The Perfect James Bond Martini (Vesper Drink)

Uncover the secrets of mixing the Perfect James Bond Martini (a.k.a. the Vesper Drink), a cocktail as suave and sophisticated as 007 himself.

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Hold in your hand a suave cocktail glass that’s got a chilled, smooth rim, and filled with this super clear drink that’s glowing with the warm light around you. Take a teeny-weeny sip, and BAM! you’ll totally get why James Bond has been all over this debonair drink for decades. It’s a Vesper — aka the James Bond Martini — and I’m going to show you how to make it perfectly.

Don’t think this is your everyday cocktail; it’s so much more than that. It goes back further than the Bond films, back to when Bond made it popular in the book Casino Royale (yes, Bond was a book before it went to the silver screen). When I mixed up my first Vesper, I felt like I was joining an elite club (of cocktail connoisseurs, not of super-secret spies). I felt excited and edgy mixing the gin and vodka — and this gem called Lillet Blanc. This drink isn’t just your average party pour. It isn’t even like a classic Martini, a Gibson, or other such fare. It’s not your standard gin-vermouth combo; it tells an epic story.

INGREDIENTS

A Vesper uses both gin and vodka, so you don’t have to choose!

3 oz. gin
1 oz. vodka
0.5 oz. Lillet Blanc
lemon twist, for garnish

Equipment Needed

Cocktail glass
Mixing glass
Long bar spoon
Jigger or measuring tool
Strainer
lemon-cutting knife and board

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Combine the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a cocktail mixing glass.

Stir

Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the ingredients together for about 20 seconds or until well chilled.

Strain

Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

How to Make a Healthy / Low-Calorie Vesper Drink

This smooth-as-butter James Bond Martini is as calorie-laden as butter, I’m afraid. It’s an amazing treat but comes with about 200 calories. So, if you’re like me and you’re all about that healthy life (or pretending to be!), you might be after something a bit less heavy that you can enjoy more often (or, just as often but with a bit less guilt).

So, why not try some different brands? Vodka and gin — both incredibly popular alcohols — have light versions, which have fewer calories, but are still delicious. You could also think about swapping out the Lillet Blanc with a less sugary aperitif like dry vermouth – just remember this might tweak the flavor a smidge. Oh, and don’t let your excitement get the better of you – measure your pours carefully so you’re not accidentally splashing in a double (been there, done that!).

If you want a Vesper mocktail, opt for a non-alcoholic gin, a non-alcoholic vodka, and a splash of white grape juice with a hint of lime. This mocktail version retains the complexity and intrigue of the Vesper while being alcohol-free.

Tips & Tricks For Making a Perfect Vesper Drink

Always serve the Vesper in a well-chilled cocktail glass. The right glass makes all the difference. It will keep your Vesper cold and nail that look of sophistication.
And the same goes for the ingredients. Pre-chill your gin and vodka in the freezer for a few hours before mixing.
Like any quality cocktail, a Vesper relies on accurate measurement to achieve perfection. A good jigger or measuring tool is key. Stick to the 3:1:0.5 formula (gin: vodka: Lillet Blanc) to keep the flavors in balance.
Contrary to Bond’s preference in the films, a Vesper calls for stirring, not shaking. Stirring retains clarity, whereas shaking causes aeration and cloudiness.
The lemon twist is for looks AND taste. Use a peeler to take off a beautiful long spiral, avoiding the bitter white pith. Give it a twist over the drink to release all those aromatic oils before dropping it in.

FAQs

Is the Perfect James Bond Martini going to mess with my calorie counting?

The average Perfect James Bond Martini comes in at around 200 calories a pop. Give or take, depending on the brands you use and just how generous you are with your pouring hand. If that number makes you sweat more than a high-speed chase, check out my tips earlier for slimming it down without losing flavor.

What’s the secret to enjoying this cocktail?

The Perfect James Bond Martini is best when chilled and savored, so take a moment with each sip to let the flavors linger on your tongue.

Can I use dry vermouth if I’m out of Lillet Blanc?

The Lillet Blanc brings a unique kick that you just can’t fake with dry Vermouth. Vermouth might give it a similar feel but the flavor won’t be the same. If you’re aiming for that classic Vesper taste, hold out for some Lillet Blanc; otherwise, you may as well just make a Classic Martini.

Is there a variation of a vesper i should try?

Want to shift your Vesper into high gear? Top it off with a splash of Champagne for an added touch of sophistication and a slightly effervescent texture.

How To Prep And Store the Perfect james bond martini

This classy cocktail is best served immediately, after you mix it up. Chilled glass, chilled ingredients. I don’t recommend prepping it (and, as far as cocktails go, this one is pretty simple to execute so you wouldn’t be saving much time making it in advance).

If you end up with some leftovers, just pop them (minus the ice) in a tight-sealing container and stick it in the fridge to keep it fresh. Just remember to mix it up well and serve it cold when you reach for it again in the next couple of days.