Movie Style Guy: Shaken or Stirred: 3 Bond Inspired Drinks

Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 12, 2008

Just about two years ago this column was born after I had the idea to mix up a few Vesper Martinis, having just seen Casino Royale. I figured hey, maybe my movie going friends would enjoy the drink just as much and the article was born. Since then, alcohol has been a steady staple of our Movie Styles and on this, our almost two year anniversary, I return both to the Vesper, to Alcohol, and to Bond.

Bond is a man of refined taste who has let much more than female assassins and martinis pass his lips and so, in addition to reprinting the Vesper recipe, I’m adding two more lesser known recipes for your enjoyment. Take care and watch your back (as you fall down drunk).

The Vesper

The drink that started it all when Bond ordered it up in both the literary and cinematic version of Casino Royale.

• 3oz of Gordon’s gin
• 1oz of Russian vodka
• 1/2oz of Lillet Blanc (or substitute dry Vermouth)

Combine ingredients in a martini shaker, shake with cracked ice, strain, and serve. Please see a detailed account of making this drink here.

Sazerac Cocktail

Arguably the oldest cocktail in existence and inarguably one of the first created in America, Bond ordered this unique drink in Live and Let Die. The drink has its origins in Louisiana, where it was recently made the official cocktail of New Orleans.

• 2oz Rye Whiskey
• Dash Absinthe
• 3 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1tsp Simple Syrup

Chill an old fashioned glass by filling it with ice or letting it sit in the freezer for a bit. Add a dash of absinthe to the glass and twist to coat; pour out any excess liquor. Add the teaspoon of simple syrup and the bitters, then pour on the whiskey and stir. Enjoy. You may want to instead completely prepare the drink in a separate glass and then pour into your absinthe-prepped serving glass.

Black Velvet

I’m not entirely certain that all that many people still drink beer cocktails these days, but its worth a taste, so might as well act like Bond in Diamonds Are Forever and try this 1861 mourner’s English cocktail.

• 6oz Guinness Beer
• 6oz Champagne

There is some debate over which comes first, the beer or the champagne. I’ve seen it done both ways and prefer the look of champagne on the bottom, so that’s what I’m giving you. Pour champagne into your desired glass. Next, hold a spoon over the glass close to the surface of the drink and slowly and gently pour the beer over the spoon so that it sits on top of the champagne. Once the two equal parts have been poured, but not mixed, drink! Feel free to switch up the order, gents.

After you enjoy Quantum of Solace this weekend, take a moment to relax with one of these fine, Bond inspired beverages as you discuss the finer points of whipping-ass and scoring tail. Who knows, perhaps next week we’ll even have a new Bond cocktail to try!

Yours,

Robert “You Still Know My Name” Fure

Let me know your thoughts on these drinks and share your own recipes below!

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