Ian Fleming in his James Bond novels described many cocktails that were incorporated into the James Bond films. Bond delighted in expensive champagne served with caviar and foie de gras. His cocktails were varied and included much more than his classic vodka martini.
Vodka Martini
The ‘shaken not stirred’ vodka martini was popularized in James Bond films and was often in the Mad Men TV show. Recipe: 6 parts vodka, 1 part dry vermouth. Mix in a shaker with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Old Fashioned
This iconic cocktail was in the movies Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, and Thunderball. Recipe: 2 parts bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, few dashes of water. Muddle sugar, bitters, and water in an old fashioned glass. Fill with ice and whisky, then stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry.
Mojito
A favorite Cuban drink of Ernest Hemingway. In the film Die Another Day. Recipe: 2 parts rum, 1 part lime juice, 6 mint sprigs, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and slash of soda water. Muddle the mint, lime, and sugar together first. Served in a tumbler glass.
Stinger
In the 1890s the Stinger became a popular ‘society’ cocktail of the upper class in New York. It appeared in the Bond movies Diamonds Are Forever and Thunderball.
Recipe: 3 parts cognac or brandy, 1 part white crème de menthe. Mix with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with mint leaves.
Mint Julep
The drink has been the signature cocktail of the Kentucky Derby since 1932. It was in the Bond movie Goldfinger. Recipe: 3 oz. bourbon, 4 mint sprigs, 1 tsp. powdered sugar, 2 tsp. water. Muddle mint, sugar, and water in a highball glass. Fill with cracked ice, add whiskey, and stir. Garnish with a mint sprig. Serve in a glass or a mug.
Vesper Martini
A variation of the Bond martini in the Casino Royale movie, first described by Ian Fleming in the novel in 1953. Recipe: 3 parts gin, 1 part vodka, ½ oz. Lillet Bland or dry vermouth. Mix in a shaker with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Scotch and Soda
The simple drink in many Bond films. Recipe: 2 oz. Scotch whisky or bourbon, 1 to 6 oz. club soda or gingerale. Serve with ice in a highball glass.
Vodka Tonic
In the movies Dr. No and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Recipe: 2 oz. vodka, ¼ oz. lime juice, 4 to 6 oz. tonic water, lime wedge for garnish. Serve with ice in a highball glass.
