Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail that uniquely combines both gin and vodka. Softened by the aromatic, wine-based aperitif Lillet Blanc, it offers a complex flavor profile that is both floral and herbaceous. It is stronger and slightly sweeter than a traditional Dry Martini, with a smooth yet potent character. The drink is best known for its association with James Bond, who created and named it in the novel "Casino Royale."
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Vesper Martini is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the "Martini" family of drinks but is a distinct recipe, not just a variation. Its status as an "All Day" cocktail means it can be enjoyed before dinner as an aperitif or at any other suitable time.
Serving
The Vesper is a potent, spirit-forward drink served very cold in a chilled Martini or Coupe glass. It's a relatively small but strong cocktail with a high alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 29-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Martini or Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The Vesper Martini 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 he falls for. His specific recipe instructions, including the controversial "shaken, not stirred" method, have made the drink iconic. It's a rare example of a famous cocktail originating from fiction rather than a specific bar or bartender.
Origin
United Kingdom (fictional origin), 1953. The drink was created for a work of fiction and subsequently entered into the real-world cocktail canon.
Vesper Martini
The drink is often simply called the "Vesper," its original name from the novel. Due to its famous creator, it is also widely known as "The James Bond Martini." These names are used interchangeably by cocktail enthusiasts and fans of the franchise.
Original name
Vesper
Alternative names
- Vesper
- The James Bond Martini
Characteristics overview
The Vesper has a crisp, botanical flavor with a clean, warming aftertaste, balanced between bitter and sweet. It presents as a clear, pale yellow liquid with a silky smooth texture, best enjoyed year-round.
Flavor
Crisp, botanical, slightly sweet, aromatic, strong
Aroma
Juniper, citrus, floral, wine
Taste balance
Bitter, sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, long, warming, herbal
Fizziness
None, Still
Color appearance
Clear, pale yellow tinge
Texture
Smooth, silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by a very high alcohol strength, with a notable bitterness from the Lillet and gin, and a subtle fruitiness. The drink is not sweet, sour, or spicy.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need three key liquid ingredients: a quality London Dry Gin, a clean vodka, and the French aperitif wine Lillet Blanc. No other mixers are required, aside from ice for chilling.
- Gin60 ml / 2 ozBond specifies Gordon's Gin, but a good quality London Dry Gin is recommended.
- Vodka20 ml / 0.67 ozA clean, neutral vodka is best. Bond's original recipe used a grain vodka.
- Lillet Blanc10 ml / 0.33 ozThe original recipe calls for Kina Lillet, which is no longer produced. Lillet Blanc is the modern substitute. For a more bitter profile closer to the original, some use Cocchi Americano.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
The essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker to combine and chill the spirits, a jigger for precise measurements, and a strainer for a clean pour.
- Cocktail shaker - for chilling and mixing the ingredients
- Jigger or measuring tool - for accurate pouring
- Strainer - to hold back the ice when pouring
Instructions
The process involves chilling a glass, shaking gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc with ice, and then straining the mixture. Garnish by expressing a lemon peel over the drink and dropping it in.
1. Chill your serving glass (a deep goblet or coupe) in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
3. Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to the shaker.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker is ice-cold. (Note: Purists may prefer to stir).
5. Double-strain the mixture into your pre-chilled glass.
6. Take a large, thin slice of lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and twist it to release its oils onto the surface.
7. Drop the lemon peel into the drink and serve immediately.
Garnishing
The only garnish required is a large, thin slice of lemon peel. Its essential oils are expressed over the surface of the drink to add a bright, citrus aroma before it's dropped into the glass.
- Lemon Peel - Express the oils from a large, thin slice of lemon peel over the drink, then drop it in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
A single Vesper Martini contains approximately 200 calories, with very low carbohydrate and sugar content, primarily coming from the Lillet Blanc. The majority of the calories are derived from the alcohol.
Calories
Averagely 200 kcal / 837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 1.5 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 1.5 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a sophisticated drink ideal for cocktail parties, formal gatherings, or as a classic aperitif before a fine meal. Its iconic status makes it a great choice for celebrations or themed events.
- Cocktail party
- Pre-dinner drink
- Formal event
- Celebration
Pairing suggestions
The Vesper's crisp, strong profile pairs excellently with salty and savory hors d'oeuvres. It cuts through the richness of seafood like oysters, caviar, and smoked salmon. Simple, salty snacks such as high-quality olives or lightly salted almonds also complement the drink's botanical character beautifully.
- Oysters
- Smoked salmon blinis
- Salty snacks like olives or nuts
- Caviar
The Vesper Martini: A Legendary Cocktail of Espionage and Elegance
The Vesper Martini is a timeless cocktail immortalized by James Bond in "Casino Royale." Combining gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, it's a spirit-forward drink that is stronger and slightly more aromatic than its classic martini cousin. Served ice-cold with a twist of lemon, the Vesper is the epitome of mid-century cool and sophistication. Whether shaken or stirred, it remains a powerful and elegant choice for any cocktail enthusiast.