Justin Timberlake’s Cocktail Has A Hollywood History

So what was Justin Timberlake's cocktail of choice before he was pulled over for drinking and driving on Long Island? The very strong Vesper. So what's the deal with this drink? A little history: Once upon a time in the world of cocktails, the Vesper was born. Its creator? None other than Ian Fleming, the mastermind behind James Bond. In 1953, Fleming introduced the Vesper in his novel "Casino Royale." Bond himself ordered this iconic drink, making it an instant classic. So, what’s in a Vesper? It's a mix of three spirits: gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet, a type of vermouth. Bond’s original recipe calls for three measures of gin, one measure of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it well with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass. Add a lemon peel, and you’ve got a Vesper. And in Timberlake's case, a DWI charge and an embarrassing night in the clink. Anyway, back to Justin Timberlake's cocktail: Why the name “Vesper”? Fleming named it after Vesper Lynd, Bond’s love interest in "Casino Royale." Talk about romance in a glass! Over time, the Vesper evolved. Kina Lillet, which gave the drink its unique flavor, is no longer available. Today, bartenders use Lillet Blanc or Cocchi Americano as substitutes. These tweaks keep the Vesper’s spirit alive, even if it’s a bit different from the original. The Vesper isn’t just a drink; it’s a statement. It’s sophisticated, bold, and mysterious, just like Bond. When you order a Vesper, you channel a bit of that 007 charisma. But now it's taken a hit because of Timberlake. Still. Maybe Timberlake chose this cocktail because drinking a Vesper feels like stepping into a spy novel. It's a drink for those who appreciate history, elegance, and a good twist of lemon. So next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail, why not try a Vesper? Sip it slowly, savor the flavors. But take an uber home.