In the world of international espionage, class and style, no one compares to the one and only James Bond. The British Secret Service agent has maintained a reputation for being the ultimate gentleman, complete with impeccable taste in fashion, cars, and of course, cocktails. As a fan of vodka, we cannot help but wonder: what vodka does James Bond drink? In this article, we will delve into the iconic world of 007 and uncover the vodka brands preferred by the world's most famous spy.
Best Budget Vodkas Ranked
Smirnoff
A global vodka giant with Russian origins, Smirnoff delivers consistent quality and versatility for any mixer.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Crisp, mild sweetness with a clean finish
Best Cocktail Pairing: Classic Cosmopolitan
Best Food Paring: Grilled chicken skewers
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Absolut
Swedish purity in a bottle, Absolut is distilled from winter wheat, giving a smooth and rich experience.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Smooth with light grain and citrus hints
Best Cocktail Pairing: Absolut Elyx Martini
Best Food Paring: Smoked salmon canapés
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
Ketel One
A Dutch treat, Ketel One is the result of over 300 years of distilling expertise; a refined choice.
Alcohol Percentage: 40%
Taste Profile: Fresh with subtle citrus and honey notes
Best Cocktail Pairing: Dutch Mule
Best Food Paring: Aged cheeses or Dutch herring
Brand Breakdown: Find out more here
What Vodka Does James Bond Drink Table of Contents
Shaken, Not Stirred: The Classic Vodka Martini
Looking For The Best Vodka? You'll Love These Vodka Guides...
Shaken, Not Stirred: The Classic Vodka Martini
Bond's most recognizable and iconic cocktail is undoubtedly the vodka martini, famously ordered as "shaken, not stirred." This quintessential cocktail is a blend of vodka, dry vermouth, and garnished with a lemon twist or an olive – making it the epitome of sophistication.
The First Vodka: Smirnoff
James Bond's vodka journey began with Smirnoff, a well-established Russian brand that dates back to the late 1800s. This vodka first appeared in Ian Fleming's 1953 novel, "Casino Royale," in which Bond orders a Vesper Martini comprising of "three measures of Gordon's Gin, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet," thereby introducing the world to his signature drink.
The association with Smirnoff continued in the Bond films, starting with the very first movie adaptation, 1962's "Dr. No," where the audience witnesses our favorite spy enjoying a Smirnoff vodka martini. Smirnoff would continue to feature prominently within the Bond universe, appearing in several other films like "From Russia with Love," "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," and "GoldenEye."
The Rise of Premium Vodka: Stolichnaya
In the late 1970s, Bond's tastes evolved, aligning with the popularity of premium vodka brands. Stolichnaya, another famous Russian vodka, became the drink of choice for 007 in films like "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "For Your Eyes Only." Bond ordered Stoli vodka martinis, joining the global trend of appreciating higher-quality and smoother vodka.
Western Premium Vodka: Finlandia and Absolut
With the arrival of the 1980s and 90s, Bond continued his journey into premium vodka by turning to western brands. Finlandia, a Finnish vodka, featured in the film "Licence to Kill," while the Swedish Absolut Vodka made its debut in another Bond favorite, "Tomorrow Never Dies."
The Super-Premium Era: Belvedere
The most recent chapter in James Bond's vodka preferences transitioned into the super-premium category by partnering with Belvedere, a high-quality Polish vodka brand. In the 2015 film, "Spectre," Bond enjoys his famous vodka martini using Belvedere for the first time in the film franchise.
What Vodka Does James Bond Drink Example:
If you fancy yourself as a sophisticated vodka connoisseur like James Bond, consider gathering the following ingredients and prepare to enjoy your very own vodka martini:
- 2 ½ oz Belvedere Vodka (or any preferred premium vodka)
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- Lemon twist or olive for garnish
Instructions:
- In a mixing glass, combine vodka and dry vermouth.
- Add ice and stir well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or an olive, according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Vodka is most associated with James Bond?
The vodka that is most famously associated with James Bond is the Smirnoff brand, which has appeared in several Bond films starting with "Dr. No" in 1962.
In which Bond film did he first order a vodka martini?
James Bond first ordered his iconic vodka martini in the movie "Dr. No," and he specifies it should be "shaken, not stirred."
Has Bond ever favored a particular brand of vodka?
