Looking for a cocktail that’s stronger and more complex than your standard martini? The Vesper delivers exactly that – Bond’s signature drink that combines gin and vodka for something truly distinctive. We’ll show you how to make it properly, no secret agent training required.
What Is a Vesper Cocktail?
Quick Answer: The Vesper combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a ratio that creates Bond’s preferred martini variation. The cocktail recipe was actually created by Ian Fleming’s friend Ivar Bryce, but Fleming featured it in “Casino Royale” in 1953 and named it after double agent Vesper Lynd. Originally called for Kina Lillet, which was reformulated in 1986, modern Lillet Blanc is sweeter, while Cocchi Americano better matches the original’s bitter profile.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
What You Need to Make a Vesper Cocktail
How to Make a Vesper Cocktail
- Add all spirits to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Express lemon twist over the drink and drop in.
Bartender’s Tips
- Chill Everything: Freeze your glass beforehand—this drink needs to be ice-cold.
- Stir Don’t Shake: Despite Bond’s preference, stirring creates better texture and clarity.
- Start Lighter: New to strong drinks? Use 2 oz gin instead of 3 oz and work up.
How to Serve This Vesper Cocktail
Serve immediately in a chilled coupe or martini glass. This is an aperitif cocktail—sophisticated and strong. Not for casual sipping.
More Cocktail Recipes
Explore our complete gin cocktail collection for more classics that’ll elevate your home bar.
Vesper Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 oz Gin
- 1 oz Vodka
- ½ oz Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano as an alternative
- Garnish: Lemon twist
Instructions
- Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir (or shake) until very well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink and drop it in.
Video
Recipe FAQs
Reduce gin to 2 oz while keeping other proportions the same.
Cocchi Americano tastes closer to Fleming’s original Kina Lillet with more bitter complexity.
Stirring creates a smoother texture and a crystal-clear appearance, despite Bond’s famous preference.
Very – 4.5 oz of spirits versus a typical martini’s 2.5 oz. Sip accordingly.
Ready to elevate your cocktail game? Join our community of discerning drinkers – sign up for our newsletter for weekly happy hour inspiration, and don’t forget to join our private Facebook group for exclusive tips and discussions.
