Most of us associate a dry martini — shaken, not stirred — with the iconic secret agent, James Bond.  However, Bond’s first drink was a variation of the martini, a drink he called a “Vesper.”

In the novel Casino Royal, Bond directs the bartender to give him “…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?” the drink was later named a Vesper.

Because Kina Lillet is no longer in production, the recipe for the Vesper has been altered.  The following is not a bad substitute.

The Vesper

1. 3 Ounces Gordon’s Gin
2. 1 Ounce Vodka
3. 1/2 Ounce Lillet Blanc
4. Lemon Peel
5. Ice

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Shake until ice-cold and strain into a chilled champagne flute or Martini glass.  Garnish with a large, thin slice of lemon peel. “Got it?”