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Make Me a Cocktail

Vesper
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.98 / 5

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The Vesper is a bracing, spirit-forward Martini-style cocktail that enters pop culture through James Bond, who orders it in Casino... ... more

The Vesper is a bracing, spirit-forward Martini-style cocktail that enters pop culture through James Bond, who orders it in Casino Royale. You’ll find it defined by that famous spec—gin, vodka, and a measure of aromatised wine—making it a close cousin of the Martini with a sharper, more modern edge. While its exact real-world origins are tangled up with fiction, its reputation is very real: it’s the drink you reach for when you want something crisp, confident, and unapologetically strong.

With gin as the backbone, you get a clean, botanical core that sets the tone from the first sip. Vodka layers in extra weight and a smoother, more neutral strength, stretching the gin’s character without competing with it. Lillet Blanc adds a light, wine-like sweetness and gentle aromatised complexity that softens the spirits and ties the whole profile together into a sleek, dry finish.

Serve it cold in a cocktail glass when you’re in the mood for something elegant and direct—no fruit, no fuss, just clarity. It suits aperitif moments, smart evenings out, or any time you want a drink that feels tailored and grown-up. If you enjoy Martinis and other dry, stirred classics, this is firmly in your lane.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

IBA Official Drink
Inventor
Cocktail Of The Day
100 Cocktails To Try Before You Die
Invented
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(1953)
Base ingredient
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Vodka
Calories
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116 calories
Garnish
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Lemon
Alcohol content
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37.29% | 2.54 units *
Details
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Classic
Shaken

Tags

Vodka ingredient icon
Vodka cocktails
Gin ingredient icon
Top ten Gin cocktails
Vodka ingredient icon
Top ten Vodka cocktails
Lillet Blanc ingredient icon
Top ten Lillet Blanc cocktails

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
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cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

Gin leads with crisp botanicals and a dry snap, while vodka broadens the palate with clean, neutral strength and Lillet Blanc adds a faint honeyed-citrus softness that rounds the edges without turning sweet. It works because the Lillet’s gentle aromatics knit the two spirits together and tame the heat; ideal for Martini lovers who want extra punch and minimal garnish fuss.

Method
How to make a Vesper

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Vodka 15ml, Gin 45ml, Lillet Blanc 7.5ml
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon peel and serve

Power tips
Elevate the Vesper with these master mixologist tips

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Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer beforehand. This ensures the drink stays colder for longer, which is crucial for a spirit-forward cocktail like the Vesper.
Consider using a frozen gin for an extra cold Vesper. This enhances the smoothness and makes the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Vesper masterclass

Master the craft of the Vesper cocktail with one of our cocktail deep dive masterclasses

The History of the Vesper Cocktail

This classic cocktail was not created by some superstar mixologist in a high-class bar, nor was it a...

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  ·  Strain  ·  Garnish  · 

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FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the history behind the Vesper cocktail?

The Vesper cocktail was first introduced in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel 'Casino Royale'. The protagonist, James Bond, orders a drink of his own creation that is to be named after Vesper Lynd, the novel's female character. The drink gained popularity not only because of its unique composition but also due to its association with the James Bond series.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Why is Lillet Blanc used in a Vesper cocktail, and can I substitute it?

Lillet Blanc, a French aromatized wine, is used in a Vesper for its slightly fruity and floral notes, which balance the strong flavors of gin and vodka. Although originally Kina Lillet was specified in the recipe, its modern equivalent, Lillet Blanc, is used today since the former is no longer available. A common substitute is dry vermouth, though it may slightly alter the taste.

Alcohol content comparison icon

How does the alcohol content in a Vesper compare to other cocktails?

With an alcohol content of 37.29%, the Vesper cocktail is comparatively stronger than many other classic cocktails. Its high strength is attributed to the combination of gin and vodka, without the dilution of non-alcoholic mixers. This makes the Vesper a potent choice, best enjoyed slowly.

Faq icon

Why is the Vesper typically 'shaken, not stirred'?

The phrase 'shaken, not stirred' is famously associated with James Bond's preference for his cocktails. Shaking a Vesper, specifically, ensures that the ingredients are well mixed and chilled, giving the cocktail a slightly dilute consistency and making it more palatable. While some argue that stirring preserves the spirits' nuances, shaking is traditional for the Vesper.

Faq icon

Is there a specific type of gin or vodka that works best in a Vesper?

The quality of both the gin and vodka significantly impacts the Vesper's taste. For gin, a London Dry style is traditionally preferred for its clear, crisp botanicals that balance well with the vodka. The vodka should be of high quality, smooth, and preferably neutral-flavored to complement rather than overpower the gin and Lillet Blanc. Experimenting with different brands can help find the perfect combination to suit one's taste.

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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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