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Vesper Martini
Posted: July 22, 2026
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About
The Vesper Martini is one of the most iconic cocktails in the history of literature and cinema, created not by a bartender but by spy novelist Ian Fleming and first appearing in 'Casino Royale' (1953), where James Bond orders it with his famous precision: '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.' Fleming named it after the double agent Vesper Lynd, and with that single scene invented a cocktail that would define cocktail culture for generations. Unlike Bond's later association with the Dry Martini, the Vesper is a distinct and genuinely exceptional drink — the blend of gin's botanicals, vodka's neutrality, and Lillet Blanc's gentle honeyed bitterness creates a cocktail of remarkable complexity and elegance.
Instructions
- Combine gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake vigorously until extremely cold — at least 15 seconds of hard shaking.
- Fine-strain into a chilled martini glass or large coupe.
- Express a long, thin strip of lemon peel over the surface to release its oils, then place it on the rim or in the glass as garnish.
- Serve immediately — the Vesper must be consumed very cold.