Shaken, Not Stirred

The new James Bond Film, Casino Royale, (which I've not seen yet, sad to say) has done more than just revitalise the series, it's also saved the legendary Vesper cocktail from fading like a two-day old hangover and has caused the maker of Lillet, a vital ingredient, to be inundated with enquiries.

As a die-hard Bond fan since the age of nine, I know the Vesper well and it was one of my signature drinks during the days when I could afford to stock the bar with something other than bargain-basement Chardonnay and the occasional six-pack of Guinness. It's not a bad little tipple. The Vesper is so strong that it's a bit like drinking lighter fluid, but it's damned impressive-- especially when you plonk it down in front of your guest while saying casually, "You probably couldn't find ten non-squeal killers in France."

The Vesper

• Three measures of Gordon's gin
• One measure of vodka
• Half a measure of Lillet

Shake together until ice-cold. Serve in a deep champagne goblet with a large, thin slice of lemon peel.