Rock Rose welcomes the return of 007 with a new Vesper Martini
The name is Rose. Rock Rose.
To celebrate the UK release on 30 September of the keenly awaited James Bond film, No Time To Die, on 30 September, the Scottish distillery, Dunnet Bay Distillers, has released a new Vesper Martini elegantly combining its Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka.
The Vesper Martini cocktail has to be one of the most famous drinks ever ordered. The original drink from Ian Fleming’s book was made with three measures of gin, one of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet.
That’s a big, strong drink by anyone’s standards, so for the 2021 interpretation the quantities are slightly reduced slightly. Kina Lillet is no longer made, so Lillet Blanc is the substitute. This fine Rock Rose Old Tom Grapefruit Gin adds a little sweetness, but you can use Rock Rose Original edition if you prefer.
We hate to disagree with Mr Bond, but it’s stirred not shaken. You should never shake a classic martini, as it can result in over dilution.
Recipe for The Old Tom Vesper Martini
50ml Rock Rose Old Tom Pink Grapefruit edition
15ml Holy Grass Vodka
10 mls Lillet Blanc white vermouth
Place all the ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir with a bar-spoon for 30 seconds.
Strain into a frozen martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka are made in the UK mainland’s most northerly Distillery using several locally grown and locally foraged botanicals. It is available in Scotland from selected branches of M&S and Sainsburys, from online retailers, and direct from www.dunnetbaydistillers.co.uk