After
all that tea last weekend celebrating Lenny’s birthday – I really needed to sit
quietly and have a drink ... not just any drink – but a Bond drink ...
decisions, decisions ... cocktails galore ...
 |
| British Cinema poster for Skyfall |
Skyfall,
the latest Bond movie, premiered yesterday at the Royal Albert Hall, and will
open to the public on Friday – our film society has already said we’ll be
ousted from our usual screen and relegated in the ranks as Bond will take
precedence!
Ian
Fleming certainly knew what he was doing when he included those magic words
into his books ... first in the novel Diamonds are Forever (1956) – though
Bond doesn’t actually say the line until Dr
No (1958) ... when Fleming plagiarises his own phrase to shaken and not stirred ...
 |
| Vesper Martini |
... it
is Sean Connery’s Bond in Goldfinger (1964) who first utters the
much loved movie quote – yet Dr Julius No offers 007 a Martini and uses those
words in the 1962 film Dr No.
Bond
first ordered a drink to be shaken in Fleming’s novel Casino Royale (1953) when he requested a drink of his own
invention, which would later be referred to as a “Vesper” ... a dry martini:
- in a deep champagne goblet
- three measures of Gordon’s
- one of vodka – Russian or Polish preferably ..
- half a measure of Kina Lillet
- shake it very well until it is ice-cold
- then add a large thin slice of lemon peel ..
 |
| Black Velvet |
A “Vesper”
differs from Bond’s usual cocktail of choice, the gin Martini ... with vermouth
and an olive ...
- Black Velvet from Diamonds are Forever – Guinness and champagne
- the Stinger from Diamonds are Forever – Brandy and crème de menthe
- Mint Julep in Goldfinger – mint leaf (preferably spearmint), bourbon, sugar and water
- Rum Collins during Thunderball – light rum, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water ...
 |
| Mint Julep |
The
myth continues with many cocktails being created ... mixologists have devised
Bond-themed cocktails drawing their inspiration from 007’s greatest escapades.
The
Skyfall cocktail is made of Heineken beer (a product placement too far?),
Tanqueray No 10 gin, white grapefruit, elderflower cordial, honey and topped
with elderflower foam.
While
looking up the cocktails for 007 ... it was interesting to note that “Vesper”
uses the aperitif Kina Lillet ... that rang a very recent bell so I scouted
around and found a newspaper cutting I’d pulled out ...
The
idea of the aperitif, an alcoholic beverage, is to stimulate the appetite ...
from the Latin aperire: to receive the flavours of the food you are about to
eat. The dry bitter flavours are the
best for that – hence campari, vermouth, champagne, fino sherries or the
revived Kina-Lillet.
 |
| An early advertising poster |
Quinquina,
a collective name for bitters (aperitif) have quinine as one of their main
ingredients ... while quinquina is also known as Peruvian Bark originating from
South America via the Spanish missionaries in the 17th century. Most
widely known quinquinas include Lillet Blanc, Dubonnet is another of these
quinine-containing wine formula drinks.
Lillet
has, with great timing, launched its first new product for 60 years: Lillet
Rose. Lillet Blanc or Rouge were popular
in France and its colonies in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries ... based on grapes, spirit and quinquina.
 |
| Pierce Brosnan in Die Another Day about to drink a Stinger |
I think
most of us will see this Bond movie somewhere along the line ... it’s a good
guess we’ve all seen many of them – I usually catch up on tv ... it appears this new Bond has blended classic
Bond elements with a contemporary plot, the return of the legendary Aston
Martin DB5 ...
... fifty
years after Bond’s screen debut, it makes for a fitting celebration of cinema’s
favourite spy ... perhaps with another
50 years ahead for the spy to keep seeking out global villains with more
scripts being written ...
 |
| Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee packed for retail |
Fleming
had a preference for gin – however he was converted to bourbon at the behest of
his doctor who informed him of his failing health ... Bond’s drinking habits tended to mirror those
of his creator.
However
I think we can expect Bond to favour a few non alcoholic beverages in the
future ... he enjoys Yin Hao, the highest traditional grade of jasmine tea, and
has expressed a fondness for Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
 |
| Cheers!! |
The
Bond brand seems to be strengthened by this latest 23rd film in the
series ... but we could be seeing many more ‘Shaken, not stirred’ drinks ... perhaps Aperitifs will come back
into favour ... using other barks and
spices ...
