Vespar Recipe

1. Chill glass

Place a coupe or chilled martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice water while you build the cocktail to ensure the drink stays cold.

2. Combine ingredients

In a mixing glass or cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour 2 oz Bombay Sapphire gin, 0.75 oz Lillet Blanc, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you prefer a touch of sweetness. The simple syrup is optional — omit if you want a drier Vespar.

3. Shake

Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled. This both dilutes and chills the drink to the correct temperature.

4. Strain

Discard the ice or water from the chilled glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards and any pulp from the lemon juice.

5. Express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface of the cocktail by holding the twist about 2–3 inches above the drink and giving it a firm bend. Rub the twist along the rim of the glass, then drop it into the drink as garnish.

6. Serve immediately while cold. The Vespar is best enjoyed slightly tapered toward dry and bright; adjust lemon or simple syrup to taste in future batches.