Vesper

According to Ian Fleming in "Casino Royale," this is REALLY what James Bond drank; "vodka martini, shaken not stirred" is a shorthand for this. It's impossible to make a true Vesper today, as Kina Lillet was discontinued in the 80's, but according to Esquire magazine, this is the best possible approximation. (In "Casino Royale," Bond ordered this with Gordon's gin, but today, Gordon's is a low-class brand and should be substituted with something appropriately high-toned.) The recipe also calls for a pinch of quinine powder, if you happen to have any. The golden-colored Lillet Blanc will make this rather yellower than one might expect from a martini...

• Ready In: 3 mins
• Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 ounce  lillet blanc
• 3  ounces  tanqueray  gin (or other high-quality gin)
• 1  ounce  tanqueray vodka (or other high-quality vodka)
• 2  dashes  Angostura bitters
• 1  lemon twist

Directions

1. Combine Lillet Blanc, gin, vodka, bitters and quinine powder in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Shake well until very cold, and shaker is fully frosted with condensation. Strain into martini glass and garnish with twist of lemon peel.