After a long week sometimes there’s nothing like a couple of perfect icy-cold martinis sipped slowly as you melt into the couch. Now I know that “stirred” in the land of mixology is the “correct” method for all-spirit drinks, but I, like many others, enjoy my martini shaken. Some like gin, some like vodka, some like vermouth, and some not. It’s really about what you enjoy!
The Vesper is one of my favorite cocktails: gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc (a French aromatized white wine) – so lovely; so delicious. The drink was invented and named by Ian Fleming in the 1953 James Bond novel Casino Royale. Traditionally made with 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka and a half part of Lillet. I switch up the traditional proportions with a little less gin in my modern take on the Vesper.
The Modern Vesper
(Makes 1 drink)
- 1½ oz gin
- 1 oz vodka
- ½ oz Lillet Blanc
- Garnish: fat lemon zest peel
Fill a small martini glass with ice and a splash of water to chill. Set aside.
Meanwhile, measure the gin, vodka, and Lillet into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, cap, and shake at least 15 times—until very cold.
Empty the ice from the martini glass. Strain the drink into the glass. With a vegetable peeler, peel off a large piece of lemon peel, then with 2 hands, spritz the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, swipe around the lip of the glass, twist and then place in drink – enjoy!
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Kathy Casey is a chef, mixologist, and is known as the Original Bar Chef. Her newest book is D’Llish Deviled Eggs, which is a great accompaniment to any cocktail. Follow Kathy Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more great cocktail recipes, visit www.LiquidKitchen.com.
