| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 99 | Calories |
| 0g | Fat |
| 1g | Carbs |
| 0g | Protein |
Show Full Nutrition Label
×
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 1 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 99 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0g | 0% |
| 0mg | 0% |
| 1mg | 0% |
| 1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| 0g | |
| Vitamin C 8mg | 39% |
| Calcium 16mg | 1% |
| Iron 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 10mg | 0% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
A classic Vesper Martini is a high-proof booze bomb made with gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc (with a lemon twist to garnish). It’s served up in a coupe or martini glass. This version employs all the same ingredients found in a traditional Vesper, but with different proportions to lower the proof, and some added club soda for effervescence. It’s served over plenty of ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
Martinis are having a renaissance. Versions made with savory infusions, specialty spirits, and elaborate garnishes are practically inescapable across top menus and Instagram feeds. Unfortunately, the cocktail H.L. Mencken called “The only American invention as perfect as the sonnet” is less than ideal for hot summer day-drinking. A martini is best when it’s at its coldest, so sweltering temperatures force one to either drink it lukewarm or drink it dangerously fast (and quickly downing several ounces of straight alcohol in summer heat is not setting yourself up for success).
So, rather than bow down to the tyranny of these seasonal drawbacks, we can get creative in the summer and nudge the concept of what makes a martini a martini a bit so we can continue to enjoy their beloved flavor regardless of the weather.
The fortified wine, Lillet Blanc, which is traditionally a minor player in the vesper now takes center stage and its notes of mild honey and orange mingle beautifully with crisp gin and vodka. The results is a lightly sweet, delicate summer cocktail that’s a great swap for an Aperol spritz or gin and tonic.
Tips
- It’s best to use larger, denser ice cubes in the drink to prevent it from diluting too quickly.
- After expressing the lemon twist over the surface of the drink, feel free to lightly rub it against the stem or outside of the glass too so that the drinker’s hands will smell pleasantly like lemon oil once they’ve finished with the drink. It’ll remind them of the wonderful cocktail you just made them.
This crushable, spritz-y take on a Vesper Martini (famously Jame Bond’s favorite tipple) is built for drinking on hot summer afternoons (or even brunches). It can be served either in a tall Collins glass or a large goblet for extra panache.
“For all the martini lovers out there, the Post Meridiem is a light and refreshing take on your old favorite. If you’re not a fan of sweet summer cocktails, this crisp, citrusy beverage is for you. The vodka and gin are softened by the Lillet Blanc and soda. Add a twist and enjoy!” —Joan Velush
-
3 ounces Lillet Blanc
-
1 ounce London dry gin
-
1/2 ounce vodka
-
Club soda, as needed
-
Fresh lemon peel
-
Gather the ingredients
The Spruce Eats / Margot Cavin
-
Add the 3 ounces Lillet blanch, 1 ounce gin, and 1/2 ounce vodka to a tall Collins glass (or goblet) filled with ice.
The Spruce Eats / Margot Cavin
-
Top to fill the glass with club soda, and stir to fully integrate the ingredients and to thoroughly chill the drink. Express the oils from the lemon peel over the surface of the drink. Place the lemon peel in the cocktail and serve.
The Spruce Eats / Margot Cavin
Recipe Variation
- The proportions on the vodka and gin can be reversed for drinkers who don’t gravitate towards gin.
- Trying floral or citrus forward gins (instead of a classic London dry) can be nice departures.
- Grapefruit soda or tonic water can be used instead of club soda for extra flavor.
- You can optionally add orange or grapefruit bitters for a more citrus forward drink.