The Vesper Martini’s real-world origins

“A dry martini,” he said-

“Oui, monsieur.'

“Just a moment. 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?”

“Certainly, monsieur.”

There’s no doubt that this is how the drink came to be documented in fiction, but where did the writer get his real-world inspiration? The mythology around the Vesper suggests it was formulated during one of Fleming’s trips to Dukes bar in London. At that time, acclaimed bartender Gilberto Preti presided over Dukes, serving perfect five-sip Martinis. As I understand it was the fashionable drink of the time – and what better cocktail could Fleming have chosen for his suave, cosmopolitan assassin?

Shaken,not stirred

Bond’s instruction to the bartender that his drink be shaken, not stirred, is the source of much speculation. Shaking a drink results in greater dilution -  but it is the fastest method to ensure a drink is ice-cold, as few bartenders have the luxury of enough time to stir a drink to icy perfection. My family, friends and I shake the “The Living Daylights” out of it - pun intended. Usually for 30-40 seconds 

Gin, vodka and… vermouth

The three ingredients 007 calls for are gin, vodka and vermouth. His preference is Gordon’s when Fleming was drinking in Dukes. Bond shows little preference when it comes to the vodka, though we were told when we were at Dukes that Polish vodka was the way in tribute to the double agent Vesper Lynd. The question of vermouth is an interesting one, as 007’s preferred brand, Kina Lillet. No longer produced, we now use Lillet Blanc, a classic French, wine-based apéritif. "Note, you can find this at most large chain grocery stores, Total Wine or Liquor Barn".

A Trip to Dukes

I love Vesper Martinis, so it was only fitting that I checked one more thing off my bucket list: a visit to Dukes Bar in London. While on a family vacation, My family and I made our way to Dukes Bar in St. James's, London—the legendary bar so closely associated with Ian Fleming and the James Bond Martini. 

My experience was made complete by having Alessandro Palazzi, the legendary head bartender at Dukes, prepare his recreation of the iconic Vesper Martini. Palazzi became famous for carrying on the Duke's tradition of creating exceptionally cold, perfectly crafted Martinis, and watching him make mine was an experience in itself.

Alessandro Palazzi,

As I sat there with that Vesper in front of me, I could almost feel Fleming in the room—and maybe even a little danger lurking around the corner.

It was one of those travel experiences that will always stay with you. For a few minutes, I wasn't just drinking a Martini.

I was drinking the story!

My only regret?

I should have been wearing a tuxedo with a Walther PPK underneath my jacket.

Try it at home - The Oregon Man Recipe 

Essence:  Dangerous, And Alluring With A Touch Of Intrigue — Invented By Ian Fleming Himself.

The Vesper Martini with a twist of lemon

Ingredients: 

2 parts Gordon’s Gin (2 oz)

1 of Vodka (1 oz)

1oz Lillet Blanc (Momma likes hers with an 1 ½ oz) Glassware: Frozen Coup, Nick & Nora or Martini glass

Garnish: Lemon Peel

Instructions:

Pour all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake for 30-40 seconds then strain into a frozen glass

Music pairing: Art Pepper - Patricia

The Oregon Man’s Note:

In my opinion, this is the most iconic Martini of them all, It’s our "go to" every Martinin Friday as we toast and catch up with friends and family. My recipie closley follows Bonds instructions (he calls for 3 measures of gin - we like 2 martini's on Friday so I stick with 2 measures) so It's just a bit different. If you can't have Alessandro make you one at Dukes try it at home - you'll be glad you did.

The Oregon Man