I think
that drink is now due ... but I’ll be having one that was refined and spread by
the Normans ... apple cider. After their
conquest of England ... new varieties of apples were introduced and cider began
to figure in the tax records – still does (sadly!) ... here’s to your evening
ahead ... cheers!!
Hilary
Melton-Butcher
Positive
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57 comments:
Sean Connery's my favourite, though they've made the new guy more rounded and a bit vulnerable. As for the drink, not much of a connoisseur, I wouldn't know a Aston Martin DB5 from a Vesper. Haha, just kiddin. I know the db5 is a car. I can hear my sons shouting in the background, "Ma! It's not just any car!"
Great to look back and remember all this yummy things. Thanks, Hilary.
I want to be spanked, not stirred.
Love,
Janie
Hilary, I'm catching up on your delightful and informative posts once again. Computer life has been restored to normal at last, and I'm able to blog again! How fascinating to see the Bond movies through the eyes of the drinker! Thank you for this, and your comments on my former posts when you were having a good catch up.
Excellent primer, Hil! I'll admit after all of that, I smiled when I got to your drink of choice. I have been drinking an apple cider tea of late. I have to say I quite like the way you decided to go.
Sean Connery is my all-time fave Bond, but Craig has that Steve McQueen personae, wiry, quiet and mean when he has to be.
I tried martinis but didn't care for them.
What a perfect place for the new Bond film to premiere! And cheers to all the drinking going on with the various Bonds through the years. I'm not a drinker but there's something about the handsome tuxedo-clad hunk holding his glass that says "James Bond" as much as the rest of the image. I for sure will see the new one. I've never missed a James Bond film since they first came out!
Guinness and champagne!! What a heavenly combination!! I tried martini once and didn't like it but tried it with coke and it was ok! LOL!!
Speaking of Skyfall - I am due to see it on the 5th November!! OH YES!!!
Take care
x
Hi Hilary,
I liked the way you um bond this article together. First of all, we rejoice over the celebratory remnants of Lenny's birthday.
And on to Bond. Me thinks he might indulge in a bit of Scrumpy in the next Bond film after this Bond film.
Cheers to you :)
Gary
With all the excitement over the newest movie I'm beginning to think I should watch one of the films sometime . . . I've never seen them and know almost nothing about James Bond.
Just shows you, I thought Bond only drank martinis, nothing else, guess I wasn't paying attention.
I asked elsewhere, I haven't been able to find out, who is Lenny? Why was his birthday so important?
That's a lot of information about Bond! (Can't say I've ever really got into the films or the books) But if you're mixing, I'll have a rum collins please!
@ Joylene - I rather like Daniel Craig .. but I don't rush to watch the Bond films! I'm looking forward to seeing the changes .. ie the modernising of it with that classic touch. It was interesting to write ..
@ Janie - well that's another option! With or without a drink in hand?!!
@ Juliet - good to see you and so pleased you've got your machine back. It's the easiest way to see a Bond film via its drinks - the plots are pretty mixed up!
@ Suze - apple cider tea is something I must look out for - thans for that tip off .. the glass of cider was deliciously refreshing ...
@ DG - I'm not that keen on Sean Connery .. but I forgot Roger Moore - he was definitely my favourite way back when!! Now Steve McQueen is another matter of thought .... I'm a vodka tonic or wine kind of gal ... I agree with you and the martinis ..
@ Karen - you're right it's the image isn't one - one of his drinks and I'd be under the table!! Though I do like a slightly less potent drink ... Bet your family enjoy their movies ... you too: enjoy.
@ Old Kitty - I had Black Velvet once and can't say I was enamoured ... Martini's not much either - with coke now that's a thought too far!
Enjoy 5th November .. that sounds amazing - enjoy!! I'll be thinking of you ..
@ Gary - thanks .. forgot about the word Scrumpy didn't I! Just needed a drink .. so the Bonding was easy!
Lenny seems to have had a ball - but you've been with us as part of the blogosphere wishing him HB - he seems to have had so much fun ..
@ GE - there'll be plenty of your followers going to this new Bond film ... so I think you'll be giving it a viewing!!
@ Jo - well I certainly wouldn't have realised if my eye hadn't caught various articles .. and it seemed a good post to write up!
Lenny's a very special lad we know via the blogosphere ..
@ Ann - you'll have a rum collins at 7.00 am??????? Boy - you're brave ... I'm sticking to the coffee!! I'm rather like you - I've read some of the books and over the years seem some of the films ...
