Shaken, Not Stirred – The Legendary Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is a classic aperitif cocktail made with gin, vodka and dry vermouth. It is best known for its connection to the fictional British secret agent James Bond.
The cocktail first appeared in 1953 in the novel Casino Royale by Ian Fleming, where Bond famously orders a martini that should be “shaken, not stirred.” The drink was named after the character Vesper Lynd, a Bond girl who plays a central role in the story.
Unlike the classic Martini, which traditionally contains only gin and vermouth, the Vesper Martini introduces vodka to the mix. This addition gives the cocktail a slightly lighter yet powerful character while maintaining the crisp dryness expected from a martini.
The drink is typically served ice-cold in a martini glass and finished with a twist of lemon peel, adding a subtle citrus aroma that complements the botanical notes of the gin.
Because of its strong and refined character, the Vesper Martini has become a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate classic drinks with a bit of history and cinematic flair.
Vesper Martini recipe
– 6 cl Madam Gin
– 1.5 cl Vodka
– 0.75 cl Dry Vermouth
– Lemon peel
– Ice
Method
– Chill a martini glass by filling it with ice.
– Add the gin, vodka and dry vermouth into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
– Shake well for about 10 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
– Discard the ice from the martini glass.
– Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass using a strainer.
– Finish with a twist of lemon peel and serve immediately.
