Vesper

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Cocktail History

The Vesper Martini is a classic cocktail that was first published in Casino Royale, Ian Fleming's 1953 novel about the British spy James Bond. Fleming himself is said to have invented the drink at the famous Duke's Bar in London, England, although his recipe originally called for gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a liqueur made with white wine, fruit liqueurs, and quinine. The latter was discontinued in 1986, so Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano are now commonly used in its place.

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Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Gordon's London Dry Gin.

Vodka: This is a spirit made with grains, vegetables or fruits, and alcohol. I used Smirnoff Vodka.

Lillet Blanc: This is an aromatized wine liqueur made in France with Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, citrus, florals, honey, baking spices, and water.

Lemon Twist: This is the peel of a lemon that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.

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Bartending Tools

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:

Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.

Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they're being stirred. I used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.

Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. I used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.

Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. I used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.

Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. I used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.

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Tasting Notes

This cocktail has the following flavor profile:

• Appearance: Frosty crystal-clear color

• Aroma: Citrus and noticeable alcohol

• Taste: Robust and bracing gin and vodka flavors complemented by bittersweet Lillet

• Finish: Faint floral, herbal, and citrus undertones

Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Kendall’s Take: "I knew from one whiff of the Vesper that it would be much too boozy for my palate... at least for now. Since it's essentially just booze, that's pretty much exactly how it tastes, although it is softened a little by the floral and herbal apéritif wine. It'll be quite some time before I crave one of these, I'm sure, but you have to try at least one of these in your lifetime to say you have just like James Bond. "

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Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.