Cinematic Cocktails: The Vesper

James Bond isn’t just a cocktail sipper. In Casino Royale (2006), he also proves to be something of a mixologist. During the multimillion dollar poker game at the center of the story, 007 takes a break to order a drink, dictating a cocktail recipe of his creation to the casino bartender. He eventually dubs this martini variant “The Vesper,” after his curvaceous female companion. Here’s the recipe verbatim from the film:

“Three measures of Gordon’s,
One of vodka,
Half a measure of Kina Lillet,
Shake over ice,
And then add a thin slice of lemon peel.”

The Vesper made its first appearance in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel Casino Royale. The recipe was not altered in any way in translation from book to screen, despite the fact that one of the ingredients--Kina Lillet--is no longer produced. Lillet Blanc is the best substitute, but the standby is missing some of the bitterness of the original liquor. Also, keep in mind that when Fleming was writing, Gordon’s gin was 94 proof, while now it is merely 80. You might want to seek out a stronger brand (Broker’s is an excellent, inexpensive, 94 proof gin). Vodka was also stronger in Fleming’s day, generally 100 proof. Luckily, a few producers still offer vodka with a 100 proof kick. Of course, if you want to do it right, don’t forget, “shaken, not stirred.”

Casino Royale (Two-Disc Collector's Edition + BD Live) [Blu-ray]
Casino Royale (2-Disc Widescreen Edition DVD)