Shaken, Not Stirred

Smirnoff made its original appearance alongside Bond in the 1962 hit film, Dr. No. 007's request for a "martini, shaken not stirred” made with Smirnoff introduced a vodka-based alternative to the traditional martini and a new way to make the super spy's favorite cocktail. The brand is once again a partner in the forthcoming Bond film, marking almost 50 years of history between the two iconic brands. Inspired by Quantum of Solace, below are four great reasons why Smirnoff is still Bond's vodka of choice.

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The Vesper

In Casino Royale, Bond transforms the martini into a more complex and refined libation. The addition of his favorite vodka and white wine vermouth created a signature drink so worthy he named it Vesper, after his first true love.

Ingredients:

1/3 oz Smirnoff Vodka
1 oz Gordon's Gin
Splash of White Wine Vermouth

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into an ice filled shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

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The 007 Martini

To ensure that you experience the quintessential "Bond" martini, you must insist (as Bond himself has 22 times on film) that it be "shaken, not stirred." The shaking creates greater friction between the ice and the vodka, resulting in increased aeration and an icy cold drink.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Smirnoff Vodka
Splash of Dry Vermouth
Garnish: Lemon Twist

Method:

Pour the vermouth into the martini glass and fill with crushed ice and water. Shake the Smirnoff with cubed ice in a separate cocktail shaker. Discard the contents of the martini glass (which will leave a vermouth rinse on the glass). Strain the Smirnoff into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

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The Quantum

This drink embodies the delicate balance between James Bond's emotional turmoil and his need for retribution. The exceptional clarity of Smirnoff vodka, a splash of lonely bitters, and the brilliant ruby color of a blood red orange, combine to create the perfect Quantum of Solace— a cocktail of no small measure.

Ingredients:

1/2 oz Bitters Liqueur
1 oz Smirnoff Vodka
1 oz Blood Orange Juice
Garnish: Orange Zest

Method:

Pour all the ingredients into an ice filled shaker and shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange zest.

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The Black Tie

A wonderful blend of some of 007's favorite luxuries; With the triple distilled Smirnoff vodka as its base, this luscious libation is shaken with fresh mint and just a touch of sugar. Topped up with sparkling champagne, this well dressed cocktail is always in style.

Ingredients:

1 oz Smirnoff Vodka
1 1/2 oz Champagne
Splash of sugar syrup
1/2 dozen mint leaves

Method:

Shake the Smirnoff vodka, mint and sugar with ice. Double strain into a champagne flute, top with champagne and stir. Garnish with a mint leaf.

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