National Martini Day: Shaken Not Stirred | Martini Recipe | James Bond Movies in Order
June 19 marks National Martini Day, a perfect occasion to toast with one of the most iconic cocktails in cinematic history and the favorite cocktail of James Bond – the martini. The legendary British secret agent, created by author Ian Fleming, is as famous for his love of martinis as he is for his high-stakes espionage adventures. Let’s take a journey through Bond’s most memorable martini moments, the scenes where he indulges in his favorite drink.
The Birth of “Shaken, Not Stirred”
James Bond’s preference for his martini “shaken, not stirred” first appeared in Fleming’s 1956 novel “Diamonds Are Forever.” However, it was the 1964 film “Goldfinger” that immortalized this specific instruction on the big screen. In “Goldfinger,” Sean Connery’s Bond delivers the line with suave precision, setting the standard for all future Bond martinis.
Vesper Martini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 measures of Gordon’s Gin
- 1 measure of vodka
- 1/2 measure of Kina Lillet (or Lillet Blanc)
Garnish:
- Large thin slice of lemon peel
Instructions:
- Add the gin, vodka, and Kina Lillet into a cocktail shaker.
- Shake very well until the mixture is ice-cold.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a large thin slice of lemon peel.
Enjoy your Vesper Martini just like James Bond in “Casino Royale”!
James Bond Movies in Order and Their Martini Scenes
Dr. No (1962)
Directed by Terence Young, with a screenplay by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood, and Berkely Mather, “Dr. No” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel of the same name. Starring Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, and Joseph Wiseman, the film follows James Bond as he investigates the disappearance of a fellow British agent in Jamaica. Bond’s investigation leads him to the underground base of the nefarious Dr. No, who is plotting to disrupt an American space launch. This film introduced the world to the iconic character of James Bond, complete with his suave demeanor, cutting-edge gadgets, and lethal skills.
Martini Scene: In “Dr. No,” Bond first orders his signature medium dry vodka martini, “shaken, not stirred,” while on a plane to Jamaica. This scene sets the standard for his drink preference throughout the series, establishing one of the character’s most enduring trademarks.
Goldfinger (1964)
Directed by Guy Hamilton and written by Richard Maibaum and Paul Dehn, “Goldfinger” is adapted from Ian Fleming’s novel. The film stars Sean Connery, Gert Frobe, and Honor Blackman. James Bond is tasked with investigating gold smuggling by the wealthy Auric Goldfinger and uncovers a plot to contaminate the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. The film is famous for introducing the Aston Martin DB5 and for some of the most iconic scenes in Bond history.
Martini Scene: In “Goldfinger,” Bond orders a martini while on Goldfinger’s private jet. The scene further cements his preference for the “shaken, not stirred” martini.
Thunderball (1965)
Directed by Terence Young and written by Richard Maibaum and John Hopkins, “Thunderball” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Starring Sean Connery, Claudine Auger, and Adolfo Celi, the film follows Bond as he searches for two NATO atomic bombs stolen by SPECTRE, who demands a ransom to prevent their use. The mission takes him to the Bahamas, where he uncovers a world of underwater danger.
Martini Scene: In “Thunderball,” Bond is offered a martini at a casino in Nassau, where he first meets the alluring Domino.
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969)
Directed by Peter R. Hunt and written by Richard Maibaum and Simon Raven, with Ian Fleming’s novel as the source material, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” stars George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, and Telly Savalas. The film follows Bond as he goes undercover in a Swiss clinic to uncover Blofeld’s plot to sterilize the world’s food supply. Bond falls in love with and marries Tracy di Vicenzo, but their happiness is short-lived.
Martini Scene: In “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” Bond orders a martini at the casino in Portugal, maintaining the iconic drink choice even as portrayed by a new actor.
Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
Directed by Guy Hamilton, with a screenplay by Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz, “Diamonds Are Forever” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Sean Connery, Jill St. John, and Charles Gray star in this film, where Bond uncovers a diamond smuggling operation that leads him to Las Vegas and a reclusive billionaire. He discovers that Blofeld is behind the scheme, using diamonds to build a giant laser satellite.
Martini Scene: In “Diamonds Are Forever,” Bond orders his signature martini while gambling in Las Vegas.
Live and Let Die (1973)
Directed by Guy Hamilton and written by Tom Mankiewicz, “Live and Let Die” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. The film stars Roger Moore, Yaphet Kotto, and Jane Seymour. Bond investigates the deaths of three MI6 agents, leading him to the Caribbean and New Orleans, where he uncovers a drug trafficking operation headed by Dr. Kananga and his alter ego, Mr. Big. The film blends voodoo and supernatural elements with classic Bond action.
Martini Scene: In “Live and Let Die,” Bond orders a martini in a New Orleans jazz club.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
Directed by Guy Hamilton and written by Richard Maibaum and Tom Mankiewicz, “The Man with the Golden Gun” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Roger Moore, Christopher Lee, and Britt Ekland star in this film, where Bond is pitted against the deadly assassin Francisco Scaramanga. The mission takes Bond to exotic locations like Thailand, navigating a deadly cat-and-mouse game with Scaramanga.
Martini Scene: In “The Man with the Golden Gun,” Bond enjoys a martini in Scaramanga’s luxurious hideout.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Directed by Lewis Gilbert and written by Christopher Wood and Richard Maibaum, “The Spy Who Loved Me” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Starring Roger Moore, Barbara Bach, and Curd Jürgens, the film sees Bond team up with Soviet agent Anya Amasova to stop Karl Stromberg’s plan to trigger World War III and create an underwater utopia. The film is known for featuring one of the most famous Bond cars, the Lotus Esprit.
