Vesper
The Vesper is a crisp, clean, and remarkably strong cocktail made famous by James Bond. It uniquely combines both gin and vodka, which are smoothed and complexed by the addition of Lillet Blanc (a substitute for the original Kina Lillet). Shaken until ice-cold and served straight up, it offers a sophisticated balance of botanical, bitter, and subtle fruit notes, finished with the bright aroma of a lemon twist.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Vesper is classified as a classic cocktail, specifically a type of Martini. It belongs to the "All Day" category, suitable for sipping before dinner as an apéritif. Its creation in the 1950s places it firmly within the modern classics era of mixology.
Serving
This is a potent, spirit-forward cocktail served "straight up" (without ice) in a chilled Martini or Coupe glass. Its high alcohol content makes it a drink to be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approximately 135 ml (4.5 oz)
Alcohol content
Approximately 29-33% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Vesper was invented by author Ian Fleming for his character James Bond in the 1953 novel "Casino Royale." Bond names the drink after Vesper Lynd, a fictional double agent. In the book, he instructs the bartender, "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?"
Origin
The cocktail is fictional in origin, created by Ian Fleming in the United Kingdom for his novel "Casino Royale" published in 1953. It represents a specific moment in pop culture history and has since become a real-world classic. The original Kina Lillet is no longer produced, so modern recipes typically substitute Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano.
Vesper
The Vesper is most commonly known by its original name, though it is often referred to as the Vesper Martini to distinguish it from other cocktails. Due to its famous origin, many simply call it the James Bond Martini. The name "Vesper" itself was taken from the fictional double agent Vesper Lynd in the novel.
Original name
Vesper
Alternative names
- Vesper Martini
- The James Bond Martini
Characteristics overview
The Vesper presents a complex aroma of lemon and juniper, with a smooth, spirit-forward flavor profile balanced by the bittersweet notes of the aromatized wine. It's a strong but clean-tasting cocktail with a warming, lingering finish.
Flavor
Botanical, citrusy, bittersweet, crisp, spirit-forward
Aroma
Lemon peel, juniper, floral, wine
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet, boozy
Aftertaste
Clean, long, warming, slightly bitter
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Clear, pale straw
Texture
Smooth, silky, cold
Seasonality
Year-round, refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Vesper is very strong in alcohol but low in sweetness and fruitiness, with a noticeable bitterness that defines its character. It is a still, non-creamy drink intended for those who appreciate a potent, spirit-forward cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The Vesper requires just three key liquid ingredients: London Dry Gin, a quality vodka, and the aromatized wine Lillet Blanc. A fresh lemon is also needed for the essential garnish.
- London Dry Gin60 ml / 2 ozA classic, juniper-forward London Dry gin is essential for the Vesper's character.
- Vodka20 ml / 0.66 ozA clean, high-quality vodka works best to complement the gin without overpowering it.
- Lillet Blanc10 ml / 0.33 ozThe modern substitute for Kina Lillet. For a more bitter, authentic profile, Cocchi Americano is an excellent alternative.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker filled with ice to chill the drink, a jigger for measuring the spirits, and a strainer to pour the finished cocktail into the glass.
- Cocktail shaker for chilling and mixing
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Strainer for separating the ice from the liquid
Instructions
The process is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake well, and strain into the glass. Finish by expressing a lemon peel over the top for aroma.
1. Chill your Martini or Coupe glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with fresh, hard ice cubes.
3. Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, as Bond insisted, until the shaker is ice-cold to the touch.
5. Double-strain the contents into your pre-chilled glass to remove any ice shards.
6. Take a large, thin slice of lemon peel, hold it over the drink's surface, and twist it to express the fragrant oils onto the cocktail.
7. Drop the peel into the glass and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A single, elegant garnish of a large lemon peel is crucial. The citrus oils expressed over the surface add a bright, aromatic dimension that completes the drink.
- Large, thin slice of lemon peel - Express the oils over the drink and drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is not suitable for all diets; gin and vodka may be derived from gluten-containing grains, and aromatized wines like Lillet Blanc may use animal-based fining agents, making it unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✕ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a low-sugar and low-carbohydrate cocktail, but its calories come almost entirely from the alcohol content, making it moderately caloric for its size.
Calories
Approximately 200-220 kcal / 837-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 1-2 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 1-2 g
Sugar level
Occasions
The Vesper is a sophisticated choice perfect for formal occasions, cocktail parties, or as a sharp apéritif before a fine meal. Its association with James Bond also makes it a thematic favorite for movie nights or casino-themed events.
- Cocktail Party
- Pre-dinner Drink
- Formal Events
- Casino Night
Pairing suggestions
The Vesper's crisp, spirituous character pairs wonderfully with salty and savory apéritifs. Think classic cocktail hour fare like olives, salted almonds, or fresh seafood such as oysters and shrimp cocktails. Its clean profile cuts through richness, making it a great companion for canapés with smoked salmon or mild cheese.
- Oysters or seafood platters
- Olives and salted nuts
- Smoked salmon blinis
- Mild cheeses
The Vesper: A Cocktail Legend in a Glass
The Vesper is a timeless cocktail immortalized by James Bond, offering a unique and potent blend of gin and vodka. Its sophisticated profile is defined by the bittersweet complexity of Lillet Blanc and brightened by an aromatic lemon twist. While Bond's "shaken, not stirred" method is controversial among purists, it's essential for achieving the drink's signature ice-cold temperature. A true classic, the Vesper is a testament to simple elegance and bold flavor.
Variations
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