Vesper
Gin, vodka and Lillet. Invented by Ian Fleming for James Bond in Casino Royale, 1953.
Shaken · Martini glass · Medium · about 3 minutes · about 30% ABV
Ingredients
- 45 ml Gin
- 15 ml Vodka
- 7.5 ml Lillet Blanc
- Lemon twist (garnish)
Method
- Chill the glass
- Pour 45 ml gin into the shaker
- Pour 15 ml vodka into the shaker
- Pour 7.5 ml Lillet Blanc into the shaker
- Add ice
- Shake hard
- Strain
- Garnish
About the Vesper
Invented by Ian Fleming for James Bond in the 1953 novel Casino Royale, where Bond names it after Vesper Lynd. It calls for gin, vodka and Kina Lillet, shaken until ice-cold. Kina Lillet changed its recipe in 1986, so today Lillet Blanc is the usual stand-in.
The vermouth cocktail family. Vermouth reached American bars in the 1860s and 1870s, and bartenders began stirring it with whiskey, gin and brandy. That gave us the Manhattan and the Martinez, the ancestor of the Martini. Drinks in this family are stirred rather than shaken, and they are all about the balance between the spirit and the aromatised wine.
Vesper FAQ
What's in a Vesper?
45 ml gin, 15 ml vodka, 7.5 ml lillet blanc, garnished with lemon twist.
How strong is a Vesper?
About 30% ABV once mixed with ice, which is 2.0 Australian standard drinks per serve. That is close to a straight spirit, so sip it slowly.
Should I shake or stir a Vesper?
Shake it. shaking chills it quickly and adds a little texture.
What glass do you serve a Vesper in?
A martini glass, about 150 ml. Chill the glass first and serve without ice. No martini glass? Use a coupe.
