James Bond is known for his penchant for a stiff drink. Although frivolous with his women, he’s fiercely loyal with his drink of choice. Ahead of the new Bond film Skyfall, Elysium Magazine looked to explore the realm of the famous James Bond cocktail. With the help and expertise of Nelson Bernardes, Head Mixologist of Good Godrey’s Bar at the Waldorf Hilton London, lets look at how to drink like Bond.
The Martini
The Martini is forever linked with James Bond. The name itself conjures glamour and slick style in accordance with the great man. Nelson tells Elysium that 007 prefers a Dry Martini which should be a very simple cocktail of Gin and Dry Vermouth, but Bond being Bond, liked to mess it up a little. 007 preferred his with Vodka – by definition a Vodkatini. Bond also famously demanded his Martini shaken not stirred – resulting in a very cold and watery Martini as Nelson points out.
Elysium suggests you opt for the classic Martini with a combination of 55ml of Gin and 15ml Dry Vermouth. Serve straight up by pouring all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes, stirring well and then straining into a chilled Martini cocktail glass. Complete the drink with a garnish of olive or lemon peel.
One For The Lady
Now, as well as having a way with the ladies, Bond also knew what to order for his girl. It’s a talent all discerning gents should strive for, but with so many options available it’s easy to get bamboozled by the choices. Bond’s calculated and methodical demeanour allowed him to lead the way when negotiating the cocktail menu for the lady. He did this with aplomb when ordering the Vesper in Casino Royale. The words of Ian Fleming sum this up perfectly:
“Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?” (Casino Royale, Chapter 7)
Nelson also pointed out another, more modern, cocktail that he could easily see Bond ordering for a lady. The Refined Madam is a sophisticated cocktail created at Good Godfrey’s Bar. It’s based on Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, rose liqueur, fresh lime juice, cardamom syrup and grapefruit bitters. This cocktail’s beauty extends further to its looks – glamorously garnished with a rose petal and served with a homemade perfume of Tanqueray No. Ten and rose essence. If she wasn’t seduced by Bond’s initial charms, she soon will after one of these!
Something New
Finally, we asked Nelson his choice of cocktail if he were to serve Mr. Bond at his bar. Being the Waldorf Hilton, it certainly wouldn’t come as a surprise if 007 were to walk in one night after a shift at MI6. Nelson’s reply is as cool and methodical as Bond himself. Nelson advised staying true to James Bond’s profile. His cocktails always follow the three S’s rule – they are Strong, Short and Sharp. With the name Skyfall in mind, Nelson opts for a choice of rum aged above the clouds in Guatemala called Zacapa Rum.
He names this creation the Angel Feather and here’s how you can make it. Add ice cubes to the mixing glass then add 10ml of Fernet Branca to ‘wash’ the ice. Discard the liquid to leave the ‘washed’ ice then add 60ml Zacapa Rum and orange bitters and stir for 15 seconds. Strain into an old fashioned glass with a ball of ice and garnish with the orange zest. Enjoy!
So that’s how you do drinks 007 style. James Bond is a discerning gent of the highest order – he’s the epitome of a cool calm exterior with the inner essence to have a big impact. His drinks reflected this and now you have the knowledge. Now go forth and drink with Bond style this weekend!
Nelson Bernardes can be found mixing up cocktail delights at Good Godfrey’s Bar and Lounge, The Waldorf Hilton, Aldwych, WC2B 4DD. T: 020 7836 2400.
