After a conversation with Max Sparber a few days back about cocktails, we tried two of note.
a) "The Vesper," as featured in "Casino Royale," the book and the movie. The recipe, from Mr. Fleming's original text:
"A dry martini," [Bond] said. "One. In a deep champagne goblet."
"Oui, monsieur."
"Just a moment. Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?"
"Certainly, monsieur." The barman seemed pleased with the idea.
"Gosh, that's certainly a drink," said Leiter.
Bond laughed. "When I'm...er...concentrating," he explained, "I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made. I hate small portions of anything, particularly when they taste bad. This drink's my own invention. I'm going to patent it when I can think of a good name."
-Ian Fleming, Casino Royale
We had it with just a touch more vodka than gin both at Akbar in Silverlake and the next day at Patrick and Cheryl's house. A delicious cocktail.
b) Mai Tai's at Trader Vic's, at the Beverly Hilton. The original Trader Vic's is, alas, gone, replaced by a small poolside bar, but the Mai Tai remains ever the same, and ever fantastic.
Check out the pic: Grizzly Adams, tiki fabulous. (Pic, of course, by the fabulous Miss Trix.)
15 comments:
Ah, the glorious Mai Tai. Next time your in Minneapolis, swing by BANK. They make a terrific Mai Tai. Come to think of it, they also make a great Vesper.
Hm. Maybe I'll head over there tonight.
By the way, how have I NOT met Trixi yet?!?!
Because you never come out drinking with us!!!!!
Let's make that happen, ASAP, though. Rainbow Room. Pronto.
I want to be in LA! I spent all weekend on the sofa being stared at dolefully by my fat indian friend while it snowed and London ground to a halt and I missed the tibet protest as I was too damn cold to move... need sun. need booze. your life is uber glamorous...
Mmm, the most gigantic martini in the world sounds good.
two things: 1. whats kina lillet?(sp?)
2. i've never thought it before, but you look so much like jimmy page in his shaggier/beard phase. so you can probably guess how hot i think that photo is. yep.
I was listening to Shirley Bassey all weekend and like all the music for the James Bond series.
I'm inspired to join the c.i.a. That music does funny things to me.
Ash, that's fucking COOL. Shirley Bassey is amazing.
Hell, like 80% of the Bond songs are terrific, the other 20% are by A Ha. Ha.
You should repurpose your blog and just review alcoholic drinks from here forth.
I already account for like 90% of most bar's daytime business...and this ain't helping. Now, I'm like oooooh, I gotta try that. Thanks!
haha.
Jon, this photo makes us want to move to LA tomorrow!
Prince, I'll hang sober with you. I am only good for one drink anyway.
WAIT!
A HA made Bond SONGS?
You know Who Else made a Bond Song?
Heeee
// You know Who Else made a Bond Song? // -SBF
Without Googling, I can think of: Tina Turner, Duran Duran, Wings, Carly Simon, Madonna, Chris Cornell (aka "the guy from Soundgarden"), and Beyonce if you count videogames.
WITH Googling, I can say that Kina Lillet is a defunct liqueur beverage. Modern versions of the cocktail substitute... wait for it...
Absinthe!
http://www.tjbd.co.uk/content/drink/kina-lillet.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesper_(cocktail)
The thinking mans' Grizzly Adams, apparently-as it appears you are pondering the complexities of the universe . . .or possibly just wishing for another drink.
Gahhhhhh. My life is lame. I am moving there. Will you find me a job?
Molly: I think it wouldn't be a problem. Not at all. COME NOW.
Love the pic. Very chill.
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