This is the question posed by Stolichnaya Vodka in a new ad campaign featuring multiple celebrities—the first being Playboy magnate Hugh M. Hefner.
With this premise, the campaign's print ads and commercials are designed to be humorous and irreverent, yet thoughtful and inspirational, challenging the consumer to ponder how they measure up—Are you daring enough? Are you an original? Are you experiencing and living your life in an authentic, interesting way? Are you someone you'd want to share a Stoli with? Simply, 'Would You Have a Drink With You?'
Print ads and TV spots broke nationally on May 24 and will run into 2011 featuring multiple celebrities who represent a spirit of originality, people who, like the brand itself, are ground-breakers in their field, passionate and driven to excel, the company says.
"With the launch of this new campaign, Stoli recognizes originality, creativity and passion in a call to action to the consumer," says Andrey Skurikhin, partner at SPI Group, brand owner. "Stoli has a history of venturing into unchartered territory and the new campaign will spotlight real originals, people who take chances without asking for permission. Hugh Hefner exemplifies these shared qualities with Stoli and is the perfect individual to kickoff our new campaign."
In a fitting move, Stoli's first ads highlight Hugh Hefner, a true original. Conceptualized by advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, commercials were directed by Bryan Buckley and include 30-second and 15-second spots.
Set in the legendary Playboy Mansion, the commercials feature Hefner seated at a bar having a drink with himself via split screen, revealing a few things the average consumer may not necessarily be able to discover via a Wikipedia bio. The tag line is: "The most original people deserve the most original vodka. Stoli. Lead On." Print ads featuring Hefner and shot by Mark Seliger will begin running in July 2010 issues.
In addition to breaking sexual taboos with the launch of Playboy, Hefner also campaigned for civil rights and free speech and put blacklisted and black American performers on his "Playboy After Dark" and "Playboy's Penthouse" TV shows at a time when such appearances were rare on national TV. Hefner not only broke the color line in his clubs and TV shows, he also campaigned against censorship.
"I've always tried to live my life on my own terms, with sophistication and style, and this Stoli campaign reflects those same beliefs," says Hefner. "I was intrigued by the concept of having a drink with myself, and I'm very pleased with the final results. I think fans will get a kick out of the spots."
Furthering the brand's relationship with Hugh Hefner and Playboy, Stoli will release a limited edition bottle of Stoli Ohranj featuring the iconic Playboy bunny logo. This offering will be available beginning in October 2010. In addition, Stoli recently sponsored the 2010 Playboy Playmate of The Year Awards that were held in Las Vegas, Nev.
"Stoli, with its rich heritage as a pioneering brand, looks forward to bringing the Would You Have A Drink With You? campaign to life for our consumers and trade alike via events, sponsorships, and on- and off-premise programs," says Lisa Pfenning, category director for Stolichnaya Vodka, William Grant & Sons USA. "We are excited to see how Stoli fans across the country react and interact with this exciting program and the dynamic personalities we present, whose own pioneering spirits perfectly mirror that of the Stolichnaya brand."
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With this premise, the campaign's print ads and commercials are designed to be humorous and irreverent, yet thoughtful and inspirational, challenging the consumer to ponder how they measure up—Are you daring enough? Are you an original? Are you experiencing and living your life in an authentic, interesting way? Are you someone you'd want to share a Stoli with? Simply, 'Would You Have a Drink With You?' 
The largest independently owned juice company in the US, Apple & Eve continues to grow with its line of pure, natural juices in an increasingly health-minded beverage market.