The Vesper, or Vesper Martini, was made famous by James Bond and has become a true classic. First appearing in the novel Casino Royale, the author Ian Fleming created the cocktail. The drink (like the agent who created it) is quite potent, yet clean and cool. It contains vodka and gin, along with Lillet Blanc, a wine flavored with citrus and herbs.
In the classic novel, the agent approaches the bar with very strict instructions for how he would like his martini. The cocktail is named after Bond’s love interest, Vesper Lynd. The direct instructions from the novel are as follows: “Three measures of Gordon’s (gin), 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. Got it?“
Vesper Martini Recipe
You will need just three ingredients! Three ounces gin, an ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet blanc. Using good quality ingredients will make or break this recipe, so it is worth it to use your favorites or invest in good quality gin and vodka.
How to Make a Vesper Martini
While typically cocktails that are composed of only spirits are stirred to prevent dilution, this one is shaken! The slight dilution is encouraged to better balance its components.
- In a cocktail shaker, add your vodka, gin, Lillet blanc, and ice
- Shake well and strain into a glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!
How to Serve a Vesper Cocktail
Serve your Vesper martini in a martini glass and like Bond himself says-with a lemon peel. This will add to the presentation of the cocktail as well as a refreshing hint. Express the lemon peel by squeezing it over the drink to release the oils, then rub around the rim of the glass and drop it into the cocktail.
Other Martini’s
Vesper Martini
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet blanc
Instructions
- Add the gin, vodka, Lillet blanc and ice to a shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a glass.
- Garnish and enjoy.
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