James Bond’s "shaken, not stirred" reference is synonymous with the history of cocktail shakers. Hav...
The History of the Vesper Cocktail
Jump to
This classic cocktail was not created by some superstar mixologist in a high-class bar, or adapted from some ancient naval recipe. In fact, the Vesper Martini is so intrinsically linked with Ian Fleming's spy series that it is often referred to as Bond's Vesper. The secret agent is thought to be the first person to introduce the drink to the world, despite being a fictional character.
How James Bond Created the Vesper
It was in Fleming's first Bond book, Casino Royale, that James Bond gives us very distinct instructions as to how a Vesper should be made. Based on the original Martini recipe, the Vesper adds an extra dimension, made with three measures of Gordon's gin, one measure of vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet, an aromatised wine. He requests for it to be served in a champagne goblet glass and with a large lemon peel garnish. Of course, we all know that he likes his drinks "shaken, not stirred" and he also suggests that the cocktail would be better with a grain-based vodka.Later on in the book, he meets the beautiful Vesper Lynd, who he falls in love with but turns out to be a double agent. She asks him to name his cocktail concoction after her and he happily obliges. {Spoiler alert!} She dies in the end but throughout the series she is referred to as the only woman Bond ever loved.
What's In A Name?
As is so common with authors, a story is often conceived off the back of a real-life experience. Fleming's background was in naval intelligence, and it was during his time as part of World War II that he was introduced to Krystyna Skarbek, or Christine Granville, since she was a British secret agent. The beautiful Christine had many alias', one of which was Vésperale. It is thought that Fleming may have had a brief affair with this agent, but even if he did not, it seems likely that she was the muse for the very first Bond girl and subsequent potent cocktail.
How the Cocktail has Evolved
It is actually almost impossible to create a Vesper in the same way that Bond wanted, since the company no longer makes Kina Lillet. Most people replace this ingredient with Lillet Blanc, which works well, but some say it is not as good. The main difference between the two spirits is that the Kina Lillet contained quinine, a component which makes the liquid extremely bitter, therefore dramatically altering the taste of the cocktail.
Some mixologists have found a way to replicate the taste of the original by infusing their vodka with cinchona bark which is highly rich in quinine. This returns that bitter edge to the drink that 007 so much enjoyed.
So, this popular beverage has been brought to us by a fictional character, proving to us all just how influential our favourite super sleuth really is!
Pardon the interruption
Did you know that you can become a member for free, taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. You can save your My Bar ingredients, make tasting notes, have personalised Tried and Want to try lists and more.
More to explore
If the hot summer weather has you craving a drink that embodies the spirit of the islands, the Mai T...
The 2015 Kentucky Derby begins on May 2nd and it is expected that somewhere between 80,000 and 120,0...
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
Cocktails Created from the History Books
To get your name in the history books, you must have done something wondrous or terrible. To be remembered, you need to be considered a hero or a villain. But you only know that you have really made i... read more
The History of the Bellini
There is something quite fancy and decadent about the Bellini.It feels a little bit more special than your standard classic cocktail and takes the edgeoff a dry glass of Prosecco. Fruity, yet fizzy, i... read more
History of The White Russian Cocktail
The White Russian is arguably one of the most famous cocktail recipes in the world, even among people that don't consider themselves to be cocktail enthusiasts. Virtually everyone has at least heard o... read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get tips straight into your inbox.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Create your own cocktail menu!
Use our interactive cocktail menu creator for free, and create wonderful looking cocktail menus for your next party, gathering or bar.
Great looking pre-built designed themes, group your cocktails, choose what to show on them and a host more options.
Get creating