Shaken, Not Stirred... Like Your Resolve After a Few Vespers: How to Order a James Bond Martini
So you want to channel your inner Bond? Tuxedo? Check. Walther PPK? Probably best left at home (unless you're attending a costume party). But the most important element: a perfectly crafted martini, just like 007 himself.
Now, there might be a few eyebrows raised if you waltz into your local pub and bellow, "A martini, shaken, not stirred!" While it is undeniably cool, it's worth knowing a little more about Bond's martini habits before you become the "shaken, not stirred" guy at every social gathering.
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How To Order James Bond Martini |
The Debatable "Shaken, Not Stirred"
James Bond is famous for his preference for a shaken martini. Here's the thing: bartenders will tell you stirring is the traditional method, as shaking bruises the gin and makes it cloudy. Maybe Bond just liked a bit of theatricality with his drink? Perhaps he enjoyed a slightly diluted martini, achieved through shaking. Or maybe, just maybe, he was one of those people who secretly enjoys a bit of a frothy beverage (no judgement here).
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The Two Bonds, Two Martinis
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There's a bit more to Bond's martini repertoire than just the shaken versus stirred debate. There are actually two iconic Bond martinis:
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The Vesper: This gin-based martini, named after a certain femme fatale, is Bond's signature in the book "Casino Royale." Made with Gordon's Gin, vodka, Kina Lillet (a sweeter vermouth), and a lemon peel, it's a potent concoction that'll leave you feeling like you can take on the world (or at least a well-done steak).
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The Classic Vodka Martini: In the later Bond films, we see our favorite secret agent switch to a vodka martini. This version is typically made with just vodka, dry vermouth, and a garnish of lemon or olive. It's a drier, more modern take on the martini, perfect for those who like their drinks to pack a punch.
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Ordering Your Bondtastic Martini
So, how do you order one of these legendary drinks? Here's your cheat sheet:
- The Vesper: "A Vesper Martini, please. Gin, vodka, Kina Lillet, shaken very well, with a lemon peel." Bonus points for mentioning Gordon's Gin.
- The Classic Vodka Martini: "A vodka martini, straight up, with a twist (lemon) or dirty (olive)." You can specify the ratio of vodka to vermouth if you have a preference (a "perfect martini" has equal parts vodka and vermouth, while a "dry martini" has less vermouth).
Remember: Confidence is key. Hold your head high, channel your inner Bond, and enjoy your martini, shaken or stirred. Just be sure you can handle your Lillet – this isn't a drink for the faint of heart (or those who plan on driving after). Now go forth and mix yourself a martini that would make even Bond proud.