James Bond is famously associated with martinis, predominantly favoring both vodka and gin varieties, often with his iconic request to have them "shaken, not stirred." While his preferences evolve, the martini remains his signature drink.
The Iconic Martini Preferences
Throughout Ian Fleming's novels and short stories, James Bond consistently orders martinis, showcasing a clear preference for two main types. He is known to order 19 vodka martinis and 16 gin martinis in total across the literary series. This consistent choice highlights his sophisticated palate and establishes the martini as his quintessential beverage. The well-known phrase "shaken, not stirred" is most often applied to his vodka martini, a preparation method that sets it apart.
The Unique Vesper Martini
Among his martini choices, the Vesper Martini holds a special, albeit rare, place. Created by Bond himself in Casino Royale, this distinctive cocktail is made with gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet (or its modern equivalent, Lillet Blanc). Despite its fame and the extensive discussion surrounding it, the Vesper Martini is notably ordered only once throughout Fleming's entire collection of novels and short stories. By later books, Bond typically reverts to ordering regular vodka martinis or gin martinis.
Martini Consumption in Fleming's Novels
To summarize Bond's martini consumption based on Fleming's works:
| Martini Type | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Vodka Martini | 19 |
| Gin Martini | 16 |
| Vesper Martini | 1 |