Cheers! everyone - with a cup of coffee ... I'll be around tomorrow - off to The Tower today! Hilary
I had a vodka martini at dinner last night - everyone was ordering these concoction drinks and I just went with what I know I like - really smooth vodka - very cold - with olives on a skewer. So good.
Loved this post and cheers to you, Hilary. I'm raising my cup of coffee to you.
I know absolutely zero about drinks but Bond to me is Live And Let Die :)
When Bond is mentioned, I shiver with anticipation. I've watched all old Bond movies (more than once)but not the new ones. I need to get caught up.
T
Great post! My palate is so pitiful that I'm sure I couldn't tell if a drink were shaken or stirred. :) That's one thing that's always fascinated me about Bond.
Loved Connery as Bond, but think Craig does a nice job, too.
Hi Lynn .. talk about coincidences - delighted it's obviously a drink that you enjoy - sounds like a good idea now .. but I'm back on the cider - so I'm raising that glass to you tonight!
@ Fazlisa - Live and Let Die - great theme tune .. ! 'fraid I do enjoy a drink .. but cocktails I know little about ..
@ Teresa - it looks like this one is scoring a hit .. the ads were all over Piccadilly Circus today - when I was in London and at Victoria Station and all over the tube .. it'll be good to know your thoughts once we've both had a chance to watch it?!
@ Elizabeth - it's those authors, artists, musicians ... who knew how to live life to the full - great characters from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s ...
I just read that Fleming used to walk around or stand under Admiralty Arch, that has just been sold to be turned into prestigious flats, during his breaks from his desk ... contemplating scenes for his next novel -
- with Trafalgar Square behind him and Buckingham Palace ahead .. with all the departments of State scattered around .. before sauntering off after work to one of the Clubs in nearby Mayfair ...
Whoever plays Bond has attributes!
Cheers to you all .. I need another glass of reviving cider after my trip to London town ... see you tomorrow - Hilary
I loved James Bond Movies and I sang goldfinger a lot at home.
Yes today our refreshments are tea coffee punch. easy beesy stuff.
I have never seen a Bond movie in a cinema ! Maybe I have seen one or two on TV, it's just not my cup of tea, too many "special effects" but even without seeing the films you know James Bond ! Last time I have been in Italy to visit the family, a friend showed us the place where the car had fallen into the Garda lake (the movie "Quantum of Solace or something like that) and had broken the little wall and later without knowing it, we had a drink in the Hotel where the whole film team was located. Of course the staff told us stories and it was interesting.
Sean Connery is still my favorite Bond, but Daniel Craig is also appealing. Loved the history of his favorite lines and libations! Thanks for another stirring post Hilary! Julie
Hi, Hilary! Enjoyed your post. My hubby and son were talking the other day about who their favorite Bond person was. I think we've seen all the Bond movies on TV at one time or another. Will probably wait until the newest one is on TV before seeing it.
It's hard to believe it's been 50 years...
Elderberry foam? That sounds so frothy! :)
You are such a fountain of information, Hilary!
@ A Lady's Life ... well your tea-coffee punch sounds interesting and a change .. Goldfinger is another classic isn't it.
@ Gattina - I think I saw one in South Africa, but they're not my normal choice ... however I'm fairly certain I'll get to see this one, once the hoards have calmed down!!
Interesting to see the setting for part of a film .. and to hear some of those back snippets - what fun - lucky you ....
@ Julie - thankfully all our tastes vary ... any James Bond will suit us all!! Glad you enjoyed the stirring up here ..
@ Susanne - it's interesting isn't it - how co-incidences keep popping up .. well now you can tell them about the various drinks.
I'll go and see it at our local cinema in town - it's walkable ... they don't take long before they appear on tv now-a-days ...
@ Laura - 50 years is a little frightening isn't it - especially as I've lived through that amount of time (sadly!) How and where they get elderberry foam from now - amazes me ... still so much inventiveness out there ...
Love your comment - thank you ..
Cheers everyone I cannot believe it's Friday again ... must be time for a drink? which shall I have? I suspect another cider ... have good weekends - Hilary
I love Bond movies! And i loved learning about how that famous line got started:)
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Hi Hilary,
I don't drink so I don't have much of a comment there but I do on the longevity of the franchise.
There is just something about the character and the style of the series that is timeless. We all have a favourite "Bond" but still seem to watch whoever steps into the role. It's that much of a classic.
Cheers to 50 years. I'm raising my water bottle though. :)
Janie is very funny.
Vesper, Stinger or Rum Collins sound good to me.
