Vesper Recipe

Chill glass

Place a martini or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice water while you prepare the cocktail to ensure it is well chilled.

Measure spirits

Measure 3 tablespoons (approximately 90 ml) London dry gin, 1 tablespoon (approximately 30 ml) vodka, and 1/2 tablespoon (approximately 15 ml) Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano.

Add to mixing glass

Fill a mixing glass or cocktail shaker with large ice cubes. Pour in the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc over the ice.

Stir until properly chilled

Stir the mixture briskly with a bar spoon for about 20–30 seconds (or 15–20 full strokes) until the outside of the mixing glass feels very cold and the ice has slightly melted and diluted the drink — you want a silky, chilled mixture rather than over-dilution.

Strain and serve

Discard ice or water from the chilled serving glass. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled martini or coupe glass using a Hawthorne or fine strainer to keep out ice shards.

Garnish

Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the surface by holding the peel over the glass and giving it a quick twist, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink as garnish.

Serve

Serve immediately while still very cold. Sip and enjoy—the Vesper is a strong, crisp, spirit-forward cocktail best served in small pours.