Gin · Vodka · Aperitivo & Wine
Vesper Martini
Spirit-Based · 1 serving · Serve: Martini glass or coupe
The Vesper Martini is a sophisticated cocktail with a literary pedigree, famously created by author Ian Fleming for his character James Bond in the 1953 novel "Casino Royale." Bond orders this drink with the precise instructions: "Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel." The cocktail was named after the novel's female lead, Vesper Lynd. Unlike a traditional martini, the Vesper combines both gin and vodka with Lillet Blanc (which replaced the original Kina Lillet when it was discontinued). This creates a smooth yet potent cocktail with subtle herbal and citrus notes. While Bond famously preferred his "shaken, not stirred," most bartenders recommend stirring to achieve the silky texture expected of a proper martini.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Gin
- 1 oz Vodka
- 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc
- 2 dashes Orange bitters
- Garnish: Lemon peel
Directions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe in the freezer or by filling it with ice and water.
- Combine gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, and orange bitters in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir until well-chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Empty the ice water from the chilled glass if using that method.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
- Cut a piece of lemon peel, express the oils over the drink by twisting it, and drop it into the glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately.
Notes/Tips
The original Kina Lillet called for in Fleming's recipe has been reformulated and is now sold as Lillet Blanc, which is less bitter. For a closer approximation to the original Vesper, you can add a small dash of bitters to compensate for the missing quinine bitterness.
This is a strong cocktail with approximately 3 ounces of straight spirits. Consider yourself warned, as James Bond himself might say.
While Bond ordered his Vesper shaken, most bartenders recommend stirring this cocktail to maintain clarity and achieve the proper dilution and texture.
Goes well with
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