Vesper Martini

Before jumping into the Vesper Martini — which most definitely is an original James Bond (read: Ian Fleming) creation — here are some other martini cocktail recipes you may enjoy as well: the Classic Gin Martini, the Espresso Martini, the Blueberry Martini, and the Naked Martini. OK, now, as was mentioned, the Vesper Martini is indeed a classic James Bond cocktail — like, O.G. James Bond too, ‘cause this bad boy first appeared in the 1953 novel Casino Royale. The Vesper Martini Wikipedia page actually has a whole half-page of direct quotation from the book revolving around the creation of the drink, and the dialog is actually pretty good! They should make a movie out of those books or something. Seriously though, the gist of the Vesper Martini’s reputation is that Bond was/is basically a huge alcoholic, and one of his signature martinis is the Vesper Martini. In Bond’s own words (which, again, were actually written by Ian Fleming), the Vesper Martini calls for “Three measures of Gordon’s [gin], one of vodka, [and a] half a measure of Kina Lillet.” If you're wondering what Kina Lillet is, it’s “A liqueur made with white wine mixed with fruit liqueurs and flavored with quinine.” Our version of the Vesper Martini cocktail recipe calls for gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. And yes, we like ours shaken, not stirred…. The story of the Vesper Martini cocktail’s creation goes deeper than Fleming simply making up a drink for Mr. Bond to sip on sensually though. Make Me A Cocktail notes that “Fleming’s background was in naval intelligence, and it was during his time in World War II that he was introduced to Krystyna Skarbek or Christine Granville… [who] had many alias’, one of which was Vésperale.” Make Me A Cocktail adds that “It is thought that Fleming may have had a brief affair with this agent, but even if he did not, it seems likely that she was the muse for the very first Bond girl and subsequent potent cocktail.” In another article posted by Cocktail Hunter, it’s noted that “[Fleming was a] notorious liter-a-day vodka-drinker himself.” Really though, a liter a day?! How did this man have the energy to sit up and type? The Cocktail Hunter adds that the types of vodka and vermouth used in Bond’s Vesper Martini cocktail were also critical to its taste. Apparently a true Ian Fleming-style Vesper Martini recipe only uses Russian grain vodka and Polish Lillet Blanc, and should be served in a champagne goblet with a slice of lemon peel as a garnish. Oh, and if all this talk about delicious, refreshing vodka cocktails has you in the mood for even more delicious, refreshing vodka cocktails, check out these bad boys: the Lychee Martini, Lime Drop Shots, the Dirty Shirley, the Grapefruit Crush, and Barbie’s Escape. VESPER MARTINI 3 oz. (90ml) Gin 1 oz. (30ml) Vodka 1/2 oz. (15ml) Lillet Blanc Garnish: Lemon Peel PREPARATION 1. Shake with ice. Strain into a martini glass. 2. Garnish with a lemon peel. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!