Vesper Martini Variation – Evensong

Evensong, a clean and streamlined take on a classic Vesper Martini.

Vesper Martini
Evensong – A Vesper Martini Variation

Creating a Variation on a Classic Cocktail

The Vesper Martini may not be as fashionable as some other classic cocktails, but it is an elegant, delicious drink. It also has some interesting components that make it a good choice for messing around with. 

In this case we are dispensing with the vodka. It has always seemed to me that vodka and gin were paired in the Vesper more for literary reasons than anything else. Pairing English gin with Russian vodka in a drink named for a Bond double agent is a clever piece of storytelling. It doesn’t necessarily make a better drink.

Replacing vodka with Pear Eau de Vie is a simple substitution, but it makes for a very elegant variation. Eau de Vie is a high proof spirit distilled from fruit. Like vodka it has a raw high proof heat. It is, however, considerably more flavorful. In this case the pear flavor sits nicely beside the Lillet Blanc.

Evensong

This is a clean, streamlined update on the Vesper Martini. The emphasis on Lillet and the addition of Pear Eau de Vie make for a nice light digestif or nightcap.

  • 1 ¾ ounces Lillet Blonde
  • ¾ ounce London Dry Gin
  • ¾ ounce Pear Eau de Vie
  1. Shake over ice until well chilled.
  2. Strain into a coupe or a martini glass.
  3. Garnish with a lemon peel.

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