Vesper Martini Recipe

Before you start

The Vesper is the martini described in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel Casino Royale: three measures of gin, one of vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet, shaken until ice cold and served with a large, thin slice of lemon peel. Unlike most martinis, it is shaken, which leaves it slightly lighter and colder.

The original Kina Lillet is no longer made. The current Lillet Blanc is lighter and less bitter, so the drink tastes softer than it would have. Cocchi Americano, which has more quinine bitterness, is a popular alternative. Note that this is a strong drink: the full spec carries about two standard drinks, so many bartenders serve a smaller version.

Ingredients

• 60 ml (2 oz) gin — a bold London dry gin
• 20 ml (⅔ oz) vodka
• 10 ml (⅓ oz) Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano
• 1 cup (about 150 g) ice cubes — for shaking
• 1 large, thin lemon peel

Method

1. Freeze a martini glass for 15 minutes.
2. Pour the gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano into the shaker tin.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cold ice and seal it tightly.
4. Shake hard for about 10 seconds, until the tin is frosted and very cold.
5. Double-strain into the frozen glass so there are no ice chips.
6. Cut a long, wide strip of lemon peel, twist it over the drink to release the oils, and lay it in the glass.

Tips for success

• Use a gin with plenty of juniper. Soft, floral gins get lost next to the vodka.
• For a smaller drink with the same balance, use 45 ml gin, 15 ml vodka and 7.5 ml Lillet.
• Store Lillet or Cocchi in the fridge after opening; like vermouth, they are wine-based and oxidize.

Substitutions

Lillet Blanc

Cocchi Americano has more quinine bitterness and is closer to how the drink likely tasted with Kina Lillet. Dry vermouth works but is more herbal.

Vodka

Leave it out and increase the gin to 75 ml for a gin martini with a Lillet accent.

Gin

A higher-proof, navy-strength gin makes the drink drier and more intense; reduce it to 45 ml.

Variations

Stirred Vesper

Stir for 30 seconds instead of shaking for a denser, clearer drink.

Smaller Vesper

Halve the spec and serve in a small Nick & Nora glass to keep the drink cold until the last sip.

Troubleshooting

It tastes thin and watery

It was shaken too long or the ice was wet. Use dry ice from the freezer and shake for about 10 seconds.

Ice shards float on top

Double-strain through a fine strainer after the Hawthorne strainer.

It tastes sweet and flat

Your Lillet may be old, or very light. Use a freshly opened bottle, or switch to Cocchi Americano.

Storage

Serve immediately. Keep Lillet and other aromatized wines refrigerated after opening and use within about a month.

Safety notes

This is a strong drink: about 90 ml of spirits and aromatized wine, close to 2 U.S. standard drinks (one standard drink is about 14 g of pure alcohol). Serve only to adults of legal drinking age, and do not drink and drive.