Vesper Martini Recipe (The James Bond Martini)

If you're looking for a fun twist on a classic martini recipe, you'll love this James Bond Vesper Martini. It's simple, crisp, and incredibly easy to make on your own!

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You’ll love this vesper martini

It's easy to make. Three ingredients and some ice are all you need to make this James Bond-style cocktail!

It's crisp and refreshing. The flavors of the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc all balance each other out perfectly to create this refreshing Vesper martini recipe.

Why is it called a Vesper Martini?

This cocktail was named after James Bond's love interest, and fictional double agent, Vesper Lynd. The Vesper Martini first debuted in author Ian Fleming's novel Casino Royale book, published in 1953. The movie debuted in 2006. This was the first book in Fleming's James Bond series. When Bond orders the drink, he gives precise instructions to the bartender. "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?"

So, we are going to use Bond's instructions to make this Vesper martini recipe. 

Ingredients

​A vesper martini could arguably be the most famous drink order. Although it was named after seductive double agent Vesper Lynd, it's commonly referred to as a "James Bond martini." Here are the three ingredients you need. 

Gin. You'll notice Bond orders it with Gordon's gin and if you really want to keep things just like Bond, you can use this particular brand. Gordon's has been producing award-winning gins since 1769 in London. However, you can use whatever, plain gin you prefer. I really like Prairie Organic Gin. 

Vodka. Like the gin, you'll want to use plain vodka, I really like Absolut or Tito's for martinis. 

Lillet. The original recipe called for a half measure of Kina Lillet. Since that is no longer produced, you are going to substitute that for Lillet Blanc. Which is a French aperitif, or fortified wine. It has a taste that is similar to white wine, but it's not 100% wine. If you don't have Lillet Blanc in your fridge, you'll be hooked! I recommend having this for some delicious cocktails. Now, you can try this with Cocchi Americano, Lillet Rouge or dry vermouth, I haven't yet, but it's always an option when discussing Lillet Blanc substitutes! 

Why does this martini recipe work? 

I am going to argue that you don't even have to be a martini fan to enjoy this recipe. Unlike a straight-up vodka or gin martini, the dry gin flavor is offset a bit by the plain vodka and slightly fruity taste of the Lillet Blanc. The flavors all work really nicely together so no one ingredient is overpowering. It's a classic cocktail that's perfect for any time of year. 

How to make a vesper martini, shaken not stirred.

1. Add 2 oz. of gin, 1 oz. of vodka, and ½ oz in a cocktail shaker. Lillet Blanc.
2. Add ice and shake for 20-30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
4. Cheers!

Why is a Vesper shaken not stirred?

Whether it's Daniel Craig or Sean Connery or any James Bond, you'll notice a James Bond cocktail is always shaken, not stirred. Shaking a martini allows for the ice to melt faster which dilutes the drink a bit more than stirring it. When you're talking about a drink that has 3.5 ounces of liquor, it's nice to have it diluted a little bit with water. 

What is the difference between a martini and a Vesper?

Compared to a dry martini (gin or vodka) a Vesper martini has just a hint of sweetness followed by the slightest bitter taste thanks to the addition of the Lillet. Whether you prefer gin or vodka martinis, this is a great choice for any martini drinker. 

Why was Kina Lillet discontinued?

Kina Lillet was discontinued due to pressure from international buyers. Winemakers removed most of the quinine (which Kina is another French word for quinine) and they began producing a fruiter and fresher product, thus calling it Lillet Blanc. 

What can I use instead of Kina Lillet?

You can use Lillet Blanc, Lillet Rose, Dry Vermouth or Cocchi Americano. 

Amazon home bar finds

Of course, you need a chilled cocktail glass for this classic recipe, so you will need some chic martini glasses and I love these Luxe Martini glasses from Amazon! 

A Vesper martini must be shaken, not stirred, so make sure you've got a cocktail shaker handy. 

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Want more martini recipes?

• Grapefruit Martini
• Dill Pickle Martini
• Watermelon Martini
• Lemon Drop Martini with Limoncello