A Classic ‘Bond’ Vesper

As I get older (and bare with me if you think 30s isn’t old), but as I get older, the sad, hard truth about drinking is that the hangovers become that much more unbearable. I know, I know, this is not new news. But I truly cannot even fathom how college Casey picked herself up after a night out in NYC. Well I do actually… hair of the dog and the support of friends willing to sit in our misery together. Now, I actively try to avoid that feeling.

One of the ways I do that is skipping the sugary cocktails. So much so that Nick and I had ONE full monty margarita at this legendary spot here in Santa Monica called Casa Blanca, and we were out for the count the entire next day. I’m telling you, ONE cocktail.

So inherently I am drawn to liquor forward, simple syrup-less cocktails. Enter – the Vesper. We can thank my dad TK for this. I know the real history of the Vesper traces back to Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale James Bond epic where he coined the term “shaken, not stirred.” But in my life, I can trace it back to TK, who actively has Lillet Blanc in the cupboard.

I absolutely love this drink. The Lillet Blanc brings aromatic and rich flavors to a very liquor-forward concoction. And if you are like me, and welcome any form of non-syrupy sugar to the already high-sugar content of alcohol, this hits the right spot. It’s super easy, super delicious and requires little to no preparation.

My only suggestion is stick with ONE. While I kvetch about hangovers from sugary drinks, the alcohol content is incredibly high with this one, so all sense of a less sugary drink could be thrown out the window if consumed in excess.

Enjoy one!!