French Vesper recipe
A gin-forward Vesper with Lillet Blanc and an aromatic absinthe accent.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Advanced ·
Family: The Martini Family
Ingredients
- 3 oz London Dry Gin
- 0.5 oz Lillet Blanc
- 1 tsp Absinthe
- 1 dash Orange Bitters
How to make a French Vesper
- Chill a coupe glass.
- Add gin, Lillet Blanc, absinthe and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 25-30 seconds until cold and diluted.
- Strain into the chilled coupe.
- Express lemon oil over the surface and garnish.
Garnish
Long lemon peel twist.
Pro tip
Absinthe is a seasoning here. One teaspoon gives lift and anise perfume without overpowering the gin.
History of the French Vesper
The French Vesper is a modern gin-first interpretation of the Vesper, using absinthe to add the aromatic drama absent from the original's vodka component.
Flavour profile
Botanical, Anise, Dry, Citrus
Variations
- Vesper — Restore vodka and remove the absinthe accent.
- Modern Vesper — Use Cocchi Americano for more quinine-like bitterness.
- Dirty Vesper — Add measured olive brine for a savory variation.
Practise making the French Vesper in the free Virtual Bar game.