Pexels photo by Engin Akyurt.
The Vesper cocktail, also known as the Vesper Martini, is a drink that has become synonymous with sophistication and intrigue, thanks to its association with the iconic British spy, James Bond. This cocktail was introduced to the world in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel, Casino Royale, the first book in the James Bond series. The Vesper is not just a drink; it’s a symbol of Bond’s refined taste and adventurous spirit.
Origins of the Vesper Cocktail
The Vesper cocktail was invented by Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. In Casino Royale, Bond orders a dry martini in a deep champagne goblet but then changes his order and gives the barman a specific 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. Got it?”. Bond later names the drink after Vesper Lynd, his love interest in the novel, saying, “I’m going to patent it when I can think of a good name”.
Fleming got the idea for the Vesper from his friend Ivar Bryce. Fleming based the Vesper on a recipe that Bryce created. In fact, Fleming even inscribed a special message in Bryce’s copy of Casino Royale, acknowledging his contribution: “For Ivar, who mixed the first Vesper and said the good word”.
The cocktail’s name, “Vesper,” has an interesting backstory. Fleming named it after Vesper Lynd, a character in Casino Royale, who was inspired by a real-life British agent named Vesperale, whom Fleming met during his tenure with British Naval Intelligence during World War II. The name also plays on the term “vespers,” which refers to evening prayers, adding a layer of sophistication and mystery to the drink.
The Recipe and Its Evolution
The original recipe for the Vesper cocktail called for three measures of Gordon’s gin, one measure of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet, shaken until ice-cold and garnished with a large thin slice of lemon peel. However, Kina Lillet, a type of French aperitif wine, is no longer produced. Modern bartenders typically substitute it with Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano to mimic the original taste. Cocchi Americano is widely regarded as the best substitute for Kina Lillet in the Vesper since it shares a similar bitter taste derived from cinchona bark.
The Vesper is unique in that it combines both gin and vodka, creating a strong and aromatic cocktail. The use of Kina Lillet (or its substitutes) adds a floral and slightly bitter note, balancing the robust flavors of the spirits. The cocktail is traditionally served in a martini glass, making it a visually appealing drink that exudes elegance.
Recipe:
- 3 ounces gin
- 1 ounce vodka
- ½ ounce Cocchi Americano (or Lillet Blanc)
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add gin, vodka, and Cocchi Americano (or Lillet Blanc)
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Vesper cocktail’s fame is largely due to its association with James Bond. The scene in Casino Royale where Bond invents the drink has been immortalized in both the novel and its film adaptations. In the 2006 film Casino Royale, Daniel Craig’s Bond orders the Vesper with the same recipe, further cementing its place in popular culture.
Interestingly, Ian Fleming admitted that he didn’t particularly enjoy the Vesper cocktail himself. Despite creating the iconic drink for his character James Bond in Casino Royale, Fleming found the Vesper to be too strong for his taste. However, the cocktail has since become a classic, thanks to its association with the suave British spy.
Final Thoughts
The Vesper cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a piece of literary and cinematic history. Its origins in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale and its association with James Bond have made it an enduring symbol of sophistication and adventure. The Vesper offers a taste of elegance and intrigue that is hard to resist.
Resources
The Official Website for Ian Fleming
IanFleming.com
The Official James Bond 007 Website
007.com