The Drinks of James Bond

When it comes to characters with impeccable taste, no list is ever complete without James Bond. The iconic 007 isn’t just known for his fast cars and tailored suits; his choice of drink also exudes sophistication.

The James Bond drink repertoire is as legendary as the man himself. And we’re here to celebrate it. Let’s dive into the world of Bond’s favorite libations and uncover some of their backstories. Ingredients included!

Key Takeaways

• James Bond’s drinks are a blend of classics and modern concoctions.
• Signature cocktails include the Vesper and the Vodka Martini. 
• Each drink takes under five minutes to prepare and is far from one of the world’s most expensive whiskies.

Vesper Martini: A Cocktail Named After a Bond Girl

Perhaps the most famous of all the James Bond cocktails, the Vesper Martini appears in Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel Casino Royale. This cocktail is named after Vesper Lynd, the captivating double agent who steals Bond’s heart.

Since the book’s release, the Vesper Martini has become symbolic of Bond’s and Lynd’s complex relationship –strong, alluring, and ultimately bittersweet.

Ingredients:

• 3 ounces gin 
• 1 ounce vodka 
• 0.5 ounce Lillet Blanc (since the original Kina Lillet is no longer available, you can add a touch of quinine-based tonic to match the original’s bitter complexity)
• Lemon peel for garnish

Preparation:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc into the cocktail shaker
3. Shake until cold (20 seconds would usually suffice)
4. Garnish with a lemon peel slice

Vodka Martini: Shaken, Not Stirred 

When people ask themselves, “What does James Bond drink?” they probably think of a phrase rather than an actual cocktail. Shaken, not stirred is a phrase referring to the iconic Vodka Martini, a drink almost synonymous with 007. 

This James Bond cocktail has become a franchise staple, but it first appeared on screen in 1962’s Dr. No. 

Why Shaken?

In case you were wondering why Bond insists on this preparation method, shaking the martini gives the drink a slightly different texture. Shaking aerates the drink, making it colder and slightly diluted: an enhancement of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 ounces vodka 
• ⅓ ounces dry vermouth 
• cubed ice
• 3 green olives 

Preparation:

1. Place the ice cubes in the cocktail shaker
2. Add vodka and dry vermouth
3. Shake for 20 to 30 seconds
4. Strain and pour into a cocktail glass
5. Skewer green olives on a cocktail pick and place them inside the glass

Champagne

Bond doesn’t just stick to spirits; he’s also a fan of fine champagne. He prefers luxury, which is evident in his choice of bubbly during intimate and celebratory moments.

Favorites include:

• In Thunderball (1965), 007 opts for the Dom Pérignon, while his opponent, Emilio Largo, goes for the Veuve Clicquot.
• Starting from Live and Let Die (1973), Bollinger became Bond’s champagne of choice.

The Americano 

In the short story From a View to a Kill (1960), Bond orders an Americano when he desires something less potent. He enjoys the cocktail while sitting at a Parisian cafe — quite the ambiance if we say so.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• 1 ounce soda water 
• orange slice for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour Campari and vermouth over ice in a highball glass
2. Add a splash of soda water
3. Garnish with an orange slice 

Scotch and Soda: A Classic

Sometimes, the key to James Bond cocktails is simplicity. 007 may opt for a scotch and soda when he needs a reliable drink that doesn’t draw attention, like in the novel Moonraker.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces Scotch
• Club soda 
• Lemon twist

Preparation:

1. Add ice to a highball glass 
2. Add scotch and soda
3. Stir for five seconds
4. Garnish with a lemon twist

The Black Velvet

Adding to his diverse palate, 007 is no stranger to the occasional Black Velvet. We see this James Bond drink in Diamonds Are Forever, where the agent orders a glass to mark a special moment.

Ingredients: 

• Chilled Guinness beer 
• Chilled champagne/sparkling wine 

Preparation 

1. Chill a highball glass
2. Fill the glass halfway with chilled Guinness
3. Top up with champagne. You can use a spoon to measure

Sake

In You Only Live Twice (1967), Bond shows he knows something about sake. He impresses his hosts by knowing the ideal serving temperature for the drink — 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

And while 007 doesn’t express a preference towards a particular sake, the Junmai Daiginjo 50 is a popular choice worldwide. Its refreshing flavor pairs very nicely with a warm meal.

The Stinger

After a long day of espionage, even a pro like James Bond needs something to take the edge off. The Stinger cocktail is an excellent choice.

Appearing in the novel Diamonds Are Forever (1956), the Stinger is a minty, smooth digestif. 

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cognac
• 1 ounce creme de menthe white 

Preparation:

1. Add the cognac and creme de menthe into a mixing glass
2. Add ice
3. Stir until the mixture is chilled
4. Strain into a glass
5. Add crushed ice

The Old Fashioned

While not his go-to, James Bond does indeed drink an Old-Fashioned from time to time. In Thunderball (1965), he orders one at a Nassau hotel bar, a choice complimenting a tropical setting.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 1 teaspoon water 
• 2 dashes of Angostura bitters 
• 2 ounces of bourbon (for those who prefer it sweet) or rye whiskey (for those who like it spicy, as it was made historically)

Preparation:

1. Add the sugar and bitters into a mixing glass
2. Add water
3. Stir until the sugar dissolves
4. Add ice to a mixing glass
5. Add bourbon and stir until the mixture is chilled
6. Strain into a glass with one large ice cube inside

From martinis to champagne, James Bond’s drinks are as iconic as his adventures. They provide a glimpse into his character and set the foundation for his style.

So, next time you find yourself wondering what James Bond drinks, consider making one of his favorites yourself! It will take you less than five minutes.