The Vesper Martini

The Vesper Martini, the James Bond martini from the original Casino Royal. Sure to please both vodka and gin lovers. Shaken or stirred it’s a winner!

The Vesper Martini was invented by Ian Fleming, author of James Bond. He first introduced it in 1953 with the release of his book Casino Royal. The cocktail is named after the character, double agent Vesper Lynd.

What is unique about this martini is that it combines gin and vodka, with Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth. The vodka tempers the gin and this combination creates a very potent drink, which is for both the gin and vodka lover.

To Shake or Stir?

The other big controversy swirls around “shaken not stirred.” It is commonly accepted by bartenders that you should “stir” liquor only cocktails. If you “shake” the cocktail, it will dilute the drink. While traditionalists think this is taboo, the cocktail is quite strong, so a little dilution may not be a bad thing.

Bond drank his martini’s “shaken” throughout the books, so if you want to be like James Bond, go with “shaken, not stirred.”

Vesper Martini-Ingredients

• 3 oz gin
• 1 oz vodka
• .5 oz Lillet Blanc
• 1 lemon peel (for garnish)

Instructions

James Bond gave explicit instructions on how to make the Vesper Martini. Bond says, “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?”

Kina Lillet is no longer available, so you can substitute Lillet Blanc or dry Vermouth instead.

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc.
• Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a lemon peel. 
• Cheers!

Like martini’s? Then try:

Cape Cod Martini

Tropical Breeze Martini

Tropical Mango Martini

Simple Strawberry Martini

White Cranberry Cosmo