The Vesper: 007’s original drink
Sunday, November 16th, 2008James Bond is best known for ordering vodka martinis “shaken, not stirred,” but did you know that the vodka martini was not 007’s original drink?
This Canada.com article introduces the Vesper to a new generation, a drink Bond “invented” in the very first novel in which he appeared, 1953’s Casino Royale. In the book, 007 orders a dry martini in a deep champagne goblet, then explains how to make it: “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?”
The article goes on to note that the original Vesper, named for Bond’s treacherous lover in the novel, is nearly impossible to re-create because gin and vodka were stronger in 1953. However, it does offer a recipe for an updated version of the Vesper.
Shake your vesper in a high-quality cocktail shaker from Mid-South Alcoholic Supply.