Such a funny posting Hilary, and very interesting.
I hope you enjoyed your cocktail?
I must admit to a fondness for cider as well.
I have many memories of student parties in Devon well enabled by Scrumpy.
I know what I'm doing tonight! Thanks for the history thread for what is one of the most known yet mysterious drinks in the world. I've always wondered how to make one. Now I now and will try out the various versions.
Cheers!
@ Nutschell - delighted to please!
@ Chase - 'fraid I do .. but usually wine or cider.
You're right about the timelessness of the franchise - and yes, we do watch whoever steps into the role - thankfully despite Cubby Broccoli's untimely death .. they seem to have got it right .. I'm joining you in water right now!
@ Adura - yes Janie's comment is fun isn't it .. A stinger though??!!
I haven't had a cocktail for years and years ..
@ Coral - cider doesn't quite fall into the cocktail category .. but I did enjoy it - oh well we can have a glass together sometime.
Student days ... well less said the better ...?!
@ Stephen - ok - well enjoy that drink then .. or drinks I see - let us know what you think of them .. I suspect if I had one I'd be on the floor ...
Cheers to you all - have good weekends .. Hilary
Hey -- I see a Janie Junebug above! One of my nicknames is Jannie Junebug.
Pretty cool, eh??
And I believe a Vesper is an evening prayer, with candles?
yes, a Bond film always delivers thrills, laughs and beautiful imagery. Great music too.
xooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxo
Extra dry Beefeaters, up, with a twist NO OLIVES. Even my boys could order it for me. I'll do Bombay Sapphire if no Beefeaters is available.
On my cruises I've found some wonderful specialty martinis. One had Ketel One Vodka, Grand Marnier, and Tangeray 10. Oh my. Holy Bar Bill Batman!
Tina @ Life is Good
http://kmdlifeisgood.blogspot.com/
@ Jannie - all those things and Jannie Junebug is pretty cool too - did you see her comment?!
I'm looking forward to see the new Bond - it's all over London on billboards etc etc .. I'll wait for the fervour to die down and then brave a screening!!
@ Tina - it's Sunday - I guess I could have a drink .. but I have none of those ingredients .. I'm missing out on the cruises - something to make up .. and the cocktails with it .. Bombay Sapphire is a favourite of a friend of mine ... gin and I don't agree .. but the vodka would be fine and I love olives!!
Cheers Jannie and Tina - great comments thanks - Hilary
I'll forego the spanking. :)
Yes, I'm all for the fervor of most things dying down, movies especially. I imagine the special effects and such on this latest one are as good as it gets, with all the video technology these days.
Hope your Sunday is grand. And the martinis abounding.
I'm off to list a silver and gold cowboy belt buckle on ebay.
xooxox
Hi Jannie - I thought not .. I'll have to report back once I've seen it here in Eastbourne - it'll be very techie as you say ...
Sunday's been good - martinis = zero (where's that waiter?!) Where's the bar more likely ...
Good luck with the ebay momentum ... hope you get a good value for it ..
Cheers Hilary
I will enjoy the latest Bond when it hits the States (yes, on the day it comes out, because that's when we always go) but I'll leave the drinks to Bond.
We shall probably see the new Bond when it's televised and not quite so new - or perhaps on LoveFilm. Interesting information on 007's aperitifs - I haven't read any of the Bond novels. Maybe I should;-)
Oh wow, suddenly I want a cocktail. I will steer clear of anything with gin in it (makes me horribly depressed), but the remainder I would be more than happy to try out.
Have a good week. Cheers Diane
What a terrific posting! Got to "love" James Bond!
Be sure to enter my give-a-way!
Ann
@ Alex - gosh really is that what you do - see its first local showing .. that is commitment to movies. Ok Bond does know how to drink - you're right there ..
@ Janice - I usually have watched them on tv .. this time perhaps I shall visit the local cinema. It'd be interesting to read one of Fleming's books to get a feel of his writing .. I might try that too ..
@ Diane - well you visited at the right time for a cocktail .. I see you don't like gin either .. like you I'd quite like to try the others - one at a time, one each year! You too have a good week - suspect we'll both be having wet weather ..
@ Ann - good to meet you and glad you enjoy Bond movies too ..
Cheers everyone enjoy the Halloween week .. Hilary
Oh my goodness, I am dying for a drink now! :) I can't wait to see the new Bond film - I've heard so many great things about it.
Thanks, Hilary!
