“Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass (or champagne coupe, if you have one). Garnish with a large, thin slice of lemon peel. Bet large. Tip the chef de partie. Flirt with Moneypenny. Get out before they use the laser.” *
Invented by Ian Flemming for the secret agent James Bond in Casino Royale, the Vesper is named after Vesper Lynd, a double agent working for both MI6 and MVD.
Like all martinis, the Vesper should be served very cold and not dilly-dallied over. I prefer to make these a bit smaller, say 3oz total, and serve in a reasonable sized glass to better enjoy them.
Wearing an impeccable black tuxedo while drinking is optional.
I like the subtle color the Lillet brings to the drink, it provides a slight shimmer. Remember, you eat and drink with your eyes first so enjoy the look AND the taste of everything you drink and eat.
This version of the Vesper has been aged for 15 days with toasted birch staves then charcoal filtered for a clean finish.
Saturday, July 25th, 2020 in Aspinwall, PA
Pour the contents of the bottle into a shaker full of clean ice. Shake it very well until it is ice-cold, pour into a coupe glass then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.
Pour Gin, Vodka and Bitters into a shaker full of clean ice. Shake it very well until it is ice-cold, pour into a coupe glass then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.
A peel is considered a clean, bright colored peel from the identified citrus in a ½ to ¾ inch wide piece with no pith.
A dash is either a drop (using a standard dropper) or two strong shakes from a bottle.
A pinch is far less than a baking pinch. Remember, this is a cocktail, not a loaf of bread.
A sprig is a clean, bright colored portion of the identified herb or plant. Not a forest, a sprig (unless otherwise noted).
Tradition says you shake cocktails that contain cream, egg whites and juices and you stir those without. Tradition is good but personal preference rules here. If you want be like Bond, shake your martini but make sure to try the "traditional" way at least once.
