It is one of the few remaining quina quina spirits. If you are a purist, track down a bottle of Cocchi Americano. Like we’ve said before, cocktails are a problem to be solved. A citrusy London Dry Gin like Gordon’s works well. If you don’t mind a bit of historical adaptation use Lillet Blanc and whatever you have on hand. In 1986 Lillet removed quinine from it’s. In addition, it adds dry and bitter flavours to Kina Lillet.

Quinine gives tonic water its distinct bitterness. It is extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree. Lillet also reformulated Kin Lillet to account for changing tastes. In 1953 Gordon’s gin was a 94 proof spirit while Russian vodka of that time was commonly around 100 proof. In addition to three and a half ounces of spirits the spirits called for are higher proof versions of those widely available today. The Vesper Martini described in the novel is a booze bomb.

Ian Fleming, Casino Royale, Chapter 7, “Rouge et Noir’ Certainly a Drink “Gosh, that’s certainly a drink,” said Leiter. Got it?” “Certainly, monsieur.” The barman seemed pleased with the idea. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. In a deep champagne goblet.” “Oui, monsieur.” “Just a moment. In the novel Jame Bond describes his recipe to a bartender: “A dry martini,” said. Then again, this is a delicious drink no matter the weather. When Vesper Lynd meets James Bond she tells him, “I was born in the evening.on a very stormy evening…”Ī very stormy evening may be just the time to take solace in this sophisticate variation on a martini. Vespers are the traditional evening prayers of the Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran liturgies and are said at the sunset hour. Vesper Lynd’s name comes from evensong or vesper prayers in the canonical hours. But all the action takes place in the French aromatised wine Lillet. The base is British gin betrayed by a touch of Russian Vodka. The Vesper Martini, like the woman it’s named for, is a double agent. Bond’s feelings for her heighten the betrayal he later feels when he discovers that she is a double agent who has been coerced into working for the Russians. Vesper is the only Bond girl that ever made James Bond consider leaving the Secret Service. In 1953, Vesper Lynd makes her first appearance in the James Bond novel Casino Royale.

Vesper recipe casino royale