The Vesper is cocktail that is a variation on the classic Martini. The drink’s history is forever tied to Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series.

The cocktail was first mentioned in Flemings first novel, 1953’s Casino Royale, where James Bond orders the drink by giving the bartender the following instructions:

“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.”

Modern bartenders will use Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano as a substitute for Kina Lillet due to the aperitif’s discontinuation in 1986. The cocktail glass has also become the preferred vessel for the drink contemporary, replacing the deep champagne goblet that was requested by Bond in Casino Royale.

Ingredients

• 45ml gin
• 15ml vodka
• 7.5ml Lillet Blanc
• 1 lemon

Preparation

1. Chill a cocktail glass
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
3. Add the gine, vodka and Lillet Blanc to the cocktail shaker and shake
4. Strain into the chilled cocktail glass
5. Drop a slice of lemon peel into the glass