When you think of James Bond quotes, the first one that comes to mind is likely, “Bond. James Bond.” But a close second is probably, “Shaken. Not stirred.” Am I right?
But just exactly what kind of drink was 007 ordering when he uttered those famous words? There has been plenty of debate on the subject, but one of author Ian Fleming’s early Bond novels offers a fairly explicit recipe for what has come to be known as the Vesper, named for Bond’s beautiful colleague, Vesper Lynd. In the 1953 novel, Casino Royale, Bond has an exchange with a waiter.
“A dry martini,” Bond says. “One. In a deep champagne goblet.”
“Oui, monsieur.”
“Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's (gin), 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.”
Alas, the original recipe is no longer possible to follow to the letter. The original Kina Lillet formulation contained quinine liqueur made of cinchona bark from Peru. This particular ingredient was removed from the manufacturer’s recipe in 1985, drastically altering its signature bitter flavor. But if you still want to emulate Bond, James Bond, you can substitute 1⁄2 oz Lillet Blanc and 1⁄8 teaspoon quinine powder for the Kina Lillet.