Vesper Martini

Vesper Martini

The Vesper Martini is a strong cocktail combining 3 spirits; gin, vodka and Kina Lillet. However, as Kina Lillet is no longer produced it is replaced with Lillet Blanc. Lillet Blanc is a sweet white wine aperitif from Podensac, France.

The Vesper Martini was invented by a famous author Ian Fleming whose book infamous secret agent character James Bond named it after the double agent Vesper Lynd.

Since Bond's favourite drink was Vodka Martini the Vesper cocktail because known as a Vesper Martini or James Bond Martini. The Vesper Martini is the drink Bond refers to when he utters his infamous request "shaken, not stirred".

We also have recipes for similar Martini drinks like the classic Vodka MartiniDry MartiniPorn Star Martini, a Cherry Martini and the French Martini which you may enjoy.

  • Total Time:
  • Type: Cocktail
  • Units: 3

Equipment

  • Cocktail glass

Ingredients

  • 90 ml Gin
  • 30 ml Vodka
  • 15 ml Lillet Blanc
  • lemon peel (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pour in all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Shake well until chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with lemon peel.
The Vesper Martini was first introduced in the 1953 novel Casino Royale, and named after the character Vesper Lynd — making it one of the few cocktails created entirely in fiction before becoming a real-world classic.

FAQ

What is a Vesper Martini?

The Vesper Martini is a strong and aromatic cocktail made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (or a similar aromatised wine). It was famously invented by Ian Fleming in Casino Royale as James Bond’s original drink of choice.

How is a Vesper Martini different from a regular Martini?

Unlike a traditional Martini, which uses either gin or vodka, the Vesper combines both. It also uses Lillet Blanc instead of dry vermouth, giving it a slightly bitter, floral edge.

Should a Vesper Martini be shaken or stirred?

According to James Bond, a Vesper Martini should be “shaken, not stirred.” However, many bartenders prefer stirring to preserve the drink’s clarity and texture.

What vodka cocktails are best?

If you like a vodka cocktail like the Vesper Martini, we also have a roundup of our top ten cocktails with vodka, its not official, but we think you’ll find these cocktails are all worth trying.

What is an aperitif?

The word Aperitif was originally used by the French to refer to an alcoholic drink to be consumed before dinner. Some popular examples of an aperitif are; the French Martini, Dubonnet, Negroni, Aperol Spritz or the Cardinale cocktail.

Please note that the units field is an estimation, and will vary depending on the type and quantity of alcohol used. Please drink responsibly and legally.