Shaken, not stirred. These infamous words of the world’s most famous British agent are recognized around the globe. James Bond knows his drinks and it is one of his many facets of his manly and sleek demeanor. To add some sophisticated drinking adventure to your lifestyle, drop the Bud Light and man up. Let’s examine Bond’s various drink choices throughout the original novels and films.
Whiskey
Bourbon is a 007 favorite. In Live and Let Die (book), Bond enjoyed a glass of Old Grand-dad, and has been known to enjoy I.W. Harper’s, and Walker’s de luxe. These are great classic choices for a nice smooth Kentucky experience. Bourbon and whiskey in general is easy to enjoy. Simply order your favorite bottle on the rocks and done. For maximum enjoyment, allow the whiskey to cool down as you swirl it a bit through the ice. Do not pussy foot with it too much, as you want to preserve the taste before the ice waters down your drink.
Old Grand-Dad Whiskey
Editor’s Choice:
An additional choice not found in the books or films, is Bookers. This is a fantastically delicious bourbon with an incredibly smooth draw and soothing aroma. Though it is a little higher end of a bottle, compared to a budget bourbon such as Maker’s Mark, it is well worth the cost.
Vodka
For Bond, the only acceptable choices are from mother Russia. His go to choice, is of course genuine Stolichnaya. Finding a bottle of this should be care free, as it is readily available throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Insist that you drink your vodka ice-cold and consider pairing it will a dash of caviar as James Bond did in Casino Royale. 007 has also been known to partake in a vodka and tonic, plus Angostura bitters, such as in Thunderball.
Stolichnaya vodka
Editor’s Choice:
If you are interested in trying a different vodka, check out Zyr. It is also Russian, making it James Bond approved. This is a top shelf vodka, so do not expect to get your own bottle for a bargain.
Gin
In the Bond world, there are only two makes of gin that are acceptable. Luckily for you these are easily accessible, fine tasting, and simple. Gordon’s and Beefeater gin are these top choices. The preferred drink for gin for Bond, is gin and tonic, with a hint of lime and angostura bitters. James enjoyed this in The Man With The Golden Gun, For Your Eyes Only, and others.
Gordons and Beefeater Gin
Editor’s Choice:
Tanqueray Rangpur is a fine choice for a mid priced gin. It has a nice addition of lime, which can be a nice alternative to drier gins.
Brandy
Even though Bond would occasionally enjoy a Hennessy Three Star, such as on the Goldfinger mission, most of his experience with brandy is for medicinal purposes. Mixed with soda, caffeine, and aspirin, brandy can be one very potent hangover cure.
Hennessy Cognac – A type of brandy
Editor’s Choice:
Try Asbach Uralt. It is a well known German brandy which is said to accompany a chocolate treat quite well.
Wine
Bond has been known to indulge in a fine wine, as it pairs wonderfully with dinner and a beautiful companion. Keep in mind though, there are thousands of different wines, from different vintages and of different types. Instead of worrying about all of those details, simply focus in on ordering wine. The basics of ordering wine with dinner is to match the color of the meal with the color of the wine. Cabernets and Merlots are a great place to start looking for a red wine, and a Riesling or Chardonnay for white.
Editor’s Tip:
Because there are hundreds on hundreds of different wines, we suggest you start small and discover what you kind of taste you are looking for. Never spend too much on wine, but instead enjoy sampling different labels.
Champagne
For 007, it is only the best which will do. If you are planning on enjoying fine champagne, you better be willing to shell out top dollar. Dom Perignon, Tattinger, Pommery, and Clicquot are all high quality champagnes enjoyed by Bond throughout a number of his missions. As James Bond well knows when charming the dress off a woman, few things work as well as a glass of bubbly. He prefers the ‘53 Dom Perignon himself.
Dom Perignon
Cocktails
The Old Fashioned
Enjoyed in Thunderball, the “original” cocktail is widely enjoyed by many today.
2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
A tad bit of Sugar
Small Splash of Water
Garnish with Lemon
The “Old Fashioned”
The Vesper
This Bond creation from the original Casino Royale novel was recently brought back to light with Daniel Craig’s cinema role as James Bond. Once you have tasted it, it’s all you want to drink.
3 measure of Gordon’s Gin
1 measure of Vodka
Half of a measure of Lillet vermouth
Shake well over ice and serve with a lemon peel.
The Vesper
The Negroni
Bond sampled this fine drink in For Your Eyes Only. It features slightly bitter taste, accompanied by a slightly sweet taste, making it unique and memorable.
2 measures of Gin
2 measures of Campari
2 measures vermouth
1 orange twist
Fill glass with ice and stir lightly. Enjoy.
The “Negroni”
Drinking Etiquette
Understand that Bond is a gentleman, and drinking is always part of social interaction. You drink because you enjoy the taste and the company of those around you. Leave the binge drinking lunacy to college frat boys. James Bond never appears as a drunk. Although getting a buzz is acceptable in the world of espionage, never compromise your ability to disarm an attacker or dislodge a rib.
Drinking with the style of 007 is much more than ordering or making a cocktail, it is a statement. Just as so when you put on your finest suit for an evening of stylish episode, think of the “drink” as part of your ensemble. The drink in your hand can say a lot about you, so make sure it does not say……
“….Pusshhy”
James Bond Drinks Shaken and Stirred – A Man’s Guide is a post from: Manly Adventure - Modern Pulp Magazine
