We all know that he likes them shaken not stirred but then James Bond’s one serious lapse of taste is that he usually drinks vodka.  However 007 does like his gin too and the Martin Miller’s Gin Bond Cocktail event last week celebrated Bond’s very own gin martini, the Vesper, named after the great love of his life.  Liam Davy, Martin Miller’s Master Mixologist, gave guests the lowdown on the history of the Martini through the ages complete with recipes.

Martinez – the original martini, from the town of Martinez, California

• 50ml Martin Miller’s Gin
• 20ml Red vermouth
• dash angostura bitters
• 5ml Maraschino
• Garnish with a strip of lemon peel