Vesper
The original recipe for the Vesper, the cocktail ordered by James Bond in "Casino Royale." A potent mix of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc.
Description
The Vesper, often called the Vesper Martini, is a cocktail made immortal by Ian Fleming's James Bond novel "Casino Royale." Named after the fictional double agent Vesper Lynd, this drink is a unique and potent variation of the classic Martini. Bond orders it with the exact words: "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." As Kina Lillet is no longer produced, Lillet Blanc is the universally accepted substitute. Shaken, not stirred, the Vesper is a strong, crisp, and aromatic drink with a fascinating history.
Preparation
- Pre-chill a coupe or martini glass with ice.
- Add gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker is ice-cold on the outside (about 15 seconds).
- Discard the ice from the glass.
- Strain the contents of the shaker through a bar strainer into the chilled glass.
- Squeeze a wide lemon peel over the drink to release the essential oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.
