- Home
ByBrittney Bertagna, RN
Can’t decide between a vodka or gin martini? James Bond’s Vesper martini gives you the best of both.
A bold drink that oozes sophistication, the Vesper first appeared in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale in 1953. Not only does it break the traditional martinirules by combining gin and vodka, but it also follows the shaken, not stirred methodology for preparation.
Recommended Videos
Known for his love of martinis, James Bond quickly became synonymous with this co*cktail, which was made even more popular by Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale.
How to make the Vesper martini
While the classic martini templatecalls for three ounces of base spirit and half an ounce of vermouth, the vesper martini has its own unique twist.
The original Vesper martini recipe calls for three parts gin to one part vodka, half an ounce of Kina Lillet, and a lemon twist. However, it’s important to note that Kina Lillet ceased production in 1986.
But don’t worry, I spoke with multiple bartenders on the Las Vegas Strip, and they all told me the same thing–Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano are commonly used substitutions.
Ingredients
- 3 parts gin
- 1 part vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet blanc or Cocchi Americano*
- Lemon twist for garnish
Method
- Fill a mixing glass or co*cktail shaker with ice. This will ensure your drink is properly chilled.
- Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet blanc or Cocchi Americano to the shaker tin.
- Shake the mixture vigorusly for about 30 seconds. This will allow the flavors to meld together while providing aeration and dilution.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish your vesper martini with a lemon twist. Simply twist a strip of lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in the drink.
There you have it – the perfect vesper martini, just like James Bond would order. But here’s where the fun begins. The vesper martini can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect balance. Cocchi Americano has a sweeter flavor profile and will yield a co*cktail with more floral notes than Lillet Blanc. Want more citrus notes than just a lemon peel? Add a couple of dashes of
If you prefer a milder gin flavor, you can adjust the ratio of gin to vodka. Likewise, if you’re more of a gin lover, you can increase the gin portion. Going with a London dry style of gin like Tanqueray will allow the juniper notes to stand up to the other ingredients. Choosing a new style of gin like Nolets or Hendricks will give you a milder co*cktail with more floral notes.
Editors’ Recommendations
- This incredibly simple vodka co*cktail is apple pie in a glass
- A rum rested in cold brew casks to impart delicious flavors of coffee
- New limited edition New York bourbon celebrates art icon Jean-Michel Basquiat
- New release from Knob Creek combines rye whiskey and bourbon
- Chenin Blanc is the summer white wine you’ve been waiting for
Topics
- Liquor, Beer, and Wine
Brittney Bertagna, RN
Brittney is a graduate of California State University, Chico, where she completed a Bachelor's degree in Business. Her…
These are the best Kentucky distilleries to visit this summer and fall
Take a road trip to Kentucky this summer
The epic road trip is a classic summer staple that we look forward to every year. Whether it’s a trip to a nostalgic beach destination, a popular amusem*nt park, or a National Park, we don’t mind spending hours in a cramped, sweaty car if the destination is worth it. And while we enjoy all of the sites we previously mentioned, a road trip is made even better if the final stop involves alcohol. Especially whiskey.
Read more
The Iguazú Mist is an spicy, savory twist on the caipiroska co*cktail
Vodka, lime, and jalapeño are topped with a passion fruit and dragonfruit foam
If you're a fan of the caipirinha, the popular cachaça co*cktail, then you might have also tried its vodka-based cousin, the caipiroska. If not, a quick run down: you start by muddling lime wedges and brown sugar in the bottom of a glass, then add plenty of vodka and stir to dissolve the sugar, before pouring in lots of crushed ice and garnishing with another lime wedge. It's refreshing, easy to make, and a great summer drink.
Now, the team from the Great Jones Distilling Co. bar in New York have put their own spin on this smooth sipper by adding chili and passion fruit, turning the simple drink into something more complex and exciting. Named the Iguazú Mist, the co*cktail is the brainchild of head mixologist Collin Frazier, who makes the drink with Hangar One vodka, lime cordial, lime juice, simple syrup, lime wedges, and jalapeño. The drink is topped with a generous pour of passion fruit and dragonfruit foam and frozen lime zest.
Read more
A 25-year aged rum from the heart of Jamaica, from Appleton Estate
The Hearts Collection 1998 is a limited edition from the renowned Jamaican rum distillery
Appleton Estate, one of the top Jamaican rum brands, is coming out with a new release in its annual series that has been aged for 25 years. Rum is typically aged for a few months or a few years at most, so a rum aged for decades is a special thing indeed. The Hearts Collection 1998 is named for the vintage, using rum which was distilled in 1998 and has been aged since then at the Appleton Estate in Nassau Valley before being bottled in 2023.
"The 1998 release is very special, not only for its incredible depth and age, but also because it pays homage to one of the most cherished releases of my career," Master Blender Joy Spence said. "Hearts Collection 1998 closely replicates one of the rare marques used in the Appleton Estate Joy Anniversary Blend. Its striking vanilla notes and silky finish make this an ideal rum for sipping and savoring."
Read more
