The Vesper cocktail recipe a drink James Bond invents in Casino Royale, named for a lost love. It’s actually not, as some believe, the traditional vodka martini Bond usually favors.
Changes from the Original Recipe
This drink recipe originally called for two ingredients that have been reformulated or are now unavailable, so I’ve listed substitutions. Kina Lillet is no longer made at all, so I suggest Lillet Blanc.
Kina Lillet had a more bitter flavor than Lillet Blanc has, and it fell by the wayside as people gravitated more and more toward sweet cocktails and away from bitter flavors. But otherwise, the Lillet Blanc is a good match – as close as you’re going to get. It has wonderful fruity notes.
Gordon’s Gin has changed since the book was written and the recipe created, so I suggest Tanqueray #10 or Plymouth. For the vodka, you can be more flexible, but pick a good quality one.
It’s the Lillet Blanc that makes this drink special. If you enjoy it, you should try the Edith’s Fizz and The Prohibition.
Tasting Notes
The Vesper tastes like a cleaner, more floral cousin of a classic martini. Expect a bright citrus top note from the lemon twist and subtle stone-fruit and honeyed aromas from the Lillet Blanc.
The gin brings juniper and botanics, while the vodka smooths and rounds the edges without adding much flavor of its own. Taken together, the drink is slightly sweeter and more aromatic than a straight gin martini, with a faint bitter dryness that hints at the original Kina Lillet’s profile.
The first sip delivers a cool, almost silky texture from the chilled spirits. The mid-palate shows the gin’s juniper, coriander and citrus peel notes.
That’s balanced by Lillet Blanc’s citrus blossom and gentle honey notes. The finish is crisp and slightly dry. If the cocktail leans too sweet for you, add a light squeeze of fresh lemon or a touch more gin for balance.
Equipment & Glassware
A Boston or cobbler shaker is ideal. It’ll chill and dilute the drink quickly, giving it a brighter, slightly frothy texture. A Hawthorne strainer keeps tiny ice chips out of the final drink.
For garnishing, use a peeler or channel knife to get a clean lemon twist to express oils over the surface. Serve it in a chilled glass – a champagne saucer, a coupe or a classic martini glass.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh, large ice cubes for shaking to avoid watering the drink down.
- The Vesper is at its best very cold, so pre-chill the glass and keep the bottles in the fridge or freezer.
- Shake just long enough to make the shaker frosty – about 10 to 15 seconds -then strain immediately.
- Hold the lemon twist a couple of inches over the glass and give it a firm squeeze to spray oils onto the surface. Then rub the peel along the rim to add aromatics to each sip.
- For a small party, scale the recipe up and keep it in the fridge. Shake individual servings quickly over ice so each gets fresh chill and dilution.
When to Serve
The Vesper works for many occasions but really shines when used as a deliberate, elegant choice. It’s perfect for cocktail hour as a bright, cold kickoff to an evening, and it makes a classy option for date nights or anniversaries thanks to its literary backstory.
The drink is also suitable for celebratory sips before dinner or after a toast, since it feels festive without being heavy. In warm weather, its citrus and floral notes are especially refreshing, making it a solid summer-evening option.
For food pairings, the Vesper pairs well with seafood like oysters or smoked salmon, light appetizers, and delicate cheeses.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
For gin, Tanqueray No. Ten is a good pick because of its bright, citrus-forward profile that complements Lillet Blanc, while Plymouth offers a softer, earthier alternative that gives a rounder mouthfeel. You could also use options like Beefeater or Broker’s, which are juniper-forward choices that keep the cocktail authentic.
For vodka, premium bottles like Belvedere or Grey Goose bring a silky neutrality, while Tito’s or Absolut are good mid-range options that let the gin and Lillet shine. Smirnoff works well as a budget-friendly alternative.
Lillet Blanc is the go-to substitute for the original Kina Lillet, offering honeyed citrus and floral notes.
Similar Cocktails
- Classic Martini: Gin (or vodka) and dry vermouth.
- Gibson: A martini garnished with a pickled onion instead of a lemon twist
- Corpse Reviver No. 2: Gin, Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi), orange liqueur, and lemon.
- French 75: Gin, lemon, sugar, topped with champagne.
- White Lady: Gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice.
Try swapping Lillet Blanc into other martini-style recipes to explore how the aperitif’s fruit-forward profile changes classic drinks.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin (try Tanqueray #10)
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and pour in the ingredients.
- Shake until it’s ice cold.
- Strain the mixture into a champagne saucer.
- Express a lemon twist over the drink.
- Rub the twist along the rim of the glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon.
