Originally Posted by
JBord
My dad was a huge Bond fan. We had all the books and every time the movies were on TV he watched, so I used to know a lot of those movies by heart. I believe, at least in the first few movies, he actually ordered a Vesper which is a mix of gin and vodka, and uses Lillet instead of Vermouth. Being a kid, you don't really understand all that, but about a year ago we had some friends over and when I offered martinis or wine to start, the guy asked if I could make a Vesper. I recall just staring at him for a few seconds trying to process it...and then he told me what it was (the Bond drink!). I didn't have Lillet, but we did the vodka/gin mix with Vermouth (shaken not stirred) and it was still tasty.
I don't remember James Bond ever ordering a Vesper in any of the movies but the drink was certainly mentioned and described in one or more of Fleming's Bond novels.
Had a Vesper once when a friend threw a Bond movie watching party. Fun for the novelty and authenticity of it all but I think I will just stick with vodka martinis when I'm in a martini kind of mood.