Keep forgetting to try the Vesper Martini
posted Thu Jan 24 11:57:00 -0800 2008 by Jason Glaspey
When Casino Royale came out, I remember listening carefully to the drink he ordered while at the poker table and thinking it sounded very good. (I’ve slowly been introducing more and more vodka into my repertoire as of late, but still LOVE a good gin martini).
The drink in question was the Vesper Martini, named after the Bond’s lady-friend. From the movie, it’s made with:
- 3 measures of Gordon’s gin
- 1 measure of vodka
- 1/2 a measure of Kina Lillet
- Shake until ice cold and serve in a deep champagne goblet with a large thin slice of lemon peel
Gin, and Vodka. Perfect.
I do believe Lillet is pretty hard to find, which hasn’t helped my mission of trying it out, but I am on a mission, and I will. Have any of you drank the drink? I have to be honest that I’d feel a little dorky asking for it in a bar, but then again, after 2-3 regular martinis, it might be the perfect thing to ask for.
by Anonymous on Mon Apr 21 01:28:32 -0700 2008
Hey i like james bond too. He is a secret agent.
by Anonymous on Tue Apr 29 12:38:52 -0700 2008
I've had the vesper a few times, great drink, a little strong for most peoples tastes though.. If you ever do try it and want to mix it up, skip the lemon and use a splash of raspberry or black currant, even better!
by Anonymous on Fri May 02 12:30:30 -0700 2008
The Heathman in downtown Portland offers it on their menu, I think.
by Anonymous on Wed May 14 16:11:12 -0700 2008
I had a vesper at bourbon and branch. it's a bit strong but has a surprisingly clean finish. it's great in terms of martini.
by Anonymous on Tue Jul 01 00:21:37 -0700 2008
Sure it's strong, but compared with a regular gin martini you can hardly taste the alcohol. The sugar in the Lillet and the tartness of the lemon mask it so well. The proportions are great too -- with the Lillet in it it's not dry, but it's also not quite sweet either, and the vodka keeps the gin flavor from overpowering the drink. I agree with #4 that it's a great drink; don't worry about feeling like a dork.
by Vengeur on Mon Aug 04 12:08:14 -0700 2008
The Vesper is one of my favorite martinis - if you want to try making one yourself, Kina Lillet is hard to find, but supposedly blond (or "blanc") Lillet is an adequate substitute.
by Anonymous on Tue Sep 02 09:36:24 -0700 2008
The oyster Bar in the Rio Casino in Las Vegas makes an excellent Vesper.
by Anonymous on Mon Nov 17 07:10:57 -0800 2008
Union Seattle has them and they are great