The Vesper Martini
History
The Vesper Martini was created by Ian Fleming in Casino Royale (1953). James Bond orders it with a specific recipe, naming it after Vesper Lynd, his love interest. It’s an icon of elegance and mystery.
Ingredients
- 50ml Gin Le Tribute
- 20 ml premium vodka
- 10 ml Lillet Blanc (or dry white vermouth)
- Lemon peel (for garnish)
- Crushed Ice
Preparation
Fill a mixing glass with ice, pour in the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, stir gently with a bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until well chilled, strain into a pre-chilled martini glass, lightly squeeze the lemon peel over the surface to release its oils, and place it as garnish.
Sensations
Fresh and dry, it balances the citrus notes of the gin with the floral subtlety of Lillet. Its silky texture and vibrant lemon aroma evoke sophistication with a bitter finish.
The Clover Club
History
Originating in Philadelphia in the late 19th century, this cocktail is named after a gentlemen’s club. Its pink hue and refined taste made it a pre-Prohibition classic.
Ingredients
- 50 ml of Gin Le Tribute
- 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml raspberry syrup (or sweetened raspberry puree)
- 15 ml egg white (optional, for foam)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
- Crushed Ice
Preparation
In a shaker without ice pour the gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup, and egg white, dry shake for 10 seconds to emulsify, add ice and shake hard for 15 seconds more until chilled, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with fresh raspberries.
Sensations
Smooth and creamy, with bright citrus from the gin and a fruity sweetness. It’s light and elegant with a fresh finish.
The Corpse Reviver No. 2
History
Featured in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930), this cocktail was designed as a morning “reviver.” Its complexity elevates it to timeless sophistication.
Ingredients
- 30 ml of Gin Le Tribute
- 20 ml Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 20 ml Lillet Blanc
- 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Dash of absinthe (a few drops)
- Orange twist (for garnish)
- Crushed Ice
Preparation
In a shaker with ice pour the gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a few drops of absinthe, shake well for 12-15 seconds until chilled, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Sensations
Fresh and balanced, the gin’s citrus blends with a subtle anise hint and gentle sweetness. It’s vibrant and sophisticated.