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Tara's Vesper Martini

By Tara Smith, Sommelier

“When I cocktail at home, I keep it shaken, not stirred with this version of the Vesper…”
Smith – Tara Smith

5 min cook time

Serves 1

Why we like it

Although James Bond’s ‘Vesper’ only makes an appearance in a single Ian Fleming novel, it has since transcended its literary origins to become an icon in the cocktail world.

“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. Got it?”

The Kina Lillet used in Casino Royale (an aromatized wine with quinine) is no longer available, but current Lillet Blanc offers a flavour somewhere between dry and sweet vermouth. This recipe is perfect if you can't find Kina Lillet or already have dry white vermouth on hand.

Ingredients

1 serving

Preparation Notes

In Casino Royale, 007 specifically asks for Gordon’s Gin, but he does not specify which brand of vodka he prefers.
No less than six different vodka brands have been featured in Bond films, but here, feel free to use the one you like the most.
But if you really want to go full tuxedo, grab one from the top shelf.
Behind the bar, many bartenders recommend stirring to chill and dilute a Vesper Martini, but for a literary literarily accurate take, it has to be shaken, not stirred.

Making the recipe

  1. Step 1

    A measure of...

    • Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    • Add the gin, vodka, and vermouth.
    Next step
  2. Step 2

    Shake it very well

    • Place the lid onto the mixing glass, and “shake it very well [at least 10 seconds] until it's ice-cold.” This will create a bubbly, cloudy drink.
    Next step
  3. Step 3

    Slice of lemon-peel

    • Strain into a chilled martini glass, and garnish with slice of lemon-peel.
    • Chin chin!

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