James Bond made the Vesper (also known as the Vesper Martini) a household name. Ian Fleming, the Bond author, invented the cocktail. The cocktail first appeared in Fleming's 1953 book, Casino Royale. It was named after Vesper Lynd, a fictional double agent.

Bond gives strict instructions to his bartender when he orders Vesper. Those instructions must be followed! Bond said: Three tablespoons Gordon's, one cup vodka, and half a teaspoon Kina Lillet. Shake it well until it is ice-cold. Then add a thin slice of lemon peel. Did you get it?

I would, however, recommend one change... A Vesper shaken too often can lead to a less smooth-textured and a lot of dilution from the ice. And this drink doesn't need ice shards floating at its top. It is a good rule only to mix spirits-based cocktails, so there is no reason to break the rules now either.

This Vesper recipe makes a stiff cocktail with four ounces full-proof spirits and half an ounce of Lillet Blanc Vermouth.