Vesper Martini

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Cocktail History

The Vesper Martini is a classic cocktail that was first found in Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel about the British spy James Bond. Fleming himself is said to have invented it at the famous Duke’s Bar in London, although his was originally made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a liqueur made with white wine, mixed with fruit liqueurs, and flavored with quinine. The latter was discontinued in 1986, so Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano is now commonly used in its place.

Cocktail Ingredients

To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Gin: This is the base spirit. We used Broker’s Premium London Dry Gin because it’s versatile, high-proof, and a chameleon that adds the distinct flavor of juniper while still allowing the other flavors to shine. 

Vodka: This is the other base spirit. We used Smirnoff Vodka because it’s high quality and affordable.

Lillet Blanc: This is a French aromatized wine liqueur that is made with Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon grapes, citrus, florals, honey, and baking spices.

Lemon Twist: This is the garnish. It adds fresh lemon aroma and flavor.

Recipe

This cocktail recipe was adapted from Casino Royale by Ian Fleming.

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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