Paul Kushner
The Vesper cocktail, a legendary creation born from the pages of Ian Fleming’s “Casino Royale,” beckons with an air of timeless sophistication and intrigue. Named after the captivating character Vesper Lynd, this cocktail has become an emblem of refined taste and covert allure. Its legacy transcends generations, offering a glimpse into a world of secrets and espionage.
The Vesper’s mystique lies not only in its association with espionage but also in its unique blend of flavors, an embodiment of elegance and complexity. As we delve into the history and allure of the Vesper cocktail, we invite you to explore the enigmatic charm that has made it an enduring icon in the realm of mixology.
History
The Vesper cocktail was created by Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series, in his 1953 novel Casino Royale. In the book, the character James Bond orders a “special martini” and invents the recipe for the Vesper. The drink is made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a French aperitif wine. The cocktail was named after the character Vesper Lynd, who was Bond’s love interest in the novel.
The Vesper gained popularity after the release of the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, which featured the drink. In the movie, Bond orders the Vesper with the following recipe: “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.” Despite its association with James Bond, the Vesper has a controversial history.
Some bartenders claim that the drink is too strong and unbalanced, while others argue that it is a classic cocktail that deserves recognition. In recent years, the Vesper has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many bartenders putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Overall, the Vesper cocktail has a rich history that is closely tied to the James Bond franchise. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that the Vesper is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time.
How to Make It
Vesper
Making a Vesper is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and some basic bar tools.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making a perfect Vesper cocktail:
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of gin
- 1 ounce of vodka
- 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc
- Lemon
Instructions
- Chill your martini glass in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This will help keep your cocktail cold and refreshing.
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, until ice cold.
- Strain the cocktail into your chilled martini glass.
- Express the oils from a lemon twist over the drink, rub the twist along the rim of the glass, and drop it into the cocktail.
Variations
There are many variations of the Vesper cocktail that have been created over the years. Here are a few popular ones:
The Reverse Vesper
The Reverse Vesper is a variation that swaps the gin and vodka ratios. Instead of using three parts gin and one part vodka, you would use three parts vodka and one part gin. This creates a smoother, less juniper-forward taste.
The Vesper Royale
The Vesper Royale is a variation that substitutes champagne for the Lillet Blanc. This gives the cocktail a more effervescent quality and makes it perfect for special occasions.
The Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is a variation that uses only gin and vodka, omitting the Lillet Blanc. This creates a more classic martini taste with a bit of a twist.
The Vesper Lynd
The Vesper Lynd is a variation that adds a splash of Campari to the original recipe. This gives the cocktail a slightly bitter taste and a beautiful red color.
The Dirty Vesper
The Dirty Vesper is a variation that adds a splash of olive brine to the original recipe. This gives the cocktail a salty, savory taste that pairs well with the herbal notes of the gin and vermouth.
The Vesper Collins
The Vesper Collins is a variation that adds club soda to the original recipe, creating a longer, more refreshing drink. This is perfect for hot summer days or for those who prefer a less potent cocktail. As you can see, there are many ways to customize the Vesper cocktail to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you prefer a classic martini taste or a more effervescent, bubbly drink, there’s a Vesper variation out there for you to try.
What is the meaning of Vesper?
Vesper means “evening” in Latin. It is also the name of a character in the James Bond novel “Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming.
Why is it called a Vesper Martini?
The Vesper Martini is named after the character Vesper Lynd in the James Bond novel “Casino Royale.” The drink was created by Bond author Ian Fleming in the book and is made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet.
What was the point of Vesper?
In the James Bond novel “Casino Royale,” Vesper Lynd was a British Treasury agent who was assigned to keep an eye on Bond and to provide him with the money he needed to play in a high-stakes poker game. Bond falls in love with her, but she ultimately betrays him, leading to her tragic death.
What is the origin of the word vespers?
The word “vespers” comes from the Latin word “vespera,” which means “evening.” In Christian tradition, Vespers is a sunset evening prayer service.
I typically make the full-sized version (1 measure = 1 ounce; so 3 measures gin is 3 ounces, etc.); sometimes I pour half into each of two cocktail glasses, but I’ve also been known to follow Bond’s practice of making for myself one drink that is large and very strong…
I also cut the Lillet Blanc in half (to 1/4 measure), and make up the other half with 1/4 measure Cocchi Americano. I’m told this more closely approximates the flavor of the original Kina Lillet, but I’ve never tasted the original. Regardless of how faithful that is to the original, it tastes better than using Lillet Blanc alone.
If using gin and vodka close to 100 proof (as I do), shaking is preferable to stirring because you need a little more of the ice to end up in the drink to dilute the high-proof spirits.
But yeah, this is a really good drink when it’s made correctly.