Post Meridiem

A classic Vesper Martini is a high-proof booze bomb made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (with a lemon twist to garnish). It’s served up in a coupe or martini glass. This version employs all the same ingredients found in a traditional Vesper, but with different proportions to lower the proof, and some added club soda for effervescence. It’s served over plenty of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.

James Bond's Vesper Martini

Martinis are having a renaissance. Versions made with savory infusions, specialty spirits, and elaborate garnishes are practically inescapable across top menus and Instagram feeds. Unfortunately, the cocktail H.L. Mencken called “The only American invention as perfect as the sonnet” is less than ideal for hot summer day-drinking. A martini is best when it’s at its coldest, so sweltering temperatures force one to either drink it lukewarm or drink it dangerously fast (and quickly downing several ounces of straight alcohol in summer heat is not setting yourself up for success).

So, rather than bow down to the tyranny of these seasonal drawbacks, we can get creative in the summer and nudge the concept of what makes a martini a martini a bit so we can continue to enjoy their beloved flavor regardless of the weather.

The fortified wine, Lillet Blanc, which is traditionally a minor player in the vesper now takes center stage and its notes of mild honey and orange mingle beautifully with crisp gin and vodka. The results is a lightly sweet, delicate summer cocktail that’s a great swap for an Aperol spritz or gin and tonic.

This crushable, spritz-y take on a Vesper Martini (famously Jame Bond’s favorite tipple) is built for drinking on hot summer afternoons (or even brunches).  It can be served either in a tall Collins glass or a large goblet for extra panache.