LOS ANGELES, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CIROC Vodka and Esquire have named the newest member of the "Ultra Premium Cut" contest judging panel.  Film and recording artist Nikki Reed will join Sean "Diddy" Combs and Esquire's Jack Essig to help select the CIROC commercial that will air on national TV on New Year's Eve.  Entries will continue to be accepted through December 2nd at www.esquire.com/ciroc.

The commercial with the highest number of online votes between December 6^th and 11^th will premiere on national television on New Year's Eve. Additionally, the top three finalists will receive the Ultimate CIROC At-Home New Year's celebration which includes a one on one consultation with a professional event coordinator and funds towards their New Year's Eve Party. 

"I'm thrilled to be working with Sean 'Diddy' Combs, CIROC Vodka and Esquire as a judge for the Ultra Premium Cut Filmmaker Series and helping to elevate awareness for such an important cause," says Reed. "As an artist myself, I'm excited to see the original videos submitted."

In addition to joining the panel, Reed, along with CIROC, Combs and Esquire, further drives home the "Celebrating Responsibly" platform with the announcement of the fifth annual "CIROC Safe Rides" campaign.  The program provides consumers coast to coast with free rides from trustworthy transportation partners as they return from their New Year's Eve activities.

On December 31^st CIROC Brand Ambassadors will distribute "Safe Ride" cards redeemable via taxis, black cars or other forms of transportation to adult consumers throughout major metropolitan cities nationwide. In New York, Miami, and Houston cards will be redeemable for usage in taxis, black cars, and liveries. Consumers in Chicago will receive CTA cards and those in Atlanta will receive MARTA cards good for their ride home at the end of the big night. As an unexpected bonus, Reed will also surprise pedestrians with CIROC Safe Ride cards earlier in the month to ensure they get home safely on New Year's Eve.

"During the holiday season while we celebrate family, traditions, and the beginning of a new year, it's extra important to do these things responsibly," says Reed. "If you are going to drink, please find a safe ride home. Catch a cab, CIROC Safe Ride, subway, bus or pick a designated driver."

To further encourage awareness, Reed and various other celebrities will film dedicated public service announcements.  The content will be featured throughout multi-media programming on targeted lifestyle media outlets during the campaign. 

About CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka

CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka is made using fine French grapes, which are distilled five times, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. CIROC launched nationwide in September 2003.  In October 2007, DIAGEO - the world's largest spirits, wine and beer company – made spirits history by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CIROC. The makers of CIROC Vodka launched two new flavors - CIROC RED BERRY and CIROC COCONUT - in February 2010 and introduced CIROC PEACH regionally in October 2011, nationally in February 2012. All three are also made with vodka distilled from fine French grapes, and infused with natural coconut, wild berry, peach and other tropical/fruit flavors. In September 2011 Market Watch Leaders recognized CIROC as 'Spirits Brand of the Year' for its outstanding performance and unprecedented growth during the 2010 fiscal year. © 2012 Imported from France by DIAGEO, Norwalk, CT.

Please visit www.CIROC.com or follow them on Twitter: @CIROC

About Esquire

Esquire (www.esquire.com) published by Hearst Magazines, is the most-honored monthly magazine in America.  Over the past 15 years, it has won a total of 16 National Magazine Awards.  Its Web site and e-reader applications have been similarly honored- Esquire won the first-ever National Magazine Award for iPad applications.  In addition to its U.S. flagship, Esquire publishes 25 editions around the world.  Follow Esquire on Twitter at @Esquiremag.

For more information please contact:

Ben Russo, Ben@emcbowery.com or Jackie Gonzalez, Jackie@emcbowery.com of EMC|Bowery at 323.857.0007

Nathan Christopher, Esquire: nchristopher@hearst.com or 212.649.2582

SOURCE CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka