James bond cocktails
Every cocktail drank by james Bond, with the films he drank them in and your step by step instructions. 'Shaken, not stirred".
The Vesper Martini is undoubtedly one of the most well-known cocktails associated with James Bond. First introduced in Ian Fleming's "Casino Royale", this gin-based cocktail is named after the character Vesper Lynd, a love interest of James Bond in the book. The recipe for the Vesper Martini is a carefully crafted combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, blended with ice and served with a thin slice of lemon peel. This complex and potent drink is a favorite of many Bond fans and has become an iconic symbol of the franchise.
In addition to the Vesper Martini, there are many other cocktails featured in the James Bond films that are worth exploring. The classic Martini cocktail is a favorite of Bond's, with his signature "shaken, not stirred" preference. Other drinks such as the Negroni, the Americano, and the Old Fashioned are also enjoyed by the suave spy. Each of these drinks has a unique history and cultural significance, making them not only fun to drink but also interesting to learn about.
Overall, the world of James Bond cocktails is vast and exciting, offering fans the opportunity to explore a variety of classic drinks and to connect with the iconic franchise in a new and unique way. With a little knowledge and effort, anyone can become a master mixologist and enjoy the drinks of James Bond in the comfort of their own home.
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Features 12 cocktails
1. Vesper
The Vesper Martini is famously introduced in the 2006 film Casino Royale, during which James Bond orders it while playing a high-stakes poker game. Bond specifies the recipe in detail: "Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet." Named after his love interest, Vesper Lynd, this drink represents Bond's confidence, sophistication, and love for unique indulgences. The Vesper is a strong, complex blend of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, which mirrors the intense and bittersweet relationship Bond has with Vesper.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon peel and serve
2. Vodka Martini
The Vodka Martini, famously "shaken, not stirred," is perhaps the most iconic of Bond's drinks, appearing across numerous films starting from Dr. No (1962). This classic scene epitomizes Bond's meticulous nature and preference for precision. The Vodka Martini is a strong yet elegant drink, with the subtle herbal notes of vermouth balancing the vodka's smoothness, making it a fitting reflection of Bond's cool demeanor and refined tastes.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add both ingredients to a mixing glass with ice
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- Stir to combine then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Add in an olive as a garnish and serve
3. Americano
Bond orders an Americano in From a View to a Kill, one of Ian Fleming's short stories, and also in From Russia with Love (1957). The Americano, with its blend of Campari, red vermouth, and soda water, embodies Bond's appreciation for classic, less intense cocktails when off duty. Its bittersweet flavor makes it ideal for moments when Bond is enjoying a relaxed interlude.
Ingredients
Method
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- Mix the Campari and vermouth directly in a lowball glass filled with ice cubes
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- Add soda water and stir
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- Garnish with half an orange slice and a strip of lemon peel and serve
4. Old Fashioned
In Live and Let Die (1973), Bond orders an Old Fashioned, showcasing his taste for traditional cocktails. Made with bourbon, sugar, and bitters, the Old Fashioned reflects Bond's timeless style and ability to adapt, as the drink has been a classic choice for decades. The rich, complex flavor of the bourbon, enhanced with a touch of sweetness and spice, echoes the depth of Bond's character.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters and a few splashes water in an old fashioned glass
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- Fill the glass with ice and add the bourbon
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- Stir gently
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- Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry and serve
5. Stinger
The Stinger is featured in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) when Bond, undercover, orders it at Tiffany Case's apartment. This after-dinner cocktail, made with cognac and creme de menthe, showcases Bond's sophistication and comfort in high society. The rich, warming cognac paired with minty creme de menthe creates a refreshing yet bold finish, reflecting Bond's adaptability and refined palate.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add both ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir well
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- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a mint leaf and serve
6. Negroni
lthough not explicitly featured in the films, the Negroni is one of the drinks that Bond enjoys in the novels, specifically in Risico. This Italian classic, made with equal parts gin, Campari, and red vermouth, is bold and bitter, much like the character of Bond himself. The Negroni's complex flavor and striking color make it a fitting companion for Bond during his European escapades.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients directly into a lowball glass with ice and stir
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- Garnish with an orange slice and serve
7. Rum Collins
A variation of the Tom Collins, Bond is served one of these by his host, Emilio Largo, in Thunderball (1965). Refreshing, it is the ideal afternoon cocktail in the Bahamas. The drink owes its moniker to a notorious hoax that circulated in New York in 1874. With its combination of white rum, fresh lime, sugar, and soda water, the Rum Collins captures the tropical essence that Bond often enjoys during his Caribbean adventures.
Ingredients
Method
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- Squeeze the juice from the lime
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- Add to a cocktail shaker with the light rum, a teaspoon of sugar and ice, and shake until properly mixed and chilled
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- Strain into a highball glass with ice and top up with the soda water
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- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry then serve
8. Mojito
The Mojito makes an appearance in Die Another Day (2002), where Bond, played by Pierce Brosnan, orders it while in Cuba. The mix of white rum, lime, mint, sugar, and soda water suits the warm Cuban setting and adds a refreshing twist to the film. The Mojito’s light, invigorating flavor highlights Bond's ability to adapt his drinking habits to his surroundings and showcases his appreciation for local culture.
Ingredients
Method
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- In the bottom of a highball glass, muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime juice to release the oils from the mint leaves
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- Next add a splash of soda water and fill up the glass with crushed ice
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- Add the rum, top up with the soda water and give it a stir
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- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a slice of lime and serve
9. Dirty Martini
In Quantum of Solace (2008), Bond orders a Dirty Martini while dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and loss. The addition of olive brine adds a salty, savory element to the classic martini, reflecting Bond's emotional state—complex and slightly bitter. The Dirty Martini perfectly matches the gritty, revenge-driven plot of the film, showing that even Bond’s choice of drink adapts to his mood.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass
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- Add olives on a cocktail stick as a garnish and serve
10. Sazerac
In Live and Let Die, when Bond momentarily forgets the local drinking customs, CIA agent Felix Leiter encourages him to try the Sazerac, the signature cocktail of New Orleans. The Sazerac, with its combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's bitters, is a quintessentially New Orleans drink, known for its bold flavors and historical roots. The cocktail’s complexity and potent blend of herbal and spicy notes reflect the adventurous spirit of the city, and Bond’s willingness to embrace local culture adds to his versatile and adaptable persona.
Ingredients
Method
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- Take a chilled lowball glass and swirl the absinthe around the sides to coat the glass, and fill with ice
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- In a mixing glass muddle the bitters and sugar, then add the cognac and stir to combine
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- Disgard the ice and excess liquid from the glass and pour in the mixed drink
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- Garnish with a lemon peel and serve
11. Black Velvet
After being briefed by M in London, Bond stops by Scott’s for "dressed crab and a pint of black velvet." Scaramanga’s choice of drink, it was first served at Brooks’s in 1861, to mourn the death of Prince Albert. The Black Velvet combines the richness of stout with the light effervescence of champagne, making it a unique and memorable drink that symbolizes both luxury and depth, much like Bond himself.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the stout into a champagne flute then top up with champagne before serving
12. Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is featured in Goldfinger (1964) when Bond is held captive at Auric Goldfinger's Kentucky stud farm. Goldfinger himself offers Bond a Mint Julep, highlighting the Southern setting of the scene. Made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice, the Mint Julep is a refreshing yet potent drink. Its cool, minty flavor contrasts with the tension of the scene, and the drink serves as a symbol of Goldfinger's hospitality, albeit with underlying sinister intentions.
Ingredients
Method
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- In the bottom of a lowball glass, muddle the mint leaves to release the oils from the leaves, with the sugar and the sugar syrup
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- Add the bourbon and fill the glass with crushed ice
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- Stir the drink and garnish with a sprig of mint, and serve
Conclusion
James Bond's choice of cocktails is more than just a preference for fine drinks; it is a reflection of his character, the settings he finds himself in, and the culture surrounding him.
Each drink has its own unique backstory and meaning, whether it's the elegant sophistication of the Vesper Martini or the bittersweet allure of the Americano. Bond’s drinks are carefully chosen to complement the atmosphere and add depth to his persona. They illustrate his versatility, as he moves effortlessly between exotic locales, high-stakes poker tables, and moments of intense conflict. The drinks add an extra layer of storytelling, allowing viewers and readers to connect with Bond's world through the simple, yet significant act of ordering a cocktail.
The variety of cocktails featured throughout the films and novels adds nuance to Bond's character, showcasing him as a man of both refined tastes and adaptability. His preferences tell us as much about the places he visits as they do about his approach to life—whether he's enjoying a rum-based cocktail under the Caribbean sun or sampling a whiskey blend in the heart of New Orleans.
Each choice signifies Bond's readiness to embrace new experiences while staying true to his sense of style. These drinks have become as iconic as Bond himself, symbolizing his timeless charm, the luxurious lifestyle he leads, and the ever-present hint of danger that follows him.
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