The great debate in the world of the martini is a simple one: gin or vodka? While gin is the traditional choice for its bold flavors, vodka adds a great thick mouthfeel when it’s chilled. But there is a way to get the best of both worlds; and that’s the Vesper martini.
A bold drink that oozes sophistication, the Vesper first appeared in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale in 1953. Not only does it break the traditional martini rules by combining gin and vodka, but it also follows the shaken, not stirred methodology for preparation.
Known for his love of martinis, James Bond quickly became synonymous with this cocktail, which was made even more popular by Daniel Craig’s portrayal of Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale.
How to make the Vesper martini
Ingredients
- 3 parts gin
- 1 part vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet blanc or Cocchi Americano*
- Lemon twist for garnish
Method
- Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with ice. This will ensure your drink is properly chilled.
- Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet blanc or Cocchi Americano to the shaker tin.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds. This will allow the flavors to meld together while providing aeration and dilution.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish your Vesper martini with a lemon twist. Simply twist a strip of lemon peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in the drink.
While the classic martini template calls for three ounces of base spirit and half an ounce of vermouth, the Vesper martini has its own unique twist. The original Vesper martini recipe calls for three parts gin to one part vodka, half an ounce of Kina Lillet, and a lemon twist. However, it’s important to note that Kina Lillet ceased production in 1986.
But don’t worry, I spoke with multiple bartenders on the Las Vegas Strip, and they all told me the same thing–Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano are commonly used substitutions. There you have it – the perfect Vesper martini, just like James Bond would order. But here’s where the fun begins. The Vesper martini can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own perfect balance. Cocchi Americano has a sweeter flavor profile and will yield a cocktail with more floral notes than Lillet Blanc. Want more citrus notes than just a lemon peel? Add a couple of dashes of
If you prefer a milder gin flavor, you can adjust the ratio of gin to vodka. Likewise, if you’re more of a gin lover, you can increase the gin portion. Going with a London dry style of gin like Tanqueray will allow the juniper notes to stand up to the other ingredients. Choosing a new style of gin like Nolets or Hendricks will give you a milder cocktail with more floral notes.
What’s the difference between a martini and a Vesper?
If you’re new to cocktails, or even if you’re used to drinking them but not to making them, then the terminology can be confusing. The martini, for example, is a classic cocktail, but it has spawned a whole wave of variations and offshoots, including some that bear almost no resemblance to the original at all. So let’s clear that up for you.
Traditionally, a martini is a stirred cocktail made with just two ingredients: gin and dry vermouth. There is also a popular variation called a vodka martini, which uses vodka and dry vermouth. The Vesper martini splits the difference between these two, using both gin and vodka together as the main spirit.
However, there’s another important difference between the martini and the Vesper, which is that a martini uses dry vermouth while the Vesper uses Lillet or similar. Lillet is similar to vermouth in that they are both fortified wines, but they use different bittering ingredients so they have sightly different flavors. Dry vermouth tends to be more tart and fruity, while Lillet is bitter and herbal. The Lillet in the Vesper helps balance out the gin and vodka and is part of what makes this such a unique drink.
