“The Vesper”: How to Make the Perfect Martini (According to 007, Not Your Bartender)

If you’re the type who prefers your tux sharp, your smile dangerous, and your drinks with a bit of bite, then it’s time to stop pretending your “dirty martini” with five olives is anything close to what Bond would drink. This is not your happy hour cocktail. This is the Vesper—the martini that could kill if made improperly… or just if you drink too many while operating spy equipment.

Origin of the Vesper

The Vesper martini was introduced by Ian Fleming in Casino Royale (1953), and like most things in Bond’s world, it’s sleek, strong, and subtly lethal. Named after Vesper Lynd—the femme fatale who stole Bond’s heart and nearly ruined him—it’s not just a drink. It’s a weapon disguised in crystal.

The Original Recipe (straight from Bond’s lips):

“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?” – James Bond, Casino Royale

Let’s break that down before you break your liver:

The Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Gordon’s Gin (strong and classic—none of that floral nonsense)

• 1 oz. Vodka (smooths out the gin’s aggression… barely)

• 0.5 oz. Lillet Blanc (Kina Lillet is discontinued, but Lillet Blanc gets you dangerously close)

• Lemon peel (a classy garnish that whispers “I might be armed”)

How to Make It:

1. Shaken, not stirred – Yes, this breaks every rule of martini purists. And yes, it bruises the gin. That’s the point. Bond isn’t here for subtlety; he’s here to shatter expectations and possibly a Soviet agent’s jaw.

2. Ice-cold – Shake like you’re trembling with anticipation of your next international incident. Pour into a deep martini glass. No ice. Just frost.

3. Lemon peel – No olives, no nonsense. Twist it over the drink to release the oils, drop it in like it’s your final calling card.

How to Drink It:

• Sip it slowly. Or don’t. Bond never did anything slowly, except maybe die emotionally.

• Don’t nurse it. This isn’t a white wine spritzer—it’s liquid courage laced with regret.

• Ideally, enjoy it after surviving an assassination attempt, or just a rough Tuesday.

Dark Humor Disclaimer:

Be warned: The Vesper is not a drink—it’s an experience. It’s also 4+ ounces of high-octane alcohol. If you have two of these and start explaining your childhood trauma to a bartender named Sal, don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you have three, you’re probably ordering drone strikes from a hotel bar in Montenegro.

In summary:

The Vesper is Bond’s drink because it’s confident, cold, and unapologetically potent. It doesn’t ask for permission. It is the permission. So if you’re going to drink like 007, remember: elegance is essential, restraint is optional, and betrayal is always on the rocks.

Cheers, Mr. Bond.

“That’s Bond. James Bond.”

And for a little more fun…

The Making of the Perfect Martini

(painted by Guy Buffet)

Guy Buffet is a French artist renowned for his vibrant depictions of French café culture. His paintings often feature scenes of cafés, restaurants, and bars, celebrating the joy of food, drink, and social interaction.

Using bright colors and playful, exaggerated features, Buffet's style brings humor and energy to his subjects, which typically include waiters, chefs, and diners.

His works capture the lively, whimsical side of French hospitality, offering a lighthearted view of everyday life. Buffet's art has gained international recognition, with his pieces displayed in galleries worldwide, celebrating both French culture and the timeless charm of social dining.