The 007 Martini
A tipple that’s truly a classic! If you’re a fan of originals, here’s one for you. From the 1953 book by Ian Fleming, “Casino Royale”. The most popular martini ever ordered! Inspired by the dastardly “double agent” Vesper Lynd. The Vesper Martini is a perfect “Quarantini” too, because you probably have all the ingredients you need already. Just make sure to have yours shaken, not stirred.
Shaken or Stirred?
The Vesper Martini is famous if not for the cocktail, certainly for how it was ordered. This is the cocktail request copied around the world as Secret Service Agent 007 prefers his Vesper Martini be shaken, not stirred. Oh, the controversy of it. I admit that I fall into the shaken category. I love a very, very, icy, cold martini. What’s all the hoopla about shaking being a sin? When you shake your cocktail, it may cause the contents to become watered down, and ice floats on the top, which is known as “bruising” the alcohol. Well my friends, in my opinion, this cocktail is literally pure alcohol so I think a little dilution does no harm.
In the movie version of Casino Royal, from 2006, Bond is asked, just after loosing millions of dollars in the casino, if he’d like his martini shaken or stirred, he answers, “Do I look like I give a damn?” And honestly, that just may be as important as that question is.
I’m a big fan of a delicious martini, that’s for sure. I’m also one to add a olive or two. Not in the authentic Vesper, only a twist of lemon will do.
A Martini for Martini Lovers
The Vesper Martini is the perfect martini for anyone who loves a tasty and perfectly chilled martini. The combination of gin and vodka tones the flavor of the gin down so that even the true vodka martini lover will probably like this. Gin adds the flavor that honestly, a straight vodka martini lacks. I’m a fan of a very dirty vodka martini. The Vesper Martini is a perfect balance of flavor, no dirtying up required.
Lillet Blanc vs. Dry Vermouth
Both are fortified white wines. Lillet Blanc is made with quinine and some orange for a slightly sweeter but bitter flavor. It is golden in color and clear, with aromas and flavors of honey, citrus, mint, and pine. It is both lightly sweet and bitter, with 34 proof.
Side note: By the way, Lillet Blanc is Hannibal Lecter’s favorite drink in the book by Thomas Harris. And I thought he preferred a nice Chianti?
Vermouth is a fortified wine that is aromatized with a variety of herbs and spices. It is traditionally made in France and Italy and dry (white) vermouth.
Vesper Martini Cocktail
First, chill a martini glass or coup.
Then, fill a cocktail shaker 1/3 full with ice. Add 3 ounces of gin (For the authentic recipe, use Gordon’s) and 1 ounce of vodka with 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc Aperitif. If you don’t have Lillet Blanc, you can substitute with dry vermouth. Then shake vigorously, to chill the heck out of the drink.
Stain into your chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
Cheers!
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Gordon's gin (or substitute any favorite gin)
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc (or substitute dry vermouth)
Garnish
- lemon peel
Glass: Chilled martini or coup
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coup.
- Fill a cocktail shaker 1/3 full with ice.
- Add 3 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of vodka with 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc Aperitif
- Shake vigorously, at least 20 seconds.
- Stain into your chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel.
- Cheers!
Karen Harris https://www.bittersaltysoursweet.com
