Viking Vesper

The Vesper, also known as the Vesper Martini, was invented by author Ian Fleming for his iconic British secret agent, James Bond. The drink first appeared in Fleming's Casino Royale, which was published in 1953, the cocktail being named for the fictional double agent (and Bond love-interest) Vesper Lynd. I barrel aged this Viking Vesper in a charred oak barrel for 3 months, but you can mix and drink in the same day! The Norden Aquavit from Detroit is a very high quality edition to the Aquavit universe. The Gin used is Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin was released in early 2018, its inspiration founded on a recipe created 140 years ago when Charles Tanqueray, a clergyman’s son, visited the orange groves of Spain.  He went on to produce a gin recipe based around the fabulous taste of Seville oranges. Indeed, this zesty gin invokes the sun-soaked romance of the Spanish countryside, it is 41.3% ABV.

When Bond orders his signature drink from the bartender, he provides strict instructions, which leaves little ambiguity in how to prepare the cocktail: “A dry martini. One. 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.”
I have taken some Scandinavian liberties and invented my own take on the classic cocktail. It has an herbaceous front end that has a License To Kill!



In a shaker of cracked ice add:
- 1.5 oz Norden’s Aquavit
- 1.5 oz Tanqueray Sevilla Gin
- 1 oz Lillet Blanc

Shake vigorously for 1 minute and strain into a fancy Martini Glass and garnish with a lemon peel. Enjoy!
#VikingVesper #NationalMartiniDay #NordenAquavit #TanqueraySevilla #LilletBlanc #JamesBond #VesperMartini #Rhuminations @Rhuminations