Throughout the films, James Bond seems to have a preference for Smirnoff vodka, although other brands have been featured in various movies.
What is the exact recipe for James Bond's vodka martini?
The traditional James Bond vodka martini is made with vodka, dry vermouth, and is typically garnished with a lemon peel or olive. The exact recipe is: three measures of Gordon's gin, one measure of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet, shaken over ice until it's ice-cold, then served with a large thin slice of lemon peel.
Is the "shaken, not stirred" method scientifically better?
Debate exists around whether shaking a martini is better than stirring. Shaking can dilute the drink more and introduce air bubbles, making the cocktail colder and slightly frothy. Preference is subjective; James Bond's choice for shaking is more a character trademark than a scientific decision.
Has James Bond ever drunk a different type of martini?
Yes, in the James Bond novels and movies, he sometimes drinks vodka martinis made with different recipes and will occasionally enjoy a gin martini.
How has the portrayal of Bond's drinking habits changed over the years?
The portrayal of Bond's drinking habits has evolved with changing social attitudes and the character's development. Initially depicted frequently with a drink in hand, more recent portrayals have shown a more balanced approach, reflecting modern views on drinking responsibly.
In which movies does Bond drink the most vodka?
It's difficult to quantify exactly which movies feature Bond drinking the most vodka, as he tends to enjoy a variety of drinks, but vodka-based drinks are a stable throughout the series.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Bond's martini?
Yes, there are non-alcoholic versions of Bond's martini which use alcohol-free spirits or seedlip as a substitute for vodka.
What impact has James Bond had on vodka sales?
James Bond has had a significant impact on increasing the popularity and sales of vodka, particularly during the 1960s and onwards, as the films elevated the spirit's sophistication.
Does the vodka martini have a role in the books as well as the films?
Yes, the vodka martini does have a presence in the original books by Ian Fleming, in which James Bond demonstrates a distinct preference for this drink.
Why does Bond prefer his martini shaken?
Bond's preference for a shaken martini could stem from the belief that shaking ensures a colder drink, although it's likely that this distinction was created to give the character an idiosyncratic trait.
Which Bond actor is known for drinking the most vodka on screen?
While it's hard to keep an accurate tally, Sean Connery's Bond in the earlier films is often seen enjoying vodka drinks, replicating the spirit's popularity during that era.
Has the vodka brand sponsorship changed over the James Bond film series?
Yes, different vodka brands have sponsored the Bond films over the years, with Smirnoff being the most prominent in the earlier movies, and other brands featuring in later films.
Is the James Bond vodka martini popular worldwide?
James Bond's vodka martini has gained worldwide popularity, partly due to the international success of the film franchise.
What other beverages does James Bond enjoy?
Besides vodka martinis, James Bond is known to enjoy Champagne, Scotch whisky, and even the occasional bourbon.
How do film adaptations of James Bond influence viewers' drink choices?
The film adaptations influence viewers' drink choices through iconic scenes and product placement, often leading fans to try Bond's preferred beverages.
Can I make a James Bond vodka martini at home?
Yes, you can easily make a James Bond vodka martini at home following the recipe mentioned earlier or adapt it to your taste.
Is there a signature glass for a James Bond vodka martini?
The classic martini glass, also known as the cocktail glass, is synonymous with the James Bond vodka martini.
How has James Bond's choice of vodka changed from the original books to the latest films?
While the vodka brands have varied over the years, the portrayal of Bond's drink preference reflects both the period's popular brands and contemporary product placements, showing a shift from the classic choices in Ian Fleming's novels to a more diverse selection in recent films.
What role does the vodka martini play in the overall James Bond image?
The vodka martini contributes significantly to the James Bond image of sophistication, refinement, and a touch of rebellion with the unconventional "shaken, not stirred" line.
In conclusion, the evolution of James Bond's vodka preferences mirrors the global trends and growth of the vodka industry. From the early days of Smirnoff to the super-premium era of Belvedere, Bond's love for this iconic spirit has transcended time. So, whether you appreciate the classics or enjoy exploring the finesse of premium vodka, join us in raising a glass to the legendary James Bond, the epitome of sophistication and class. Don't forget to share this article, and check out other vodka guides and tips on Vodka Doctors to help you become an expert in the world of vodka.
