We’ll Drink to That: What Is — and How to Make — a Young & Restless Vesper

If you’ve been watching The Young and the Restless, you’ve likely seen the excessive amount of Vesper drinking — maybe it’s even made you thirsty for one of your own…

It was introduced into the CBS soap when Holden first met Claire. He couldn’t help but to tell her all about his favorite drink and after he convinced her to try one, well, she’s ordered nothing else since — and they’ve even pushed their love for the cocktail on others in Genoa City, like when Holden ordered a round for everyone during a recent get-together.

Some may be annoyed by the constant mention but others may be left wondering, “What is a Vesper and how do you make one?” Before we get into that, let us take you back through a little history behind the cocktail. Though it’s been around for quite some time, it really became popular during the 1950s after author Ian Fleming included it in his novel Casino Royale, where James Bond invents the “special martini,” which was named after bond girl, Vesper Lynd.

So, if you’re ready to try your hand at the drink, you’ll need these ingredients to get started… Three ounces of gin, one ounce of vodka, a half ounce of Lillet blanc aperitif (a French aromatised wine — don’t worry, your local liquor store should know what it is) and a lemon twist garnish. Now, chill a cocktail glass, grab a shaker and get ready to put on your best Tom Cruise Cocktail show for your guests…

First, fill the shaker with ice then add the gin followed by the vodka and the Lillet blanc. Now shake it — and shake it hard — for 20 to 30 seconds. Go ahead, have some fun with it! You’ll know when it’s ready to pour when it feels ice-cold then strain it into your glass. Squeeze the lemon twist over the liquid, rub it along the rim of the glass, drop it in then take a sip and enjoy your drink as if you were sitting with Holden (or whoever lights your fire in Genoa City) — and don’t be afraid to make another!