A sophisticated and powerful cocktail created by Ian Fleming for James Bond in the novel "Casino Royale," the Vesper Martini is a striking combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. It’s crisp, boozy, and elegantly dry, served shaken—not stirred—and garnished with a twist of lemon.
📋 Cocktail Overview
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🍸 Style: Martini / Classic
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🌿 Flavor Profile: Crisp, dry, botanical
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🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
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🥃 Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
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🧊 Method: Shaken
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Fine mesh strainer
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Citrus peeler or paring knife
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Martini or coupe glass
1. Chill the Glass
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Place the Martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail
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In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
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3 oz gin
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1 oz vodka
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½ oz Lillet Blanc
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Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
Note: The original Bond-style Vesper is shaken, not stirred, to achieve a slightly more diluted and frosty texture.
3. Strain & Serve
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Discard the ice water from the glass.
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Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass for a silky, smooth finish.
4. Garnish & Finish
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Express the oils from a long lemon twist over the surface of the drink.
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Drop the twist into the glass or rest it on the rim.
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Classic Recipe: The original 1953 recipe called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer produced. Lillet Blanc is a milder substitute, while Cocchi Americano provides a more bitter, authentic flavor.
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Smoother Version: Reduce the gin to 2 oz and increase the vodka to 1½ oz for a less boozy finish.
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Herbal Twist: Add a dash of orange bitters or a spritz of lemon oil for added complexity.
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Low ABV: Replace half the gin with dry vermouth for a lighter, more aromatic version.
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James Bond Style: For the full 007 experience, serve in a deep Champagne goblet rather than a Martini glass.
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Appetizers: Oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon canapés, or caviar toast points
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Snacks: Almond-stuffed olives, salted nuts, or cheese crisps
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Dessert: Lemon tart, almond biscotti, or dark chocolate truffles
Ingredients
Directions
-
Cocktail shaker
-
Jigger or measuring tool
-
Fine mesh strainer
-
Citrus peeler or paring knife
-
Martini or coupe glass
1. Chill the Glass
-
Place the Martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing the cocktail.
2. Mix the Cocktail
-
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
-
3 oz gin
-
1 oz vodka
-
½ oz Lillet Blanc
-
-
Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
Note: The original Bond-style Vesper is shaken, not stirred, to achieve a slightly more diluted and frosty texture.
3. Strain & Serve
-
Discard the ice water from the glass.
-
Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled glass for a silky, smooth finish.
4. Garnish & Finish
-
Express the oils from a long lemon twist over the surface of the drink.
-
Drop the twist into the glass or rest it on the rim.
-
Classic Recipe: The original 1953 recipe called for Kina Lillet, which is no longer produced. Lillet Blanc is a milder substitute, while Cocchi Americano provides a more bitter, authentic flavor.
-
Smoother Version: Reduce the gin to 2 oz and increase the vodka to 1½ oz for a less boozy finish.
-
Herbal Twist: Add a dash of orange bitters or a spritz of lemon oil for added complexity.
-
Low ABV: Replace half the gin with dry vermouth for a lighter, more aromatic version.
-
James Bond Style: For the full 007 experience, serve in a deep Champagne goblet rather than a Martini glass.
-
Appetizers: Oysters on the half shell, smoked salmon canapés, or caviar toast points
-
Snacks: Almond-stuffed olives, salted nuts, or cheese crisps
-
Dessert: Lemon tart, almond biscotti, or dark chocolate truffles