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:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(127 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 Oh, Honey Recipe

The Oh, Honey Recipe:
From San Francisco's The Laureate cocktail bar comes this gin drink that gets its color from butterfly pea flower tea. Learn how to make it with this recipe!

The Bolder Bramble Recipe

The Bolder Bramble Recipe:
Made with aromatic bitters and navy strength gin, this is an unusually tasty version of the traditional Bramble cocktail. Learn how to make it with this recipe!

The Rosy Gin Punch Recipe

The Rosy Gin Punch Recipe:
This easy gin cocktail can easily be batched to serve a crowd. Learn how to make it with this recipe from cocktail columnist Natalie Migliarini.

The Groovy Gimlet Recipe

The Groovy Gimlet Recipe:
This tropical riff on the classic Gimlet cocktail recipe features toasted coconut syrup. Get the recipe now!

Tuxedo No. 2

Tuxedo No. 2:
Get our recipe for a great Tuxedo No. 2. Learn everything you need to know to make a perfect Tuxedo No. 2.

La Naranja Amarga Recipe

La Naranja Amarga Recipe:
With the East Coast and Midwest awash in unseasonably gorgeous weather, our taste buds believe we’re in full-on spring. La Naranja Amarga FTW!