As my suggested construction for the Vesper, I have decided to combine Belvedere Vodka with one of my favourite London Dry Gins, No. 3 London Dry Gin. Being somewhat unfamiliar with Vermouth, I am trusting my source at Charton Hobbes (who distribute both Belvedere Vodka and No. 3 London Dry Gin in Western Canada), and I will use their popular Stock Vermouth for my Vesper Cocktail.

Vesper Cocktail

2 oz No. 3 London Dry Gin
2/3 oz Belvedere Vodka
1/3 oz Stock Vermouth
Ice
Lemon Peel

Measure the first three ingredients into a metal shaker
Fill with ice (the dryer the better)
As James Bond said, “Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold”
Double strain into a chilled Martini glass
Garnish with a twist of lemon peel

Of course, Enjoy Responsibly!

Note: If  you are interested in more of my cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!

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Note:

The Vesper is the invention of Ian Fleming who first published the recipe in his famous 1953 novel, “Casino Royal” (which is also of course the novel that introduced the world to the iconic British secret agent, James Bond). In chapter 7 of the novel, Bond tells a bartender to build him a dry martini in a deep champagne goblet. His specific instruction is:

“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.”

It should be pointed out that Kina Lillet (a vermouth style aromatized wine) is no longer available, however in Ian Fleming’s later novel, “Diamonds are Forever“, Felix Leiter orders James the same cocktail specifying Cresta Blanca in place of Kina Lillet. Today most any Vermouth or light Aromatized wine is considered proper for the Vesper’s construction. As well, Gordon’s Gin may be replaced with whichever suitable London Dry Gin happens to be on the bar shelf. A better gin (like No.3 London Dry Gin) of course, makes a better cocktail.