Wow! It's only 9AM here and you've made me want to mix a Martini--maybe a Vesper. What will my family think?
What a great post, Hilary. This was quite an interesting drinking journey this morning. Lovely!
Back from my break and, obviously, just in time to get in on the Bond lore.
Wow! It's only 9AM here and you've made me want to mix a Martini--maybe a Vesper. What will my family think?
What a great post, Hilary. This was quite an interesting drinking journey this morning. Lovely!
Back from my break and, obviously, just in time to get in on the Bond lore.
We watched a Bond movie just another day ... one of the newer ones. I've already forgotten the title, unfortunately. *blush* Such an interesting study of bond drinks. I do like apple cider, though, as well. Though recently I went to a hospital benefit where I got to try a couple of mixed drinks that were very good! I can see why people like them! Usually I can't afford to drink them! :D
Spanking. Lol. Funniest comment I've read in a long time.
You've made me thirsty now, Hilary! As for my favourite Bond, well that's Connery. No contest.
I love the Bond movies, although I haven't seen any of the recent ones yet. What an interesting look into the Bond-inspired cocktails.
I had no idea there was more than one Bond drink. I don't often drink cocktails, so I'm woefully ignorant. Thanks for the info!
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I don't drink alcohol, but that cider sounds good. :)
Ah Bond, James Bond. Talk about longevity! Sean Connery is hard to beat, but I always like Pierce Brosnan in anything. So quirky.
@ Talli - I'll probably go next week - it seems to be breaking the records .. I suspect we'll enjoy the escapism of it. Sorry about the drink scenario!
@ Lee - well I guess the family might think you've gone off your rocker - perhaps with a poster of one of the Bonds - they'd be really worried!
Welcome back .. into the land of reality - no Bonds, nor Vespers at this early hour!!
@ Amy - well I'd be like you .. I'm so vague with movie titles .. The Bond movies are always good value though - so imaginative ..
The hospital benefit - sounds an interesting take on a benefit night - drinking?! I hope they raised lots of dollars ...
I know drink isn't cheap is it - but a glass of apple cider is a 'reasonable' choice I'm enjoying at the moment ..
@ Ellie - I agree Janie Junebug's thought about spanking and not stirred is good for a laugh.
Here's to Connery then - with a coffee ...
@ Linda - I think we catch up with them as we go along don't we - they perennially pop up during the holiday seasons .. as this one is at my local cinema I shall definitely go and see it after half-term is over!
@ Susan - sadly even cider has some alcohol in it .. but there are some very good apple drinks with a little bubble in them - they're a good alternative ...
@ Denise - Any Bond really - though Lazenby didn't do much for me. Another Connery fan .. and Brosnan ... the films let us release our minds - they're great fun ..
Cheers everyone .. thanks so much - great to have your input re Bond and his drinks ...
I hope everyone is safe in the storm battered States - with thoughts - Hilary
I cannot say I have ever liked Martini very much but Sean Connery was the Bond I grew up with and loved. Daniel Craig has my vote today of course - especially after the Olympics! If I liked pub quizzes I would always read your blog first Hilary - so much information here! Thank you :-)
Never been a Bond fan, but I love cider :-)
Great post Hilary, a lot of information about Bond. Thanks for sharing with us
Hugs
Marinela
Now you're making me want to go mix a drink! Hmmm. Something with apple cider sounds good!
Hi Deborah - great to see you - and yes of course the Olympics drop-in - accompanying The Queen ... not forgotten, brain just not stirred!
I think it's taken me 50 years to realise we have an icon in Bond! Thanks for the thought re pub quizzes - I know a lot, but am amazed at how little I know too!! The thought of anyone using the blog as homework for a pub quiz ... amuses me!
@ Annalisa - perhaps it'll grow on you, as it has me ... but I agree cider is good - but you're in the right part of the country!
@ Marinela .. glad you enjoyed it - thank you ..
@ Sherry - sorry about that ... posting about food or drink is always troublesome: wrong time of day around the world somewhere!!
Cheers everyone - enjoy (or not!) Halloween. Well that refers to all those not within the boundary of Sandy's damage ... Hilary
I've loved every movie Bond along the way, but Sean Connery will always be my favorite. I'm looking forward to the new Craig movie anyway. He's pretty cool.
Hi Patricia .. I must get down to see the new Bond movie - I'll probably do it soon as half-term is now over ..
I'm going to be really interested to see SkyFall ... it opens with you next week - so Alex tells me!
Cheers Hilary
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