Barsys
Vesper Martini
About
The Vesper Martini is a classic cocktail made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. If you’re looking for the James Bond Martini recipe from Casino Royale, this is the drink that made the line “shaken, not stirred” legendary.
At its core, the Vesper is a strong, clean, spirit-forward cocktail. Gin brings the botanical structure, vodka adds a sharp, smooth backbone, and Lillet Blanc introduces a softer citrus and floral note that keeps the drink from feeling too severe.
Unlike a standard Martini, the Vesper uses a split base. That gives it more power, more texture, and a slightly different personality. It is dry, crisp, and high-proof, but when made properly, it still feels polished.
Vesper Martini Ingredients: Gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc
Glass: Martini or coupe
Method: Stirred or shaken, then strained
The balance matters. Too much gin and the botanicals dominate. Too much vodka and the drink turns flat. Too much Lillet Blanc and it loses that clean Martini edge. The goal is a drink that feels cold, sharp, and controlled.
The Vesper Martini first appeared in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, where James Bond famously ordered it with exact proportions. Since then, it has moved beyond fiction and become a modern classic for anyone who likes a Martini with more presence.
It is bold, clean, and not here to be casual.
Shaken or Stirred? Stirred for clarity. Shaken for the Bond version. Stirring keeps the drink silky, clear, and controlled, while shaking makes it colder, slightly more diluted, and more dramatic. Both work, but if you want the most refined texture, stir it.
What You'll Need
- 2 oz Gin
- 0.75 oz ml Vodka
- 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc
How to Make It
- Fill a mixing glass with ice.
- Add gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc.
- Stir well for about 20 to 30 seconds until very cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass or coupe.
- Express a long lemon twist over the surface.
- Garnish with the lemon twist and serve immediately.
Using Barsys?
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
A Vesper Martini is unforgiving in the best way. Every pour matters because the drink is direct, strong, and minimal.
Barsys keeps the spirit ratios controlled, so the cocktail stays balanced instead of becoming too sharp, too flat, or too heavy. It gives you the right formula every time, while the final stir and garnish keep the ritual intact.
Sip Setting
This is a late-evening cocktail. Best for rooftop drinks, dinner parties, hotel-bar energy, or a quiet night when you want something with presence.
The Vesper does not feel casual. It feels deliberate. Cold glass, clean lines, sharp citrus, and one confident sip at a time.
Garnish Game
A lemon twist is essential. Express it over the drink to release the oils, then place it in the glass for aroma and visual sharpness.
Skip the olive. The Vesper is not that kind of Martini. It needs citrus, not brine.
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FAQs
What is a Vesper Martini?
A Vesper Martini is a cocktail made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. It was made famous by James Bond in Casino Royale.
Is a Vesper Martini shaken or stirred?
James Bond preferred it shaken, but stirring gives a smoother, clearer drink. Both methods work depending on the serve you want.
What is Lillet Blanc?
Lillet Blanc is a French aromatized wine with citrus, floral, and lightly bitter notes. It replaces dry vermouth in the Vesper.
Can I use vodka only?
No, not for a true Vesper. The drink needs both gin and vodka to create its signature structure.
What glass should I use?
Use a chilled martini glass or coupe. The drink should be served up, without ice.
Does Barsys work with this recipe?
Yes. Barsys helps measure the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc accurately, so the drink stays balanced and consistent.