I’ve been challenged by a regular ZOOM group I participate in to create a libation for a virtual cocktail party featuring something home-grown. So I went out to the garden and took a deep breath. The first thing I whiffed was lemon verbena – floral and lemony – it seemed just right for a cocktail. So, I grabbed a fistful and wondered what James Bond would do… and the Lemon Verbena Vesper was born.
Why James Bond you ask? Well, the original Vesper comes from the mind of James Bond a (fictional) man of many talents. I would say that along with “international man of intrigue – and lady killer” we should also consider his talents as a mixologist and poet. Because in the 1953 Ian Flemming novel Casino Royale, Mr. Bond combines both skills to memorable effect.
“A dry martini,” [Bond] said. “One. In a deep champagne goblet.”
“Oui, monsieur.”
“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?”
“Certainly, monsieur.” The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
“Gosh, that’s certainly a drink,” said Leiter.
Bond laughed. “When I’m…er…concentrating,” he explained, “I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink’s my own invention. I’m going to patent it when I can think of a good name.”
Lemon Verbena Vesper
Well, James Bond may have never gotten around to that patent but the world embraced his liquorious libation and it has become known as The Vesper Martini. It’s a big, strong, drinkers drink and it remained popular for many decades. But by the 1980s, demand for quinquina (beverages with quinine in them) had died down. In fact, cocktails were losing favor as chardonnay began to dominate our cocktail hour. So in 1986, Lillet was reformulated to a less alcoholic and less bitter version – now known as Lillet Blanc.
Without the pronounced bitterness from Kina Lillet, the Vesper can seem a bit unbalanced. However, lemon verbena infused vodka brings back that touch of floral bitterness. Closer to the drink I’ve decided James Bond had in mind. Because I’m always trying to get into James Bond’s head. Always. GREG
James Bond preferred this drink to be shaken. That’s probably because Gordon’s gin in 1950’s England was 94 proof; now it’s under 80. The vodka would’ve been stronger as well: Russian Stolichnaya was 100 proof. Today’s less alcoholic version is better stirred in my opinion.
Ingredients
- 3 ounce London dry gin (perferably Gordon’s)
- 1 ounce lemon verbena infused vodka (see recipe)
- ½ ounce Lillet blanc
- 1 sprig of fresh lemon verbena
Directions
Add gin, infused-vodka, and Lillet to a cocktail shaker ⅔ filled with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled 5‑oz or larger cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh lemon verbena.
Ingredients
- 1 cup loosely packed lemon verbena leaves (well washed)
- 2 cup vodka
Directions
Place lemon verbena and vodka in a lidded jar; cover and shake to evenly distribute. Let stand in a cool dark place for 3 days then strain the liquid through a fine-meshed sieve. Discard leaves. Store the lemon verbena-infused vodka in a sealed container for up to 10 days.
What a great post, I had no idea James Bond was so specific with this bevvy. We love vodka martinis with a splash of gin, we always have called it a vesper but that turns out to be wrong! Nowbyo do some research on how cold tolerant lemon verbena is!
Stay well Greg.
Eva XO
Sounds really delightful Greg, and a reminder for me to look for a lemon verbena plant at the farmers market Sunday. The vodka sounds amazing.
Great idea to use lemon verbena in this drink! Such a nice update to such an interesting drink. I’ve read that Cocchi Americano is a good substitute for Kina Lillet, but I’ve never gotten around to trying that. One of these days! In the meantime I’ll just make this. 🙂
Lemon Verbena is my favorite herb, and my cousin named her daughter Vesper — believe it or not, as a result of the Bond movie. So, I’m in, and sending it on to my cousin who will love it! 🙂 ~Valentina
Hi Greg! I love Lemon Verbena always have it planted where ever I live. I use it in baking but the vodka sounds great. Hope all is well. Bijouxs~
I think I’ve got some lemon verbena growing outside somewhere. I’m going to have to go hunt for it.