Despite the fact that the recipe for this cocktail was invented by an amateur bartender, thanks to James Bond for more than 50 years of existence, the drink has become very popular. Now gin with vodka and vermouth is served in all respected institutions of the country. With Vesper components, it is easy to make at home, you don’t even need a shaker.
Historical reference. The Vesper cocktail was first mentioned in the 7th chapter of the book “Casino Royale” (1953) by writer Ian Fleming. This was the only time that James Bond mixed vodka with gin. While playing poker, Agent 007 asked the bartender to bring him a cocktail of three parts of Gordon’s gin, one part of vodka and half a part of Kina Lillet (white wine infused with quinine and other herbs) and twice as much ice. This moment is not only in the book, but also in the movie “Casino Royale” and the sequel “Quantum of Solace”.
Bond named his cocktail after Vesper Lynd, the only woman he was truly in love with. By the way, it is Vesper Lind who is considered the record holder for drinking alcohol among all Bond girls.
Interestingly, the recipe was not invented by the writer Ian Fleming himself, but by his friend, who called the cocktail “Evening Star”, in English – Vesper. Fleming only used this name in his novel.
Vermouth Kina Lillet is no longer produced in the original recipe. Now a similar drink is called Lillet Blanc, but it is difficult to get it in Russia, so it is advisable to replace it with a dry white martini or other similar vermouth.
Composition and proportions:
- gin (original Gordons) – 45 ml;
- vodka – 15 ml;
- dry white vermouth – 7,5 ml;
- ice cubes – 300 grams;
- lemon zest – 1 piece.
Classic Vesper Cocktail Recipe
1. Pour vodka, gin and vermouth into a mixing glass.
2. Add ice. Mix gently with a spoon.
3. Pour the mixture through a strainer (sieve) into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Add lemon zest.
A slightly different cooking technology (in a shaker) is shown in the video.
