Vesper

The VESPER is considered by Bon Appétit to be one of 24 classic cocktails you need to know how to make. It’s easy to make once the spirits are in hand. The shaken version is named for Vesper Lynd, the “Bond Girl” in Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel, Casino Royale. The Italian version with Cocchi Americano aperitif (instead of Lillet Blanc) is called a VESPA, and is stirred. I’m favoring the shaken version below:

Requirements: Dry gin, vodka, lemon twist, Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)

• 1.5 oz. gin (Hendrick’s preferred)
• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) vodka
• 1.5 oz. (1 jigger) Lillet Blanc (or Cocchi Americano)
• lemon twist

Rim a chilled cocktail glass with the lemon twist. Pour liquid ingredients into an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously. Strain into the glass. Squeeze a lemon twist over the drink and then drop into the mix.

Comment: I find the lemon twist to be an equal player in this cocktail and short of adding lemon juice, should always be included. If using a very botanical gin with heavy juniper and herbal qualities, I prefer less gin (.75-1 oz.). Attached below is the link to the James Bond scene when he proceeds to order and instruct how to make a Vesper. It’s fun to watch, but his proportions are very heavy on the gin, which departs from the standard mix. But Bond can do what he likes.