What Makes A Martini A Vesper?

Where does the name come from?

James Bond invents the drink on a whim during a high-stakes Texas Hold'em poker game at the Casino Royale in Montenegro, a pivotal moment in both the novel and its film adaptations. In the 2006 hit film featuring Daniel Craig as Bond, three-quarters of the players at the poker table are seen ordering the same drink, clearly influenced by Bond's suggestion. The scene later depicts Bond at the bar, taking his first sip of the martini. "You know, that's not too shabby," he comments. "I think I’ll need to come up with a name for it."

And name it he does — after the enigmatic Vesper Lynd, his love interest in "Casino Royale" and one of the most intricate and significant Bond girls in the series. "Is it because of the bitter aftertaste?" Lynd inquires. "No. It's because once you've had a taste, it's all you'll crave," he responds, embodying the quintessential suave Bond demeanor.

Breaking down the original

Today, bars worldwide present various interpretations of the Vesper. But what inspired Bond's original recipe? The book provides limited insights, yet each ingredient clearly plays a distinct role in the overall blend. "The drink's complexity largely stems from the contrast between Lillet (which, back in the day, contained quinine but no longer does) and the botanicals found in gin," explains beverage expert Leandro DiMonriva from The Educated Barfly. Given vodka's relatively neutral flavor, it likely contributes little to the drink's taste, primarily serving to increase the alcohol content. DiMonriva also points out that during the 1950s, when Fleming crafted the drink, vodka was the favored clear spirit.

DiMonriva isn't particularly fond of the cocktail in its original form. Interestingly, Ian Fleming himself shared this sentiment, writing to The Guardian in 1958 that he created the cocktail for Bond and later tried it himself, only to find it "unpalatable."

Revitalizing a classic

Leandro DiMonriva points out that the traditional Vesper recipe is likely well-known primarily due to its connection with James Bond and "Casino Royale." However, he believes there are superior versions of the martini that have been developed by skilled bartenders over time. His top choice? The Vesper Americano, crafted by Brent Falco in 2011. This intriguing drink is made with Cocchi Americano, an Italian apéritif infused with cinchona bark (a natural source of quinine), which serves as a suitable alternative to the original Kina Lillet. The recipe also features gin, vodka, and a few dashes of Bittern's Hopped Grapefruit Bitters, all stirred (not shaken!) with ice, strained, and garnished with a slice of grapefruit peel. While James Bond opts for his drink "shaken, not stirred," DiMonriva firmly advocates for stirring the Vesper martini. It appears we might have a potential new Bond villain in the mix, but don’t dismiss it until you give it a try.