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Cocktail History
The Vesper Martini is a classic cocktail that was first published in Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel about the British spy James Bond. Fleming himself is said to have invented the drink at the famous Duke’s Bar in London, England, although his recipe originally called for gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a liqueur made with white wine, fruit liqueurs, and quinine. The latter was discontinued in 1986, so Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano are now commonly used in its place.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. We used Gordon’s London Dry Gin because it has a classic botanical flavor, is the top-selling gin in the world, and is the gin used in the book’s recipe. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Dry London Spirit in place of the gin.
Vodka: This is a spirit made with grains, vegetables or fruits, and water. We used Smirnoff Vodka because it’s high quality and affordable. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Strykk Non-Alcoholic Not V*dka in place of the vodka.
Lillet Blanc: This is an aromatized wine liqueur made in France with Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon grapes, citrus, florals, honey, and baking spices. For a mocktail version of this drink, try Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the liqueur.
Lemon Twist: This is the peel of a lemon that has been twisted into a corkscrew shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. We used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Mixing Glass: This is used to hold the ingredients while they’re being stirred. We used the Viski 17 oz Cocktail Mixing Glass.
Bar Spoon: This is used to stir ingredients. We used the Barfly Stainless Steel Teardrop Bar Spoon.
Julep Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is stirred. We used the A Bar Above Julep Strainer.
Peeler: This is used to remove the garnish peel from the citrus. We used the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set.
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.
Add gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with lemon twist.
Ingredients
Directions
Add gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc, and cubed ice to a mixing glass.
Stir for 30-45 seconds.
Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with lemon twist.
Make It a Mocktail: Use Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Dry London Spirit in place of the gin, Strykk Non-Alcoholic Not V*dka in place of the vodka, and Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Apéritif Dry in place of the liqueur to try a booze-free version of this drink.
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More Classic Cocktails
If you like this classic cocktail recipe, here are a few others we’ve tried that you may enjoy:
Bee’s Knees: A gin cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon juice, and a lemon wheel
Manhattan: A rye cocktail made with sweet vermouth, orange bitters, an orange peel, and a cherry
Mint Julep: A bourbon cocktail made with mint and simple syrup
Clover Club: A gin cocktail made with lemon juice, sugar, egg white, grenadine, a lemon peel, and raspberries
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