In the 1953 Casino Royale, our hero Mr Bond invents a new drink. The Vesper.
“A dry martini,” Bond said. “One. In a deep champagne goblet.”
“Oui, monsieur.”
“Just a moment. 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. Got it?”
“Certainly, monsieur.” The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
“Gosh, that’s certainly a drink,” said Leiter.
Bond laughed. “When I’m…er…concentrating,” he explained, “I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink’s my own invention. I’m going to patent it when I can think of a good name.”
—Ian Fleming, Casino Royale
Bond tells the barman, after taking a long sip, “Excellent … but if you can get a vodka made with grain instead of potatoes, you will find it still better.”
I couldn’t agree more. I do like a grain vodka. I also prefer an olive over a twist. So here’s my take…
1 part New Deal Vodka
2 parts New Deal Gin #3
3 olives
As Mr Bond said, I like mine ice-cold, shaken hard and served up.
I had already eaten an olive when I thought to snap this shot.
Cheers!
Lula Harp 