The Vesper Martini

The beloved catchphrase “shaken not stirred” can first be found in Ian Fleming’s  novel “Diamonds are Forever” (1956), but surprisingly, the first to speak it in a Bond film is Dr No in the film by the same name in 1962. The first time Bond places this order himself can be admired in “Goldfinger” (1964).

But since Bond’s tastes have changed over the years …

“Goldfinger” (1964):
Mei-Lei: “Can I do anything for you, Mr. Bond?”
James Bond: “Uh, just a drink. A Martini, shaken, not stirred.”

“Casino Royale” (2006):
Bond: [after Bond has just lost 10 million in the game] “Vodka-martini.”
Bartender: “Shaken or stirred?”
Bond: “Do I look like I give a damn?”

“Quantum of Solace” (2008):
Bond: “I don’t know. What am I drinking?”
Flight bartender: “Three measures of Gordon’s Gin, One of Vodka, Half a measure of Kina…”
Mathis: Kina Lillet.”
Flight bartender: “Kina Lillet, which is not Vermouth. Shaken well until it is ice cold. and served with a large, thin slice of lemon peel. Six of them.”

… the Martini named after Vesper Lynd (“Casino Royale”) seemingly represents the Bond taste better than the classic Martini:

  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 3 oz Gin
  • 1/2 oz Lillet Blonde
  • garnish with lemon peel

“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?” (from the novel “Casino Royale”, Chapter 7).

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