How To Make A Vesper

James Bond might be forever associated with the Martini (shaken, of course), but true cocktail pros and Bond lovers alike also know about the Vesper, which Ian Fleming created in the 1953 novel Casino Royale. Sometimes, simplicity is key — hence why the Vesper has won over the hearts of many, and is now an internationally beloved build. Check out the full list of the 50 most popular cocktails in the world.

Vesper Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 1/2 oz Lillet

Vesper Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in mixing glass with ice.
  2. Stir.
  3. Strain into chilled cocktail glass
  4. Garnish with a thin lemon and orange and enjoy.

Rate This Recipe:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(134 votes)

Yield: 1 Cocktail
Calories: 221
Updated: 2024-05-30

Listen To Our Cocktail College Vesper Podcast 

Vesper Recipe Video

Vesper FAQ

What does a Vesper taste like?

A Vesper is a very strong cocktail, carrying herbaceous notes from gin that are tamed by the grain notes of vodka. The addition of Lillet brings forward slightly sweet flavors with botanicals of its own that nicely complement those in the gin.

Is the Vesper a Martini?

Yes, the Vesper is a Martini, its full name being the Vesper Martini.

Who created the Vesper?

Created by Ian Fleming in his 1953 novel “Casino Royale,” the Vesper gained popularity as the favorite drink of James Bond. The cocktail was created by Fleming as a variation on the dry Martini, who decided to name the cocktail after Bond love interest Vesper Lynd.

Related Reads & Recipes

Learn About Gin

· Gin 101

· Our always updated list of the best Gin to buy right now!

More Gin Recipes To Explore

The Honeysuckle Negroni Recipe

The Honeysuckle Negroni Recipe:
For this cocktail recipe, Natalie Migliarini riffs on a classic Negroni by incorporating dry vermouth and homemade honeysuckle simple syrup with Campari and gin. Learn how to make it here!

Bar Blondeau’s Wish Fulfillment

Bar Blondeau’s Wish Fulfillment:
Bar Blondeau's Wish Fulfillment is an autumnal cocktail complete with apple gin, pear brandy, lemon oil, and sherry.

The Dirty Martini Recipe

The Dirty Martini Recipe:
Either loved or hated, the Dirty Martini is one of cocktail culture’s most polarizing drinks. Some believes the concept was born in the Waldorf Astoria.

The Condesa Collins

The Condesa Collins:
Elevate your solstice with Condesa Gin’s prickly pear, orange blossom, raspberry, juniper berry, and coriander seed infusion.

The Rosé Blackberry Spritz Recipe

The Rosé Blackberry Spritz Recipe:
Try swapping in rosé aperitivo for your Aperol in this refreshing twist on a summery spritz. Get the recipe and learn how to make it here!

Winter Jewel French 75

Winter Jewel French 75:
This cocktail with a Champagne topping truly sparkles. It’s the perfect drink to toast with as you ring in the new year.