A Cocktail for the Bold & Brave: Vesper Martini
Some cocktails whisper. The Vesper Martini does not.
It’s bold, bracing, and perfectly chilled. A drink built with purpose, first imagined in fiction but very real in the glass. We’re proud to offer it on the evening menu at North Coast Café — served clean, cold, and without compromise.
A brief history
The Vesper first appeared in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, ordered by none other than James Bond. It was meant to be stylish, strong, and just a little bit different — a drink to match the man himself.
Named after Vesper Lynd, the novel’s heroine, this Martini variant has since taken on a life of its own. It’s not quite traditional, but it has become iconic.
What’s in a Vesper?
The Vesper is a spirit-forward cocktail, designed to be shaken and served ice-cold. It’s made with:
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Gin – dry, crisp and aromatic
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Vodka – smooth and clean
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Lillet Blanc – light and slightly floral, used instead of vermouth
No bitters. No juice. No fuss. Just three spirits, shaken hard and poured into a chilled Nick & Nora glass with a lemon twist.
It’s worth noting that, strictly speaking, it’s not a “proper” Martini — there’s no vermouth — but it wears the name well and drinks even better.
Martini-style cocktails at North Coast Café
If you enjoy the Vesper Martini, you might also like these:
Hanky Panky
gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet Branca. Bitter, herbal and complex.
French Martini
vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice. Smooth, fruity, and indulgent.
White Negroni
gin, Lillet Blanc and dry vermouth. Pale, floral, and precise.
Negroni Bianco
made with Italicus and dry vermouth. Delicate, citrus-led and quietly complex.
Each one is built with care, served chilled, and styled to suit our evening café bar.
What makes a Vesper Martini so special?
The Vesper is sharp and confident. The vodka rounds out the gin’s edges, while the Lillet Blanc adds a soft floral note and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.
It’s a drink that doesn’t hide behind mixers. Every element is there for a reason.
It’s cold, clean, and strong — and that’s exactly the point.
When to enjoy a Vesper Martini
The Vesper Martini is made for the early evening or the long, thoughtful end of the night. It’s a drink to be sipped, not rushed. Perfect before dinner, after a seaside walk, or simply when you want a cocktail that knows what it’s doing.
If you like your drinks with a bit of character, the Vesper Martini is waiting. We’ll shake one when you’re ready.
