Discover the fascinating world of martini cocktails in this comprehensive guide! From the classic gi...
The History of the Vesper Cocktail
Jump to
- TL;DR
- How James Bond Created the Vesper
- What's In A Name?
- How the Cocktail has Evolved
- The Enduring Legacy of the Vesper Martini
This classic cocktail was not created by some superstar mixologist in a high-class bar, nor was it adapted from some ancient naval recipe. The Vesper Martini, or simply the Vesper, has a uniquely glamorous origin tied to one of the most iconic and debonair figures in literature and film: James Bond. Yes, it was Ian Fleming’s charismatic secret agent who first brought this drink to the world’s attention in his spy series, making it forever associated with sophistication and intrigue.
TL;DR
- The Vesper Martini was introduced by James Bond in Ian Fleming's "Casino Royale".
- Created with Gordon’s gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, it's famed for being "shaken, not stirred".
- The cocktail's name and origin are linked to the character Vesper Lynd and possibly a real-life spy.
- Modern versions substitute Kina Lillet with Lillet Blanc, preserving its legacy and allure.
How James Bond Created the Vesper
In Fleming's debut novel "Casino Royale," James Bond introduces the Vesper Martini with very precise instructions. Here's the moment captured in the book where Bond orders the drink:
“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?”
Based on the classic Martini recipe but with Bond’s own twist, the Vesper is a blend of three measures of Gordon's gin, one measure of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet—an aromatic wine. Bond insists it be served in a champagne goblet and garnished with a large lemon peel. True to his iconic preference, he requests it be "shaken, not stirred," a phrase that has since become synonymous with 007.
Later in "Casino Royale," Bond meets the enigmatic Vesper Lynd, a character with striking beauty and secretive allure. Vesper Lynd, who Bond falls hopelessly in love with, has a pivotal role in the story. In a memorable scene, she requests Bond to name his unique creation after her. Bond obliges, and thus the drink is forever enshrined as the 'Vesper'. Tragically, Vesper Lynd is revealed to be a double agent and ultimately meets her demise, leaving Bond with a bittersweet memory of the only woman he ever truly loved.
What's In A Name?
As with many authors, Ian Fleming drew upon his own life experiences to enrich his stories. Before becoming an author, Fleming was involved in naval intelligence during World War II. It was during this period that he encountered a remarkable woman named Krystyna Skarbek, known in Britain as Christine Granville—a legendary secret agent of Polish descent. Christine was known for her bravery and beauty, and she operated under several aliases, one of which was Vésperale. Rumors suggest that Fleming may have had a romantic affair with her or, at the very least, was significantly influenced by her persona. She is widely believed to have been the muse for "Vesper Lynd," immortalizing her within the Bond universe and also inspiring Fleming's creation of the potent cocktail.
How the Cocktail has Evolved
Recreating an authentic Vesper Martini today can be a bit of a challenge, given that Kina Lillet—one of the original ingredients—is no longer in production. Kina Lillet was known for its distinctive bitter edge, derived from quinine, which imparted a unique complexity to the drink.
Most contemporary versions of the Vesper Martini substitute Kina Lillet with Lillet Blanc. While Lillet Blanc is a delightful aromatized wine, it lacks the pronounced bitterness of the original Kina Lillet. This difference subtly alters the taste profile, making it less bitter and more citrusy. Here’s a breakdown of the modern Vesper recipe:
- 45ml Gin
- 15ml Vodka
- 7.5ml Lillet Blanc
To replicate the distinctive bitterness of the original, some cocktail enthusiasts and mixologists have taken creative approaches. One method is to infuse vodka with cinchona bark, the natural source of quinine. This adds the much-desired bitter edge and makes the cocktail closer to what Bond might have savored.
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.
The ability to adapt and recreate the Vesper Martini speaks to the enduring legacy and influence of James Bond. Revealed through pages and screens, the Vesper Martini has become a symbol of elegance, danger, and sophistication—a perfect blend of high stakes intrigue and timeless allure. Even if we can't make it exactly like Bond did in "Casino Royale," the essence of the Vesper continues to tantalize and inspire cocktail lovers worldwide.
Cocktail glass
Microbadges
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?"
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Vesper
-
- 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
The Enduring Legacy of the Vesper Martini
More than just a drink, the Vesper Martini has endured as an icon of culture and style, largely due to the glamorous world of James Bond. Beyond its literary and cinematic roots, the Vesper has inspired countless variations and remains a favorite in upscale bars and lounges worldwide.
It's a cocktail that demands attention and precision. The very act of ordering or making a Vesper Martini is an homage to the legacy of 007, echoing decades of suave sophistication and thrilling escapades. For fans of Bond, each Vesper is a sip into fiction brought to life, a small yet potent connection to the daring world of espionage and romance.
Whether enjoyed in a dimly lit bar or at a high-profile event, the Vesper Martini remains a tribute to one of literature's greatest characters and a testament to the timeless allure of well-crafted cocktails. So, the next time you raise a champagne goblet filled with this exquisite concoction, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the enigmatic charm of the world’s most famous spy who introduced it to us all.
Filed with tags
More to explore
The Unexpected Journey to a New Cocktail It all started with a left over pile of basil looking forlo...
A well-made B52 shot is a true testament to the artistry and skill involved in cocktail crafting. Th...
Tag cloud
Explore more with our randomised tag cloud.
-
Vodka Sour
-
Sex on the Beach
-
Pisco
-
Shaken Drinks
-
Ice
-
White Lady
-
Cocktail Ingredients
-
Herb Sauce
-
Cocktail Garnishes
-
Tomato Juice
-
Gimlet
-
Nautical
-
Cocktail Recipes
-
Trademark
-
DIY Spirits
-
Audrey Saunders
-
American Whiskey
-
Snacks
-
Cocktail Books
-
Tiki Cocktails
Bartender's top tip
Related posts
History of the Negroni
The Negroni stands as one of the most celebrated and enduring classic cocktails, known for its harmonious yet potent blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. With its distinct formula and vibrant hi... read more
History of the Margarita Cocktail
The margarita cocktail is a beloved classic with a rich, albeit somewhat mysterious history. This iconic drink can be enjoyed frozen or on the rocks, offering a refreshing blend of tequila, Cointreau... read more
History of the Alabama Slammer Cocktail
The Alabama Slammer is a '70s kind of tiki bar, umbrella-topped, sweet tasting cocktail immortalized by Brian (Tom Cruise), the Last Barman Poet in the movie "Cocktail" : "I see America drinking the f... 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. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- 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 personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub
The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.
Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.
Let's go