VESPER Martini Recipe + 3 x GIVEAWAYS!

The Vesper features in Ian Fleming’s novel, Casino Royale, agent 007 instructs a bartender to mix “three measures Gordon’s, one of vodka, a half measure of Kina Lillet. Below you'll find an adapted version as I think almost 5oz is a pretty hefty drink!

Kina Lillet is a quinquina, a type of bitter aperitif made with cinchona bark. It was a key component in the original recipe but was discontinued in the late 1960s.

The best substitute for the Kina Lillet is Cocchi Americano, an Italian aperitif made with a base of Moscato wine macerated with herbs, spices, gentian root and cinchona bark. It has a herbal complexity with a soft sweetness and a bitter bite. Using Cocchi Americano in a Vesper creates a cocktail that is dry, bright and citrusy, with a very subtle bitter note.

If you don’t have Cocchi but do have a bottle of Lillet Blanc then simply add a few dashes of Angostura Bitters - it won’t look like the most pristine Vesper but it will improve it’s flavour profile compared to that of Lillet on it’s own.

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INGREDIENTS
- 67.5mL Gin (2.25 oz)
- 22.5mL Vodka (0.75oz)
- 15mL Cocchi Americano (0.5 oz)

METHOD
1. Combine all ingredients into your mixing glass
2. Stir for 45-60 seconds
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
4. Garnish with a twist of lemon

[StevetheBartender_]

I failed to mention this is also an adapted version as well as being a smaller scaled recipe - this recipe is heavier on the Cocchi Americano then that in the book. You can check out the GIVEAWAY in the first link below (2 for anyone to win, 1 reserved for Patreon subs:

[soulofash]

Hell of a drink, the Vesper. One of my go-tos.

[patrice]

Binge watching your vids & kudos to you for clear & simple instructions/descriptions of everything.
A Fan!

[mszoomy]

I love the scene in the movie where Daniel Craig as Bond orders this. It really seals him as becoming "Bond". I think a lot of people were expecting another Bond movie and really didn't like Craig as Bond, but the film was so much about how Bond became who he was as an agent. Everything from the way he treats women to his first kill earning the 007 status and his favorite drink. Casino Royale is my favorite Bond film, I'm so glad you did this drink! Of courses, stirred NOT shaken!!

[boozeontherocks]

Steve you beat me to it. My vesper video is coming out this week too. Great job. Whats next?

[pauljames]

mate where's that cheesy grim while you're stirring?

[SpamMusubi]

Sounds like an interesting drink. JB would be proud! Thanks for sharing, Steve!

[AlabhyaVeerKumar]

Hi Steve! I'm new to making Cocktails and I appreciate your videos.
I have a question... Would you recommend trying Vodka with Martini Fiero (as a substitute for Dry Vermouth and Orange bitters)?

[EmmanuelPetit]

Back when I was in highschool I used to admire Steve's passion ...I would love to become an international bartender & mixologist
Please show me how to make Clementine Martini ...

[joseanzaldo]

Great video Steve. The set looks dope.

Can you make a Carajillo for us? Delicious coffee drink.

[ChadWinters]

I have Lillet and Angostura...will have to try the substitute version as I have not seen Cocchi around here

[iDrumGod]

I believe there’s a lot of misconception around the use of ‘parts’ or ‘measures’. A ‘part’ or ‘measure’ is whatever the bartender makes it, provides that it stays consistent across the individual drink.

Being English, it’s likely Bond was assuming measurements of 25ml (the standard English pour, rather than Australia’s 30ml).
The Vesper is probably 75ml Gordon’s, 25ml Vodka, and 12.5ml Kina Lillet. In Casino Royale, however, the drink is made in France, which uses (more or less) 30ml pours.

The Gordon’s used was the old 47% ABV version, and the vodka was actually over 50%.

Should be shaken, not stirred.

[stephane.foisy.]

Definitely a favourite but limited to use Lillet.

[franzfanz]

Lillet Blanc lists quina quina as an ingredient on the bottle. I also remember the first time I opened a bottle that it definitely had a whiff of tonic water to it. This leads me to believe that the ingredient is still present. It could have been reduced in the re-release or maybe people were mis-remembering the original flavour profile thinking it had a more pronounced quinine note.

[amateurghost]

Viewing with "45 seconds ago" tag. Earliest I've ever checked out a video. Hope you're all having good days!

[itsme]

This drink is fantastic! I had it once without scaling back the 3 parts and got really buzzed off one drink. Strong.

[dadidavidsson]

Hello steve I know it's weird to ask a question like this in the comments but I have recently gettin more into making cocktails and I think it is definatly gonna be a hobby of sorts but I was wondering what do you think are the drinks/liquor/mixers that I should own for beginner level cocktails? :)

[tomdrsny]

Would be sick to win a set, recently I got into mixing coctails for friends and so far they all loved it. So far, I bought me a shaker and this set would help me to try out new recipes :D
Good luck to you guys :)

[ysteinrantrud]

Woohooh! Thank you for making my requested cocktail! Cheers!

[pokeycola]

Those jiggers look great, fingers crossed for a win but even if I luck out it's almost Xmas so one WILL be mine, oh yes... (wait, wrong movie 😂)