The suave super spy is known for his excellent taste in tipple. And while the martini — “shaken, not stirred” — is the cocktail most commonly associated with him through the ages, James Bond has put in some pretty interesting drink orders. Want to know how to drink like him? Read on…
So Spectre is finally in the Indian theatres and has brought along with it the usual craze for all things Bond… James Bond. And as much as his intrepid exploits, snazzy cars and gadgets and erotic flirtations make this Brit super spy who he is, his taste in tipple too is equally legendary.
The most iconic of Bond’s drinks of course is the classic martini — “shaken, not stirred”. But while the catchphrase has become as famous as the spy himself, it is not in fact the drink Bond sips on most. He seems to equally enjoy Scotch and soda, cocktails like the Negroni, Black Velvet, Americano, vodka tonic etc.
And it is the “Vesper Martini” that is Bond’s true creation. As Bond buffs will tell you, author Ian Fleming introduced this classy little concoction in Casino Royale, Chapter 7. There, Bond tells the bartender: “A dry martini. One. In a deep champagne goblet.” The waiter responds with an “Oui, monsieur”. But before he can get to it, Bond rattles off his other requirements: “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?”
Of course, Bond — like his creator Ian Fleming — was supposed to be a true connoisseur of tipple of varied types. His knowledge of spirits contributes to several witty exchanges with opponents like Dr. No, and his boss M. Bond even unveils a would-be assassin in Diamonds Are Forever because the latter, who is disguised as a waiter, doesn’t know that the Mouton-Rothschild is a claret. Now, such fine discerning powers may not be available to all of us ordinary mortals, but we certainly can try to emulate 007’s good taste in picking our drinks.
So, how should you drink like Bond? Take a look at the drinks given below, and make sure your down them — in responsible measure! — with a whole lotta 007 style!
Gaurav is a mixologist at a Mumbai pub
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Trivia: The Dukes Hotel, situated in the heart of the St. James neighbourhood, is said to be the place where Ian Fleming found the inspiration for 007’s “shaken, not stirred” catchphrase. Fleming was said to be a frequent guest here, and in memory of the association, Dukes’ Alessandro Palazzi created the “Fleming 89”, a new martini.
For the Bond fan in your family: The limited Bond edition bottle for Silver Sabre by Belvedere is a great gift option for the Bond buff in your family or friend circle. An illuminated magnum, which lights up with the 007 logo, this one’s a collector’s item indeed.
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In the mood for a drink?
Try the new Spectre vodka martini:
Ingredients
- 60 ml Belvedere vodka
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- Sicilian green olive
- 5 ml Sicilian green olive brine
Method: Gently muddle olive in a mixing glass. Add the other ingredients and shake hard with ice. Double strain into a chilled martini glass. Serve!
Americano
Ingredients
- 45 ml Campari
- 45 ml sweet vermouth
- Chilled club soda, to top
- Orange/lemon slice, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method: Put ice cubes in a large glass. Add the Campari and vermouth. Top off with club soda, then garnish with a slice of orange/lemon.
Negroni
Ingredients
- 30 ml gin
- 30 ml sweet vermouth
- 30 ml Campari
- Orange twist, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Method: Pour the gin, vermouth, and Campari into a chilled glass, over ice. Garnish with the orange twist and serve.
Mojito
Ingredients
- 3 fresh mint sprigs
- 30 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 30 ml simple syrup
- 60 ml white rum
- Ice, as needed
- 45 ml cold club soda
Method: Place some mint, the lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently with a spoon.
Add the rum and some ice and shake until the mixture is chilled. Fill a glass with ice and strain the drink into the glass. Top with club soda and garnish with the remaining mint.
