Crisp, juniper, lemon
Jolly good with a dish of olives and a double entendre.
James Bond liked his drink “large and very strong and very cold and very well made,” or so he says in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, published in 1953. The drink is so named because vespers are the traditional sunset evening prayer, known as the “violet hour,” aka martini time. The original recipe called for Gordon’s gin and vodka, plus half a measure of Kina Lillet. There are some updates in order to achieve this recipe today: Kina Lillet is no longer available, and the closest replacement is Cocchi Americano. The Gordon’s gin formula has also changed, so to achieve the original 94-proof taste, use either Tanqueray or Broker’s. You’ll also want to stir the drink, not shake it like the gigolo Bond.
3 ounces (90 ml) gin (Tanqueray or Broker’s)
1 ounce (30 ml) vodka (Stolichnaya)
¼ ounce (7 ml) Cocchi Americano
Lemon twist, for garnish
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish the lemon twist on the rim of the glass.