Palm Springs, CA

The Vesper is a cocktail invented and popularized by the fictional British secret agent James Bond in the 1953 novel “Casino Royale” by Ian Fleming. In the book, Bond instructs the bartender to make a very specific martini that he calls the Vesper, named after the character Vesper Lynd.

Although Bond does not have a direct relationship with Palm Springs, his films feature several scenes set in modernistic homes and buildings that reflect the mid century style of Palm Springs. The Vesper drink is typically presented in a chilled martini glass with a lemon peel garnishing the drink showcasing a sophisticated style fit for living the Palm Springs lifestyle.

This drink is best served “shaken, not stirred.”

The recipe for the Vesper is as follows:

Ingredients:

3 ounces Gin
1 ounce Vodka
1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
1 Lemon peel

Instructions:

Gather the ingredients. In a cocktail shaker, combine Gin, Vodka, and Lillet Blanc. Shake well and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a large lemon peel.