COCKTAIL CLUB
Magnus Vesper
August 2020
Where the love of mixology and good music combine
James Bond made the Vesper famous. The “shaken not stirred” vodka martini (personal note: NOT a proper martini!) may be the fictitious British super-spy’s favorite libation, but he actually made the Vesper a known quantity in the cocktail world. A unique take on a non-traditional martini the combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc is not to everyone’s taste, but it is..cool. I present the Magnus Vesper; a whiskey lover’s version that would do Bond’s creator Ian Fleming proud.
Magnus Vesper
Flavor Profile: Herbal Lemon
Ingredients:
2 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant Navy Strength Gin
3/4 oz Joseph Magnus Bourbon
1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
1/4 oz Aloe Liqueur
2 dash Lemon Bitters
Preparation:
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir for approximately one minute. Strain into a martini glass.
Garnish:
Lemon Peel
My Take:
Believe it or not, whiskey aficionados, gin is an incredibly popular spirit amongst whiskey distillers (oh, the horror). There is a very simple reason: it’s an unaged spirit that is easy to produce, and can yield tremendous profit. Take Bruichladdich, for example. The Islay-based superstar scotch distiller has one of the best gins in the world: The Botanist. Following in Bruichladdich’s footsteps we have Washington D.C.’s Jos. A. Magnus & Co. Vigilant Navy Strength Gin. Its unique flavor profile includes mint which matches perfectly with the aloe liqueur. Joseph Magnus triple finished bourbon gives the cocktail ample backbone and a little funk. Finally, the lemon bitters make the overall flavor profile of Magnus Vesper a lemony/ mint accord that is refreshing and complex.
Music Pairing:
“You Know My Name” Chris Cornell (various versions)
Casino Royale is my favorite of the recent Bond flicks. Soundgarden’s front man Chris Cornell gave a powerhouse performance for the opening of the movie which is available as a single, and on various other releases. Sadly, Cornell is no longer with us, but we will always have his music. Cheers!
Cheers!
Jim