The $700 Billion Dollar Martini was a promotional vodka cocktail from SVEDKA Vodka in 2008–2009, satirizing the U.S. government’s $700 billion TARP bailout during the financial crisis. It was a fun, gimmicky drink served at select bars and events (like inauguration parties), not a super-rare or ultra-expensive recipe—the “$700 billion” was just the humorous name.
It was essentially a bright, citrusy vodka sour-style martini (more like a vodka gimlet variation) with a playful political twist in the original promo description. No dry vermouth was involved; it focused on fresh citrus for a tart, refreshing profile.
Ingredients (for 1 cocktail)
- 2–3 oz SVEDKA Vodka (or any smooth, neutral vodka as a substitute—original promo emphasized “liberal amounts” of SVEDKA)
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved)
- A conservative splash (about ¼–½ oz) fresh lemon juice — for extra brightness and that “conservative” joke from the promo
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves (the promo quipped “$700 billion of freshly minted US currency,” but use mint for the herbal aroma and look)
Optional tweaks for balance: If it’s too tart, add a touch more simple syrup. For a drier feel, reduce the syrup slightly.
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and lemon juice.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled (this incorporates air for a slightly frothy texture, common in sours).
- Strain into a chilled martini glass (coupe or classic martini style).
- Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves—slap them lightly between your hands first to release the oils and aroma.
Serve ice-cold. It’s crisp, citrus-forward, and easy-drinking—perfect for toasting economic ups and downs!If you prefer a classic dry vodka martini vibe (though not the original promo style), swap in ½ oz dry vermouth and an olive or lemon twist instead of the citrus/syrup.
No exact archived SVEDKA recipe survives in detail beyond the promo flair, but this recreates the spirit based on contemporary descriptions.
Did you make this drink? Let us know what you think of it below.
5 stars for this drink. Went down great with friends and family on my birthday.