Living

Drink Like
James Bond

James Bond is as synonymous with a stiff drink as he is with the most technologically advanced gadgets. He's a man who takes time between dangerous adventures to enjoy life's simple pleasures. And with one iconic line, "shaken not stirred," the book Diamonds Are Forever forever cemented the secret agent's affiliation with the dry vodka martini. Of course, the creator of James Bond, Ian Fleming, also dedicated plenty of passages to other classic tipples, from the daiquiri and vesper to the stinger and negroni.

"Ian Fleming found romance in the most mundane item," writes his nephew, Fergus in the new book, Shaken, dubbed the official 007 cocktail book. "Cars, clothes, food and travel—he wove legends around them all, but none were so memorable as those involving drinks." Fleming made Bond not just a connoisseur of cocktails, but a man who respected the subtle unspoken rules of drinking well. For instance, "No serious drink should be consumed under bright sun; olives should be eschewed in favor of lemon peel; and of course, a martini should be shaken no stirred."

The just-released book features ten cocktails pulled straight from the pages of Bond novels as well as 40 brand new recipes paying tribute to the most memorable people, places and plots of the 007 series. The drinks were created by the award-winning London drinking establishment Bar Swift's co-founders—one of whom happens to be related to Fleming as well. So if you'd like to become more acquainted with classic cocktails, how to make them and enjoy them or simply want to hone your bartending skills, this is the book you want on your bar cart.

Shaken by Fergus Fleming

$21 at Amazon

One of Our Favorites

The
Moneypenny

1 ¼ oz
Hendrick's Gin

¾ oz
Lime juice

½ oz
Simple syrup

½ oz
Rose liqueur

½ oz
Cocchi Americano

Slice
of cucumber

Fresh
mint leaves

Measure ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Highball glass. Garnish with a strip of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

 

1 ¼ oz
Hendrick's Gin

¾ oz
Lime juice

½ oz
Simple syrup

½ oz
Rose liqueur

½ oz
Cocchi Americano

Slice
of cucumber

Fresh
mint leaves

Measure ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Highball glass. Garnish with a strip of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

It's just that I'd rather die of drink than of thirst.”

"Thunderball"