Vesper Lynd — Bond Girl Cocktail

The Casino Royale film released in 2006 grossed over A$987.6 million worldwide, becoming the second-most-popular part of the modern James Bond franchise. The scene in which the secret agent orders his signature cocktail and provides precise instructions to the bartender has become iconic. Initially, that beverage has no name, but suddenly, a perfect idea illuminates James Bond during a romantic evening. He decides to name the drink after his partner and sweetheart, Vesper Lynd, an elegant, mysterious, and drama-filled woman. When she asks him about the reason for such a name, he replies: “Once you’ve tasted it, that’s all you want to drink.” The storyline is worth examining further, especially about this authentic drink with a distinctive bitter edge and sentimental background and discover where gourmets can try it.

Where to Drink It?

Here’s a list of ideas of where Bond’s fans can taste a legendary cocktail:

• In Royal Reels Casino, punters can experience the atmosphere like in Casino Royale. At Royal Reels Australia Casino is reviewed thoroughly by iGaming experts. Even though Royal Reels Australia is an online pokies site, those striving for adrenaline and fresh impressions can make a beverage at home and get into a realistic gambling ambience. In a nutshell, Royal Reels Casino Australia is an internationally approved site with more than 300 pokies and table games, decent bonuses, and reasonable wagering requirements. Royal Reels also features intuitive navigation.
• Order in All Things Catering in New South Wales. This service frequently hosts themed events, and James Bond parties are no exception.
• At any local bar. Just like James Bond, Aussies can ask barmen to mix a cocktail according to the original recipe.

Interestingly, some Australian training courses offer their customers the opportunity to master the skills of preparing this Bond Girl Cocktail. However, making it strictly by recipe is not rocket science for anyone.

Preparing a Vesper Lynd Cocktail at Home

Making this cocktail in house conditions is more than straightforward. The recipe consists of the following ingredients:

• 45ml Gin;
• 15ml Vodka;
• 7.5ml Lillet Blanc.

A person who prepares this cocktail must fill the shake with ice and combine all the ingredients. The secret of a good-quality beverage is to “shake it, not stir.” The last step is adding a large slice of lemon peel.

James Bond also claims that selecting the right ingredients matters. He recommends choosing vodka made from grain instead of potatoes. London dry gin is considered a go-to choice for this cocktail.

Notably, the Bond Girl Cocktail in its original form included Kina Lillet instead of Lillet Blanc, but that liqueur flavoured with quinine is no longer available. Nowadays, connoisseurs of the drink use Lillet Blanc, a delightful aromatised wine. Therefore, a modern version lacks the distinctive bitterness, and some individuals make up for it by infusing vodka with cinchona bark.

Facts about the Bond Girl Drink

The Bond’s replica “Once you’ve tasted it, that’s all you want to drink” was prophetic. When Vesper Lynd dies, the protagonist loses faith in love and becomes cold-blooded. Notably, the secret agent drinks Vesper Lynd only once in the entire series of films and Fleming’s books. That fact especially highlights the significance of the cocktail to Bond, forever tied to his first genuine love. Instead of Vesper Lynd, the secret agent prefers a classic Vodka Martini thereafter.

No one knows the true story of this cocktail in real life. Some say Gilberto Preti, a barman from Duke’s Hotel in London, created the drink for Ian Fleming.

The drink is rather strong and potent because the recipe includes two high-alcohol spirits. It features a crisp, dry flavour with a slightly bitter finish.

The Vesper Lynd Cocktail as James Bond’s Embodiment

This bitter and refreshing beverage is associated with the main character’s traits. Like Bond himself, the drink is sophisticated and strong. The secret agent is attentive to detail and elegant. Critics also say that Vesper Lynd symbolises the hero’s inner transformation and the defining brokenheartedness affecting his entire future life. Therefore, the beverage with such a sad yet romantic backstory is definitely worth a try!