If you’re a true bond fan, then you already know about the Vesper Martini (which, of course, is Bond’s favorite drink), which was first introduced in Ian Fleming’s classic novel Casino Royale way back in 1953.
In that book, Fleming kindly provided us with the exact recipe for this iconic cocktail.
Over the years, the Vesper Martini has become quite famous. In fact, you might even call it legendary! And if you want to enjoy a perfect martini that James Bond himself would approve of, then it’s all about shaking, not stirring.
But what exactly do you need to make the perfect James Bond martini, and how can you whip one up in your own home?
We’ve got everything you need to know to make the classic Vesper Martini recipe – a smooth and sophisticated drink that’s worthy of the one and only 007.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, we’ll also introduce you to a few fun variations, like the Gibson and the Dirty martini, that are definitely worth a try.
So grab a shaker and get ready to shake things up – because we’re about to take your martini game to the next level.
Vesper Martini
Named after double agent Vesper Lynd, the Vesper Martini is James Bond’s signature drink. This classic cocktail requires a few key ingredients to make it just right. So, if you’re ready to sip like 007, here are the exact ingredients you need to make the perfect James Bond 007 martini.
Ingredients
3 ounces of Gin
1 ounces Vodka
½ ounce of Lillet Blanc or Dry Vermouth
Lemon peel
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Jigger or measuring cups
- Cocktail spoon
- Ice
- Classic Martini glasses
- Slice of Lemon peel or Lemon twist
Directions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add 3 ounces of gin, 1 ounce vodka, and 1/2 ounce of Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth to the shaker.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and dilute the alcohol.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
- Use the lemon peel to finish with a citrus garnish
Some things to note:
Ah, the age-old debate: shaken or stirred? When it comes to the James Bond martini, the answer is clear – Bond himself famously preferred his martinis shaken, not stirred. While some folks might argue that stirring is the way to go, the shaken version is the classic Bond martini and is preferred by many.
But what about the gin and vodka? The world is your oyster, my friends. There are plenty of options out there when it comes to choosing the perfect spirits for your martini.
Some bartenders suggest using a London dry gin for its bold, juniper-forward flavour, while others prefer a more floral or citrusy gin.
As for vodka, any high-quality brand will do the trick – although some people swear by Russian or Polish vodkas for their smoothness.
Now, listen up, because this part is crucial: you’ve gotta get the measurements just right to achieve that perfect balance of flavours.
And don’t forget about the lemon peel – twisting it and rubbing it around the rim of the glass will give your martini an extra burst of zesty goodness.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the vermouth or Lillet Blanc. This choice can make all the difference when it comes to the flavour of your martini.
Lillet Blanc is a French aperitif wine that has a slightly sweet, floral flavour, while dry vermouth has a more herbal, bitter taste. Experiment with different ratios and brands to find the perfect combination that tickles your taste buds.
Variations Of The James Bond Martini
While the classic James Bond martini recipe is a timeless classic and an excellent martini if we do say so ourselves, here are a couple of variations that you can try to add your own personal touch to this iconic cocktail.
The Dirty Martini
Spectre was the movie that gave us a glimpse into the martini preferences of James Bond and his leading lady, Madeleine. On a train to Blofeld’s desert base, the duo sipped on dirty martinis – a variation of the classic cocktail that’s served with olives as an alternative garnish instead of lemon.
But what makes a dirty martini so… well, dirty? It’s all about that shot of olive brine, my friends. This salty addition gives the drink a savoury, almost umami-like flavour that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. And let’s be real – it’s also a great way to use up that leftover brine from your jar of olives.
So next time you’re feeling a little adventurous, why not give the dirty martini a try? With its briny, salty kick and those plump, delicious olives floating on top, it’s the perfect drink for Bond fans who like their martinis with a little extra pizzazz. Cheers!
2 1/2 ounces Gin or Vodka
1/2 ounces of Dry Vermouth
1/2 ounce Olive juice (olive brine)
Green olives (for garnish)
Combine the gin or ounces vodka, dry vermouth, and ounce olive juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with green olives.
The Gibson Martini
This variation of the classic martini replaces the olive garnish with a pickled onion, which adds a deliciously sweet and tangy flavour to the mix.
Let’s be real – who doesn’t love pickled things? And the little onion floating in your drink just adds a touch of whimsy to your cocktail game.
2 1/2 Ounce gin or Vodka
1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth
Pickled Onion (for garnish)
Combine the gin or vodka and dry vermouth in a shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass. Garnish with a pickled onion.
For more delicious cocktail recipes check out our list of girly cocktails you can also make at home!
