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Vesper
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.98 / 5
The drink was invented and named by fictional secret agent James Bond in the 1953 novel Casino Royale. "A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet.""Oui, monsieur.""Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
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IBA Official Drink
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
Vodka cocktail ingredient icon for the Vesper cocktail
Vodka
Gin cocktail ingredient icon for the Vesper cocktail
Gin
Lillet Blanc cocktail ingredient icon for the Vesper cocktail
Lillet Blanc
Serves:
-
+
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Vesper cocktail ingeniously combines the crisp botanicals of gin with the smooth neutrality of vodka, accentuated by the subtle, aromatic sweetness of Lillet Blanc, creating a sophisticated, layered flavor profile. Its balance of strength and elegance pays homage to its cinematic origins, making it both a bold choice for enthusiasts and a delightful adventure for the adventurous drinker.

Method
How to make a Vesper

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
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
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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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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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Comments

WES avatar
WES

I like this cocktail and it is one of the ones I make for guests. I use the following ingredients: 3 oz Gin ( Drumshanbo, Roku, Scapegrace (navy strength)) 1 oz vodka (Soldiers Valley, Haku, or Blue Shark) 1 oz Cocchi Americano 2 or 3 drops of orange bitters

Shake or stir until chilled.

Put your big boy drinking pants on and enjoy.

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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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