The Martini Recipe in Casino Royale Explained
Original Vesper Ingredients
James Bond orders three measures of Gordon’s gin, one measure of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet, shaken until ice-cold and served with a large lemon peel. Kina Lillet is no longer produced, so most bars substitute Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano.
The Vesper Martini served in the 2006 film Casino Royale became an instant classic. This article breaks down the exact ingredients, proportions, and preparation steps used on-screen, along with modern variations you can try at home in 2026.
Step-by-Step Method
- ✓Fill a shaker with ice cubes,
- ✓pour the spirits, and shake vigorously for
- ✓Step-by-Step Method
Fill a shaker with ice cubes, pour the spirits, and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass and express the oils from a lemon twist over the surface before dropping it in. The result is a crisp, slightly bitter cocktail that balances the botanicals of the gin with the dryness of the aperitif.
Modern Substitutes and Ratios
Many home bartenders scale the recipe down to two ounces of gin, half an ounce of vodka, and half an ounce of Lillet Blanc. Adding a dash of orange bitters can replicate the missing quinine note that Kina Lillet once provided.