12 replies to this topic

[Jeff007]

In the novel it calls for 3 parts Gordon, 1 part vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet. That is quite the drink when you think of it. I know in Canada you can only have a 2 ounce drink at a time. So, the Vesper is over 4. Not sure if 4 ounces can even fit in a martini glass. Guess that's why it's a deep champagne goblet. Trying to rant off the ingredients direct from the novel to the average waiter will usually make his or her head spin. So, at home is the only real way to make it I supose. I don't even know where you can purchase Kina Lillet. Any ideas? Let's here your 007 drinking stories.

[Nicolas Suszczyk]

Yep. Two friends of mine had tasted it.

[JCRendle]

Only had the Martini, not the Vesper, though I have had vodka/gin martini, but it was with vermoth in place of Kina Lillet = very strong

[Captain Grimes]

I've never ordered one at a bar (too much trouble to explain it properly, unless you're James Bond ), but I've made a few for myself at home. Not a bad drink, but not much different than a gin/vodka martini, given that the recipe for Kina Lillet has, I believe, changed since Fleming's day (now it's less bitter, and more similar to vermouth). I do, however, prefer the Vesper to the straight vodka martini of the films, which is a rather bland and undistinctive drink next to the Vesper, and even more so next to a proper gin martini. I have always wished that film-Bond was as adventurous and cosmopolitan a drinker as literary-Bond. There's so much more to life than Smirnoff...

Okay, better stop now. You've got me going on my favorite subject!

[James Blond]

I've never ordered a Vesper in a bar, but have made plenty at home. It packs a strong punch, but is pretty good. I know Bond ordered his with a lemon peel, but I've found using a wedge of lemon gives it a better taste IMO.
I've ordered a vodka martini at bars, but I feel a little foolish saying "shaken, not stirred".

[Jericho_One]

I made some Vespers at home (Had a hard way finding the Kina Lillet though).
I actually like straight Vodka Martinis and I usually order them (not that usually though, my liver has to last for a few more decades ) in bars or other social events, like weddings, formal dinners and the kind.

[Bryce (003)]

As it would appear I'm CBn's reigning "alcohologist", I have, if fact, had a Vesper. In fact, I know of at least one very reputable club - The St. James - which has now added it to the bar's listing.

Yes, Bond does order it as a four measure drink, but I've found it can be done as a three measure drink just as effectively.

My recipe -

One measure high end Vodka - Grey Goose, Stoli Crystal, Belvedere, Sobieskie etc.

TWO measures high end Gin - Bombay Sapphire, Boodle's, Gordon's etc.

HINT of vermouth - Lillet and Kina Lillet are difficult to find - at least here in the states, so I opt for just a light misting or a drop or two in the shaker.

Done correctly, there should be ice crystals floating on the surface (which quickly dissolve) and it will appear cloudy when poured from shaker to glass. A small lemon rind, straight up. You can't go wrong

These do pack quite a "hit upside the head", but it is intended to be nursed or sipped over at least 20-30 minutes.

[darkpath]

I ordered one on a Royal caribbean cruise earlier in the Summer (a little research in preparation for Dare to be Bond ). Naturally, the waiter hadn't the vaguest clue what I was asking for, so I had to give him the recipe. They didn't have Gordon's so Beefeater was used, and as this was the only one I've had, I don't know how much of a difference it made in the taste. I specified Kina Lillet and he didn't indicate whether they had that or not, so I'm not 100% sure I got exactly what I asked for. They did get the lemon peel extra large as I asked. Overall, I thought it was pretty good, at least until it started to lose its chill. I regrettably neglected to mention putting it into a goblet, so perhaps it had too much surface area and warmed up too quickly.

I welcome any advice, as always.

[DamnCoffee]

Do you think 007 will order a vesper in future movies aswell as a Vodka Martini?

[darkpath]

Do you think 007 will order a vesper in future movies aswell as a Vodka Martini?

I bloody well hope so!

[K1Bond007]

Do you think 007 will order a vesper in future movies

No. He doesn't in the novels.

aswell as a Vodka Martini?

I'm sure.

[Kiss Kiss Bang Bang]

I'm going to get a bottle of Lillet Blanc (or just Kina Lillet) to the party on 31 of Dec and try different proportions If I remeber anything the day after I'll share the findings

[Double-0-7]

Still no luck finding Lillet in this neck of the woods. Is it possible to purchase it online - or don't they like shipping alcohol in that manner?