Vesper Martini

I’ll admit, I’ve called James Bond a weirdo for his signature drink order in the past, but I owe that fictional character an apology because it turns out the Vesper martini is nothing short of a classic. Named for Vesper Lynd, James Bond’s love interest in the 1953 novel Casino Royale, this infamously shaken and not stirred cocktail is a three-ingredient heavy hitter and the perfect pairing for a steak dinner. Since the original recipe is quite literally 1/2 cup of hard alcohol, I toned down the gin just a bit, from 3 oz. to 2 oz., making this a much easier sipping experience. Keep reading for details on what makes this classic cocktail so special.

How To Make A Vesper Martini

INGREDIENTS

• Ice Cubes: Dilution from ice is essential for creating a balanced Vesper martini. Without it, the drink is way too boozy.
• Dry Gin: A London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater will deliver crisp, juniper-forward notes that define an excellent martini.
• Vodka: Vodka adds volume and strength without taking away from from the juniper-forward gin.
• Lillet Blanc: The original Kina Lillet that Ian Fleming references in Casino Royale no longer exists, but Lillet Blanc is the best substitute. It offers subtle floral and citrus notes that soften the boozy blend of gin and vodka. Another option is Cocchi Americano, which is closer in flavor to Kina Lillet, though it's more bitter than Lillet Blanc. Play around with them and see which you prefer.
• Lemon Twist: A twist of lemon peel adds brightness and citrusy aromatic notes to each sip.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Fill up the shaker with ice.

Cover and shake until the outside of the shaker is very frosty, about 20 seconds.

Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tips

• Should I shake or stir a Vesper Martini? If you want to stay true to the text and order it just like James Bond, you should definitely make it “shaken, not stirred.” Shaking offers more dilution, which is essential for such a still drink. If you’re truly a gin lover, stick to stirring with ice for 30 seconds.
• Is this drink identical to the original? No, but trust me, that’s for the best. The OG has 3 oz. gin, making this drink a little bit unbearable. If the version James Bond was drinking had that much booze, he was likely drunk all the time.
• How do you get a super smooth texture? Chill the vodka, gin, and Lillet for at least an hour in the freezer before you start mixing your drink. Stirring instead of shaking the drink will also contribute to the smoothness.

Make Ahead

You shouldn’t have any leftovers of this, but you can make a large batch for a party. Mix the gin, vodka and Lillet and store it in the freezer. When ready to serve, add 4 oz. mix to a shaker full of ice to make a single serving.