Bond's Vesper Recipe
Gin & Vodka, Kina, Shaken, Served with a Lemon Twist
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Ingredients
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Cocktail
Garnish
Optional (for chilling/glass)
Method
Preparation
- 1
Chill glass
Place a chilled martini/coupe glass in the freezer for several minutes or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail. If using ice water, discard just before straining.
- 2
Prepare lemon twist
Using a sharp paring knife or vegetable peeler, cut a 1/2-inch wide strip of lemon peel about 2–3 inches long, avoiding too much white pith. Hold it skin-side down and gently bend to release oils; set aside.
Mixing
- 3
Add plenty of ice to a cocktail shaker (enough to fill about two-thirds).
- 4
Pour 3 tablespoons (approx. 1.5 oz / 45 ml) London dry gin into the shaker.
- 5
Add 1 tablespoon (approx. 0.5 oz / 15 ml) vodka to the shaker.
- 6
Add 3/4 tablespoon (approx. 0.375 oz / 11 ml) Kina-style aperitif (Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano) to the shaker.
- 7
Secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes very cold and the mixture is well-chilled and slightly diluted.
- 8
Remove ice from the chilled glass if used. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini/coupe glass to catch any small ice shards.
Garnish & Finish
- 9
- 10
Hold the peel over the surface of the cocktail and give it a firm twist to express the lemon oils onto the drink; rub the peel on the rim if desired, then drop the twist into the cocktail or discard per preference.
- 11
Serve immediately. The classic Vesper is served very cold, shaken, and with a lemon twist.