Premium Tonic
Method: Build ingredients in balloon glass with fresh cold draft ice. Garnish with two pineapple top leaves and a few slices of jalapeno (or other pepper) in the drink.
Bombay Sapphire’s Basquiat Special Edition Bottle is now available at select retailers throughout Canada. Explore more or shop online at bombaysapphire.com.
