The Vesper or Vesper Martini is a cocktail that was originally made of gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet (the closest modern equivalent is Lillet Blanc).

The drink was popularised in the novel Casino Royale (1953) when ordered by its inventor, secret agent James Bond, to commemorate his strong feelings for its namesake, Vesper Lynd. Although there have been a teleplay and two films based on this book, the signature cocktail was only mentioned twice in the 2006 film Casino Royale: when he orders it at the poker table and several others follow suit, and when Bond states that he named the drink the Vesper, because once he tasted it, it was all he wanted to drink. The cocktail is also mentioned by its ingredients in Quantum of Solace, but Bond does not refer to it by name.

Because Kina Lillet has not been available since the 1960s (the name was changed to “Lillet Blanc”, in the 1980s the quantity of quinine in the product was reduced, removing its bitter aftertaste), its mention in the recipe in the movies is anachronistic.

Excerpts from Casino Royale:

“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.”