Vesper Martini

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Well, it’s award season, and all of Hollywood’s finest are throwing glamorous parties—so why not do the same? If you’ve never hosted an Oscar party before, this is the year to start!

It’s the perfect excuse to plan an elegant evening filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and, of course, the red carpet.

For my Oscar night gathering, I love serving martinis alongside fancy bites, and what better martini to mix up than the Vesper?!

This iconic cocktail was made famous by none other than James Bond in Casino Royale—a film that earned six Oscar nominations. As every Bond fan knows, his martinis are always shaken, not stirred, so let’s get to it!

How to Make a Vesper Martini

The Vesper Martini is a smooth yet bold cocktail made with a combination of gin, vodka, and dry vermouth.

Originally, James Bond’s version called for Gordon’s Gin and Kina Lillet, but since those exact spirits are no longer available in their original form, I’ve made a few substitutions.

For the best Vesper, I recommend using a high-quality London gin like Broker’s, a good vodka such as Tito’s, and dry vermouth in place of the now-discontinued Kina Lillet.

Shaken, Not Stirred

To make this legendary cocktail:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, and ½ ounce dry vermouth.
2. Shake vigorously until the mixture is ice-cold.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a large lemon twist—James Bond’s signature touch. To enhance the citrus aroma, twist the peel over the drink, run it around the rim of the glass, and then drop it in.

The Perfect Drink for an Oscar Night Party

There’s something undeniably elegant about sipping on an ice-cold martini while watching Hollywood’s biggest night.

Paired with a spread of gourmet hors d’oeuvres, the Vesper Martini sets the scene for a sophisticated and unforgettable evening.

So, grab your shaker, channel your inner secret agent, and mix up this legendary drink for your award-night celebration!

Cheers! 🍸