007’s drink guide: how to sip like James Bond this Christmas

Elevate your festive drinks menu with inspiration from James Bond.

What’s the secret to creating a Christmas party that leaves a lasting impression? For James Bond, the answer lies in the details starting with the drinks. From his vodka martinis to bottles of bubbly, Bond’s drink choices are always very deliberate. This festive season, why not channel Bond’s effortless style?

Signature drinks

Whether it’s a vodka martini shaken to icy perfection or a bottle of fine Champagne, Bond’s preferences reflect his world of luxury, taste, and meticulous attention to detail.

The vodka martini

When you think of James Bond and booze, one phrase comes to mind: “shaken, not stirred.” It elevates the vodka martini from a mere drink to a symbol of cool sophistication. But why shaken and not stirred?

Photo by Aleksandar Andreev

Shaking a martini chills it faster and aerates the drink, creating a slightly cloudy appearance. Purists argue that the tiny shards of ice resulting from shaking dilute the drink, but Bond’s preference for shaking remains iconic.

The Vesper

The Vesper stands apart as a drink with a story. Introduced in Casino Royale, it’s named after Vesper Lynd, Bond’s enigmatic love interest. The Vesper is notable for blending gin and vodka, with Kina Lillet adding a subtle floral bitterness.

As Kina Lillet is no longer produced, Lillet Blanc is usually substituted. To recreate the bitterness Kina Lillet once provided, a small dash of Angostura bitters can be added.

Champagne

When it comes to James Bond, vodka martinis might be his calling card, but Champagne is just as synonymous with his sophisticated style. As a symbol of luxury and celebration, it perfectly complements Bond’s lifestyle.

Photo by Colin Watts

For a wine to bear the Champagne name, it must come from a specific region in north-eastern France, in the area surrounding Épernay and Reims. The region’s cool climate, chalky soils, and strict regulations for grape growing and production contribute to the unique character of Champagne.

The méthode champenoise has been perfected over centuries and includes secondary fermentation in the bottle, giving Champagne its delicate bubbles and complex flavours. It’s these qualities that make it the ultimate choice for special occasions. But which brands does James Bond prefer?

• Taittinger: In Casino Royale, Bond declares Taittinger to be “probably the finest Champagne in the world.” It is name-checked in Moonraker, reappears in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and the rosé is paired with scrambled eggs in “007 in New York”. In the film series the blanc de blanc appears only in From Russia With Love.
• Dom Pérignon: Featured just once in the novels, Moonraker, but appeared numerous times in the early films and immortalised in Goldfinger: “My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done, such as drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs!”
• Bollinger: Mentioned in Diamonds Are Forever and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Bollinger’s association with Bond grew through the films, eventually becoming his official Champagne partner.

How to serve Champagne like Bond

Properly serving Champagne ensures it lives up to its reputation as the ultimate celebratory drink. Are you ready to elevate your next toast to Bond-worthy perfection?

• Temperature matters: Generally Champagne should be served at 8–10°C (46–50°F). Too cold – as Bond apparently prefers it – and the flavours will be muted; too warm and it loses its refreshing edge.
• The glass: While coupes might evoke old-school glamour, Bond would approve of tall, slender flutes that preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma.
• Opening the bottle: Twist the bottle, not the cork, while keeping the cork covered with your hand to avoid spills or a loud pop. A gentle hiss is the sign of a perfectly opened bottle.
• Pouring technique: Tilt the glass at an angle and pour slowly to retain bubbles. Fill halfway to allow room for the aroma to develop.

Pair Champagne with smoked salmon, caviar, or even Bond’s favourite scrambled eggs for a truly indulgent experience.

Whisky and other spirits

James Bond’s drink repertoire isn’t limited to martinis and Champagne. Here’s how to incorporate Bond’s whisky favourites and other spirits into your celebrations.

Photo by Poul Hoang

Whisky

Whisky has long been a staple of Bond’s drink repertoire, appearing frequently in both the books and films. In Casino Royale, Bond orders his first whisky in a hotel room after an assassination attempt—a scene that establishes the drink as one of his go-to comforts. While Ian Fleming’s Bond favoured a variety of whiskies, the films have seen the brand focus shift over the decades. And in Skyfall, in a quiet nod to the year Bond burst onto the silver screen, he drinks The Macallan 1962.

For those looking to emulate Bond’s whisky style, here are some top recommendations from both the books and films:

• The Macallan Sherry Oak 18: A luxurious single malt with rich flavours of dried fruit, spice, and oak. Featured in Skyfall and SPECTRE, it reflects Bond’s refined tastes.
• Jack Daniel’s: A bold Tennessee whisky, perfect neat or with a splash of water. Bond drinks Jack Daniel’s in the novels On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and You Only Live Twice and on screen in Goldeneye.
• Johnnie Walker Black Label: Seen in No Time to Die, this iconic blend offers a smoky, balanced flavour with notes of vanilla and dried fruit. It’s versatile and works well neat or in cocktails.
• Haig & Haig: A classic blended Scotch enjoyed by Bond in the second novel, Live and Let Die. Its smoothness makes it ideal for sipping or mixing with soda.
• Old Grand-Dad Bourbon: A classic bourbon from the novels, known for its sweet, full-bodied profile. Great for sipping straight or over ice.

Whisky cocktail ideas for Christmas:

1. Rob Roy: A Scotch twist on the Manhattan. Combine Scotch, sweet vermouth, and bitters for a festive, warming drink.
2. Bourbon Old Fashioned: Stir bourbon, sugar, and bitters with a large ice cube, garnished with orange peel. It’s a sophisticated classic worthy of Bond.
3. Hot Toddy: Perfect for cold nights, mix Scotch with hot water, honey, lemon, and spices.
4. Whisky Sour: A party favourite, blending Scotch with lemon juice, sugar, and a frothy egg white.
5. Whisky Smash: A refreshing mix of whisky, lemon juice, sugar, and fresh mint. Serve this for a lighter, zesty option at holiday parties.

Other spirits in Bond’s repertoire

While whisky and martinis dominate, Bond’s repertoire also includes other spirits that can reflect the settings of his adventures.

• Gin: As well as being central to the Vesper martini, in the books and early films Bond sometimes enjoys classic martinis made with gin and garnished with olives or lemon peel. Literary Bond sometimes orders gin and tonics.
• Vodka: As well as those vodka martinis, Bond sometimes opts for vodka and tonics, occasionally enhanced with a dash of bitters for added complexity. These light, crisp drinks are ideal for warm climates yet versatile enough to suit festive occasions.
• Rum: A natural choice for Bond’s Caribbean adventures, this spirit takes centre stage in several films. In Thunderball, he’s offered a rum Collins; in Die Another Day, a mojito made with fresh mint and lime; in Casino Royale, Mount Gay Rum with soda water; and in No Time to Die, Blackwell Rum, a nod to Fleming’s Jamaican heritage and the Goldeneye estate.

A toast to Bond-worthy celebrations

Hosting a James Bond-inspired Christmas party is about more than just the drinks—it’s about creating an experience. Whether it’s a vodka martini shaken to perfection, a chilled bottle of Taittinger, or a robust Macallan whisky, Bond’s choices add an air of sophistication and timeless elegance to any gathering.

By curating a drinks menu with Bond’s favourites, pairing them with indulgent bites, and setting a stylish scene, you’ll transport your guests into the world of 007. It’s not about excess; it’s about precision, quality, and making every detail count.

So, as you raise your glass this holiday season, remember Bond’s effortless charm and impeccable taste. Here’s to a Christmas celebration as iconic as 007 himself.