Who doesn’t love James Bond. The character’s creator Ian Fleming came up with a damn good version of the Martini in his first Bond Novel, Casino Royal. One of the latest film versions of the story even used this drink as a small character development plot device.
I love this drink for a number of reasons.
First and foremost, it tastes wonderful. It is a complicated drink when completed and you’ll find that the three poured ingredients combine in a flavor that will remind you of a Martini yet by your second sip will tell your tongue that this is something different, much more special. Instead on a Martini’s Dry Vermouth, The Vesper uses a white wine aperitif called Lillet. Lillet has a sweeter flavor than vermouth. You’ll taste the grape. This addition provides the drink with more body. There’s a yum factor that you won’t find in a Martini or Vodka Martini. Lillet is priced a little higher than a good dry vermouth but after trying this one, you’ll be glad you have an opened bottle tucked away in the fridge. It’s a drink you’ll want to come back to.
Another reason why I’m a big fan of The Vesper is because this is a special drink. It uses vodka and gin. Both combine to form a pretty unique flavor, yet you’ll be able to taste each. I’m a martini fan and will on occasion, enjoy a vodka martini too (or two), but with a Vesper, the decision is made for you. Why not use both? Vodka and Gin get married in this drink and turn out to form a great couple.
Another reason I’ll enjoy a Vesper? The drink does carry an earned wow factor. While behind the bar or hosting in your home, witty banter can only add fuel to the fire of the evening. You don’t have to bore the uninitiated with a James Bond ramble, but it is a hell of a lot of fun to mention to your guest that they’re enjoying a drink created especially for a man who carries a License to Kill. Throw on some Shirley Bassey records and pour the Vespers.
When it comes to Martinis and variations, the booze is only what you’ll be tasting. I use Bombay Gin and Stolichnaya Vodka in this drink: both very good, affordable bottles.
The more expensive, premium gins like Sapphire work against this drink. They fight with the Vodka. You want the two to work together.
Here We Go –
- 3 Ounces of Dry Gin
- 1 Ounce Vodka
- ½ Ounce Lillet Wine Aperitif
Softly shake combined ingredients with cracked-ice in cocktail shaker (be careful, you don’t want this one clouding up) ‘till your fingers freeze.
Serve up in a martini glass with a strip of lemon peel as a garnish.