Classic Vesper Martini

The elegant Vesper Martini is fresh, lively and herbaceous: a mesmerizing spin that’s shaken, not stirred! Invented by James Bond, it has become a true classic.

Here’s a cocktail invented by a fictional character that has become a classic. meet him Vespers martini! Yes, James Bond created this drink in the 1953 book Casino royale, and he is still alive today. For us, it’s an improvement over the classic martini, so we’re glad it stuck! The magic ingredient is Lillet Blanc, a slightly sweet and slightly floral fortified wine that gives life and personality to this drink. Here’s more on why you should try a Bond martini… stats.

What’s in a Vesper Martini?

The idea that a fictional character could invent a drink tickles us! But the real props, of course, go to James Bond series writer Ian Fleming. In Casino royale, James Bond approaches the bar and asks for a very specific kind of martini. In the next chapter he calls him “the Vespers” after his lover Vesper Lynd. (Vespers means “evening” in Latin, and she was born on a blustery evening. Classic, right?) The drink quantities and ingredients in the book were specific enough that you could easily replicate Vespers at home. The ingredients of a Vesper Martini are:

The Vesper Martini was later included in the International Bartender Association’s official IBA cocktail list, meaning it is part of the official bartender drink list. Impressive James Bond!

Shaken not moved!

The Vesper martini is “shaken, not stirred,” just like James Bond’s famous phrase. Here are James Bond’s actual instructions for Vespers: “Gordon’s Three Bars (Gin), one vodka, half a pint of Kina Lillet. Shake very well until translucent, then add a large thin slice of lemon zest. I have understood?“

Shaking is actually the wrong direction for a classic martini, since bartenders tend to stir a full-alcohol cocktail because the shaker dilutes it too much. But for Vespers, you would like Dilution! You’ll need a cocktail shaker: fill it with ice, shake until cold, then strain into a cocktail glass. (Here’s the shaker we’re using.)

All about Lillet

Lillet Blanc is our most popular new addition to our spirits collection. I can’t believe we went so long without them! Lillet is a French aperitif: an aromatic wine flavored with herbs and citrus. There are several types of Lillet made up of different wines: Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rosé and Lillet Rouge. The taste of Lillet Blanc is slightly sweet, with subtle floral and herbal notes. It resembles a dry white vermouth, with a sweeter and more intriguing herbal flavor.

Use Lillet Blanc in a Vesper martini. You can also substitute Cocchi Americano, a flavored wine similar to Kina Lillet, the original Lillet referenced by James Bond! It is no longer produced. You can use the alcohol in other drinks like a sparkling Lillet Spritz or a Lillet G&T: two of the most refreshing drinks you can imagine.

Squeeze that lemon zest!

Last step: the filling! As requested by James Bond, you must add a lemon. Not only does this add visual flair, but a bartender typically squeezes out the citrus over the drink. What does that mean? Here’s how to “express” citrus in a cocktail:

• First, squeeze the lemon zest over the drink to release the oils.
• Then gently guide the skin around the edge of the jar. This gives the first sip a refreshing lemon scent!

Variants of martini

Do you like a good martini? (We assume so when you end up here.) The Vesper martini is one of our favorites, but there are many different options, from classic and dry to fruity and tangy. Here are all of our martini recipes:

When to serve a Vesper Martini

This Vesper Martini is sophisticated and refreshing. Serve as:

• summer drink
• Happy hour drink
• Drink at dinner
• Late night drinks
• Evening drink between boys or between girls
• Aperitif at aperitif time