Vesper Martini

1. Add gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to a mixing glass or shaker filled with ice.

2. Stir or shake (Bond prefers it shaken, but stirring is more traditional for clarity).

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.

4. Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in as garnish.

• Oysters or smoked salmon

• Caviar blinis or chilled shrimp cocktail

• Goat cheese-stuffed olives

• Lemon tarts or shortbread cookies

• Aged cheeses with crisp crackers

Because of its dry, bold character, it pairs best with delicate, salty, or citrus-forward nibbles.

• Lillet Blanc was originally Lillet Kina (which had quinine). Cocchi Americano is a closer match if you're going for vintage accuracy.

• Chill your glass thoroughly — this drink is all alcohol and benefits from being ice cold.

• Stirring gives a clearer, silkier result, while shaking adds slight dilution and aeration.

• If using high-proof gin, consider a touch more Lillet to smooth it out.

• Don’t skip the lemon twist — its oils add brightness and contrast.

First ordered by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale (1953), the Vesper was named after the character Vesper Lynd. Bond's original line:
"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."
It’s strong, stylish, and unforgettable — just like Bond.