Vesper-Verde

The Vesper-Verde is a complex and potent stirred cocktail that masterfully blends the smoky notes of mezcal with the vegetal brightness of tequila. Green Chartreuse adds a profound herbal depth and a touch of sweetness, which is beautifully balanced by the floral character of blanc vermouth. It is a sophisticated, spirit-forward drink designed for those who appreciate cocktails with a unique, modern profile and a nod to classic structure.
Vesper-Verde

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vesper-Verde is categorized as a Modern Classic cocktail. It is a spirit-forward, stirred drink that represents a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic recipe, fitting comfortably within the sophisticated aperitif category.

Serving

Served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a strong, cold cocktail with a potent alcoholic kick and an elegant presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 100 ml / 3.5 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 30-35% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern creation that pays homage to Ian Fleming's Vesper Martini, famously ordered by James Bond. By swapping the original gin and vodka for agave spirits and replacing Kina Lillet with blanc vermouth and Green Chartreuse, it transports the classic spy drink to a new, smoky, and herbaceous territory, reflecting the evolution of modern mixology.
Origin
Created by Stephen Cole at the acclaimed cocktail bar The Violet Hour in Chicago, USA, around 2011. It's a testament to the modern cocktail renaissance's creativity in reinterpreting classic formulas with bold, contemporary ingredients.

Vesper-Verde

The drink is primarily known as the Vesper-Verde, a name that references both its inspiration (the Vesper) and its key ingredient (Green Chartreuse, 'verde' being Spanish for green). It is sometimes informally called a Green Vesper, highlighting its distinctive color and herbal profile.
Original name
Vesper-Verde
Alternative name
Green Vesper

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a silky, spirit-forward experience with a complex interplay of smoky agave and rich herbal notes, finishing with a long, warming aftertaste. Its pale green hue and still, clear appearance make it an elegant sipper for any season.
Flavor
Smoky, Herbal, Complex, Agave, Botanical, Slightly sweet, Earthy
Aroma
Smoky, Herbaceous, Citrusy, Floral, Anise
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, Balanced, Bitter-sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Herbal, Smoky
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Pale green-yellow, Clear, Lustrous
Texture
Silky, Smooth, Weighty, Viscous
Seasonality
Year-round, Nighttime drink, Refreshing yet potent

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Vesper-Verde is a high-intensity, spirit-forward drink dominated by strong alcohol and complex herbal notes. It has low sweetness and sourness, balanced by a pleasant bitterness from the botanicals.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires a balanced quartet of spirits: mezcal, tequila blanco, blanc vermouth, and Green Chartreuse. A fresh lemon is also needed for the essential garnish.
  • Mezcal30 ml / 1 oz
    A quality, subtly smoky mezcal like Del Maguey Vida works well without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Tequila Blanco30 ml / 1 oz
    Use a crisp, 100% agave tequila to provide a clean, vegetal backbone.
  • Dolin Blanc Vermouth30 ml / 1 oz
    Blanc vermouth is key for its floral and slightly sweet profile, which balances the stronger spirits.
  • Green Chartreuse7.5 ml / 1/4 oz
    Provides the 'verde' color and the complex, potent herbal notes. A little goes a long way.
  • Lemon Twist1 piece
    Essential for the aromatic oils that brighten the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need standard barware for a stirred cocktail, including a mixing glass, a long bar spoon, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the cocktail.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Hawthorne or Julep strainer for straining.

Instructions

This is a classic stirred cocktail; combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass, stir until perfectly chilled and diluted, then strain into a chilled coupe and finish with a lemon twist garnish.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water or placing it in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the mezcal, tequila, blanc vermouth, and Green Chartreuse in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, cold ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for 20-25 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted. The outside of the glass should be frosted.
5. Discard the ice from your serving glass.
6. Using a strainer, pour the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the surface of the drink, and squeeze it to express its citrus oils. Drop the peel into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

The drink is finished with a simple but crucial lemon twist. The citrus oils expressed over the top brighten the aroma and complement the herbal and smoky flavors.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the surface of the drink and drop it in or place it on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. Assuming all spirits are properly distilled, it is suitable for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a spirit-forward drink with moderate calories, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. It contains a relatively low amount of carbohydrates and sugar, making it a lean choice for a strong cocktail.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 6-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 6-8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect as a sophisticated aperitif before dinner or for a chic cocktail hour. Its complex profile makes it an excellent choice for special occasions or when entertaining discerning guests who appreciate a bold drink.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering
  • Celebratory Toast

Pairing suggestions

The Vesper-Verde's complex profile pairs well with briny and savory appetizers. Consider serving it with fresh oysters, a light ceviche, or a simple plate of high-quality olives and salty cheeses to complement its herbal and smoky notes. Its assertive character can stand up to bold flavors.
  • Oysters
  • Salty cheese and crackers
  • Ceviche
  • Marinated olives

Vesper-Verde: A Modern Spy's Smoky Indulgence

The Vesper-Verde is a brilliant modern reinterpretation of the classic Vesper Martini, born from the creative spirit of The Violet Hour in Chicago. It substitutes gin and vodka with a dynamic duo of mezcal and tequila, and replaces Lillet with blanc vermouth and the iconic Green Chartreuse. The result is a sophisticated, spirit-forward cocktail that is simultaneously smoky, herbal, and complexly botanical. It's a perfect sipper for an adventurous palate looking for a new take on a familiar theme.

Similar Cocktails

Vesper Martini

The original inspiration. Uses gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc for a crisper, more botanical profile instead of smoky and herbal.

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