The Vesper: James Bond's Signature Cocktail Recipe and History

The Vesper, a cocktail with a storied past, owes its existence and name to the iconic fictional spy, James Bond. Introduced in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel "Casino Royale," the drink is famously described as Bond ordering "three measures of gin, 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."

Despite its prominent introduction, the Vesper appears only once in Fleming's novels as Bond's specific order. However, the drink's creation is attributed to Fleming's friend, Ivar Bryce, who mixed the original concoction. Fleming himself acknowledged Bryce's role, dedicating a copy of the book to him with the inscription: "To Ivar, who mixed the Vesper first and then told me it was a good name."

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three measures of gin, 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.

Recreating the Vesper today requires some consideration, as key ingredients have changed since 1953. Both Kina Lillet and Gordon's Gin have been reformulated. For Kina Lillet, modern alternatives like Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano are suggested to capture the original flavor profile. Similarly, for vodka, a 50% ABV Stolichnaya is recommended to emulate the higher alcohol content common in 1953. For gin, Tanqueray or Gordon's at 47% ABV are proposed.

Additionally, the serving vessel has evolved. Modern cocktail glasses are typically larger than those used in 1953. Some prefer to serve the Vesper in a tall champagne flute, offering a different presentation for this classic, Bond-approved drink.

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To Ivar, who mixed the Vesper first and then told me it was a good name.