a vesper cocktail + citrus and chilli marinated olives

That didn’t stop me from drinking one. Or two…

Maybe I was thirsty.Moving on…

At that same birthday dinner, my husband (the not so secret James Bond fan) ordered a Vesper. I have to admit that I’m not a huge Bond fan myself.

Although I can totally get on board with shirtless Daniel Craig, am I right?

Not being the die hard fan, I had never heard of a Vesper. It turns out that a Vesper is the martini that James Bond makes up on the fly in the first Bond book.

I can feel you James Bond fans rolling your eyes at my elementary lesson on 007, but just bare with me.  I have a cocktail and some beautiful olives to share with you so perhaps you can forgive my ignorance of Britain’s secret weapon.

Or whatever they call him.I can hardly take credit for this cocktail. This is a classic version of the martini from the Ian Flemming novel and one that my husband was determined to perfect at home.

After trying a sip at the restaurant and being almost immediately tipsy (this is one potent beverage) I was curious as to what all went into making a good Vesper. Especially if it meant I could make one at home and drink it in my pajamas.

Which I totally did.

If you are looking to turn your cocktail hour into a full blown party, consider making my Marinated Olives Recipe to go with  it. They are my new appetizer over on Food Fanatic and they will shock you with how easy they are to make. They are loaded with citrus, chili and herbs and will completely knock your socks off.

So, pour yourself a cocktail and dish yourself up some olives. Preferably in the comfort of your own home and your well worn flannel pajamas. Or even your underpants, for that matter.

Because that would be pretty 007.