James Bond – Quantum of Solace: The Drink
Smirnoff is going to be the tipple of choice in the new James Bond film: Quantum of Solace. There’s an obvious connection with Russia as Bond often duals with agents from the former Soviet bloc, whose hard drinking antics helps them to numb the edge of life as assassins.
Smirnoff appeared in the 1962 Dr. No – the first Bond film. Bond also drank Finlandia vodka – a famous rival to Smirnoff. Here’s a recipe for the famous James Bond vodka martini – just click on the images to buy items:
The Vesper
This martini appeared in the very first novel, Casino Royale. After just meeting his CIA contact Felix Leiter for the first time, Bond orders the drink from a barman while at the casino.
‘A dry martini,’ he said. ‘One. In a deep champagne goblet.’
‘Oui, monsieur.’
‘Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?’
‘Certainly monsieur.’ The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
‘Gosh, that’s certainly a drink,’ said Leiter.
Bond laughed. ‘When I’m…er…concentrating,’ he explained, ‘I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold, and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink’s my own invention. I’m going to patent it when I think of a good name.’
The recipe once more:
3 measures of Gordon’s Gin
1 measure of vodka
1/2 measure Kina Lillet vermouth
Shake it very well until it’s ice cold, pour into a deep champagne glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon peel.
Gin & Vodka from £45.50
Save money and get the Smirnoff and Gordon’s gin in one triple pack delivered to your door. Purchasers and recipients must be over 18.
Gordon’s Gin from £14.69
Smirnoff Vodka from £12.99
Vermouth Lillet Selection from £13.69
Champagne Glasses from £12.99
Vodka Martini
Standard vodka martini.
4 measures vodka
1/2 measure vermouth
“Shaken, not stirred” until it’s ice cold. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Finlandia Vodka from £16.29
Vermouth Selection from £7.59
Martini Glasses from £17.95
Heineken have also signed a deal with the makers of the latest Bond blockbuster, but somehow Smirnoff have the edge on class. Both are available from The Wine Blokes UK online shop. Purchasers and recipients must be over 18.
Heineken 24×330ml £24
