#MasterpieceCocktail Week 9: Oscar night

#MasterpieceCocktail is brought to you by my husband, Rob.

Tonight in honor of the Academy Awards (and because Downton is skipping this week), I decided to do a cocktail with a cinematic history:  The Vesper Martini.  The Vesper is named after the classic James Bond character and love interest Vesper Lynd from Casino Royal.  The drink is an interesting take on the Martini replacing the classic Vermouth with Lillet Blanc and adding some Vodka (traditionally a Russian one in reference to Vesper's allegiance).

Lillet Blanc adds an interesting change to the Martini, it has a almost buttery flavor and mouth feel that is noticeable different than the dry nature of Vermouth.  The Vodka does little for the flavor but overall makes the cocktail quite strong, so I wouldn't recommend having more than 1 or 2 in an evening.  The drink overall has an interesting taste, it starts Gin and then the Lillet takes over on the finish.  Overall, I prefer the Vesper to the classic Martini which i found quite dry.

Hope you enjoy and have fun watching the Oscars, I can't wait for the final episode of Downton next week (end of the series but not the end of #MasterpieceCocktail)!

The Vesper Martini

2 oz Gin

1/4 oz Vodka

1/3 oz Lillet Blanc

Lemon or Orange Twist

Shake with ice in a cocktail shaker, strain into a chilled glass, and add the twist.