Vesper

The VESPER is considered by Bon Appétit to be one of 24 classic cocktails everyone should know how to make. It’s easy to prepare once you have the spirits on 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 favor the shaken version described below:

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

• 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, 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.). The link below leads to the James Bond scene where he proceeds to order and instruct how to make a Vesper. It’s fun to watch, but his proportions are very gin-heavy, departing from the standard mix. But Bond can do what he likes.