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.
🍸 Style: Martini / Classic
🌿 Flavor Profile: Crisp, dry, botanical
🕰 Time to Make: 5 minutes
🥃 Glassware: Martini or coupe glass
🧊 Method: Shaken
Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine mesh strainer
Citrus peeler or paring knife
Martini or coupe glass
Place the Martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while preparing 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.
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.
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
0 servings