This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
The Vesper Martini, the famed James Bond order, is a crisp and boozy classic cocktail featuring gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, garnished with a lemon twist. The combination of botanical gin, vodka, and the subtle floral notes of Lillet Blanc creates an interesting twist on the Martini.
Table of Contents
Brief History
Ian Fleming invented the Vesper cocktail for his first James Bond novel, “Casino Royale,” published in 1953. In this novel, James Bond orders the Vesper, specifying “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.”
Bond made the phrase “shaken not stirred” famous, which raises controversy to this day because Martinis should technically be stirred. Now that you know that, I formally permit you to do whatever you like. Calling for four ounces of base spirit, the original recipe for the Vesper would put the average person on their ass.
Today you’ll find more tempered versions with an increased Lillet ratio. This variation is more balanced and less potent. While I typically prefer a gin Martini, the vodka cuts some of the botanicals in gin, allowing the Lillet to come forward. If you’re gin-averse, this will offer a more balanced Martini with subtle botanicals.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Gin: London dry gin, such as Beefeater or Plymouth is the classic choice, providing juniper-forward botanicals. If you prefer a softer flavor, a contemporary-style gin with citrus or floral notes can work as well. You can use Gordon’s to replicate Bond’s order.
- Vodka: vodka blends some of the botanicals of the gin while adding a neutral base. A high-quality vodka with a smooth finish will help maintain the integrity of the drink.
- Lillet Blanc: Lillet Blanc replaces the original Kina Lillet (discontinued in the 1960s) and adds light floral and citrus notes. Cocchi Americano is also a good substitute with a little more bitterness. Both spirits ultimately replace dry vermouth in the classic Martini. Also used in the citrusy Corpse Reviver No. 2.
- Lemon: expressing a lemon peel over the drink before garnishing releases essential oils that enhance the cocktail’s citrus aroma. A thin, wide peel works best for this purpose. Pictured in this drink is a thinner twist, which is more for aesthetics than functionality.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Expert Tips
- For the original proportions (bold and dry), use 1½ ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of vodka, and 1/4 ounce of Lillet.
- While the Martini is traditionally stirred, shaking this cocktail with ice will create a slightly lighter, aerated texture with more dilution than stirring.
- Double strain (if shaking) into a chilled coupe or Martini glass for the best presentation.
Similar Classic Cocktails
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Vesper Martini
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces London dry gin, Beefeater, Plymouth, or Tanqueray
- 3/4-1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano
- Lemon peel garnish
Instructions
- Combine gin, vodka, and Lillet in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink and garnish.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
First time trying one of these. As a gin martini lover, I enjoyed the slight variation! Thanks for sharing.