Martini Scene: In “The Spy Who Loved Me,” Bond orders a martini aboard Stromberg’s luxurious underwater lair.
Moonraker (1979)
Directed by Lewis Gilbert and written by Christopher Wood, “Moonraker” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. The film stars Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, and Michael Lonsdale. Bond investigates the hijacking of a space shuttle, leading him to Hugo Drax, who plans to exterminate the human race and repopulate Earth with a master race from his space station. The film is known for its ambitious action sequences and space-based finale.
Martini Scene: In “Moonraker,” Bond orders his classic martini while in Drax’s space station.
For Your Eyes Only (1981)
Directed by John Glen and written by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, “For Your Eyes Only” is based on Ian Fleming’s short stories. Roger Moore, Carole Bouquet, and Topol star in this film, where Bond is tasked with recovering a lost British encryption device before it falls into enemy hands. The mission takes him from Greece to the rugged mountains of Albania, navigating a web of intrigue and betrayal.
Martini Scene: In “For Your Eyes Only,” Bond enjoys a martini in a Greek taverna.
Octopussy (1983)
Directed by John Glen and written by George MacDonald Fraser, Richard Maibaum, and Michael G. Wilson, “Octopussy” is based on Ian Fleming’s short stories. Starring Roger Moore, Maud Adams, and Louis Jourdan, the film follows Bond as he uncovers a plot involving a rogue Soviet general, a jewelry smuggling operation, and a nuclear bomb. The mission takes him to India and Germany, where he allies with the mysterious Octopussy and foils the villains’ plans.
Martini Scene: In “Octopussy,” Bond orders a martini in Octopussy’s floating palace.
A View to a Kill (1985)
Directed by John Glen and written by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, “A View to a Kill” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Roger Moore, Christopher Walken, and Tanya Roberts star in this film, where Bond faces off against Max Zorin, a psychopathic industrialist planning to destroy Silicon Valley to monopolize the microchip market. The film features a dramatic climax on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Martini Scene: In “A View to a Kill,” Bond orders his signature drink at a lavish party hosted by Zorin.
The Living Daylights (1987)
Directed by John Glen and written by Richard Maibaum and Michael G. Wilson, “The Living Daylights” is based on Ian Fleming’s short story. Timothy Dalton, Maryam d’Abo, and Jeroen Krabbé star in this film, where Bond helps a Soviet general defect, uncovering a conspiracy involving an arms dealer and a plot to infiltrate British intelligence. Dalton’s portrayal brought a darker, more serious tone to the character.
Martini Scene: In “The Living Daylights,” Bond orders a martini while investigating the arms dealer in Tangier. The scene highlights Dalton’s grittier take on the iconic spy.
Licence to Kill (1989)
Directed by John Glen and written by Michael G. Wilson and Richard Maibaum, “Licence to Kill” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Starring Timothy Dalton, Robert Davi, and Carey Lowell, the film follows Bond as he goes rogue to avenge an attack on his friend Felix Leiter, targeting drug lord Franz Sanchez. The film is noted for its darker tone and more personal stakes for Bond.
Martini Scene: In “Licence to Kill,” Bond orders his martini while undercover in Sanchez’s operation.
GoldenEye (1995)
Directed by Martin Campbell and written by Michael France, Jeffrey Caine, and Bruce Feirstein, “GoldenEye” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, and Izabella Scorupco star in this film, where Bond faces off against Alec Trevelyan, a former MI6 agent turned rogue. The film rejuvenated the Bond franchise, introducing a new era with Brosnan’s portrayal.
Martini Scene: In “GoldenEye,” Bond orders a vodka martini at a Monte Carlo casino.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Directed by Roger Spottiswoode and written by Bruce Feirstein, “Tomorrow Never Dies” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Pierce Brosnan, Jonathan Pryce, and Michelle Yeoh star in this film, where Bond must stop media mogul Elliot Carver from starting World War III to boost his news empire. The film is known for its high-octane action and global stakes.
Martini Scene: In “Tomorrow Never Dies,” Bond orders his signature drink while dining with Paris Carver.
The World Is Not Enough (1999)
Directed by Michael Apted and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Bruce Feirstein, “The World Is Not Enough” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Marceau, and Robert Carlyle star in this film, where Bond protects oil heiress Elektra King from the terrorist Renard, who feels no pain. The film explores themes of loyalty and betrayal within the Bond universe.
Martini Scene: In “The World Is Not Enough,” Bond orders a vodka martini at a casino in Azerbaijan.
Die Another Day (2002)
Directed by Lee Tamahori and written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, “Die Another Day” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, and Toby Stephens star in this film, where Bond investigates a North Korean terrorist and uncovers a plot involving a space-based weapon. The film is known for its special effects and action sequences.
Martini Scene: In “Die Another Day,” Bond orders his signature martini while enjoying a high-stakes game at the Ice Palace. This scene showcases Brosnan’s cool and collected take on the character.
Casino Royale (2006)
Directed by Martin Campbell and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Paul Haggis, “Casino Royale” is based on Ian Fleming’s novel. Starring Daniel Craig, Eva Green, and Mads Mikkelsen, the film reboots the series with Bond’s first mission as a 00 agent, taking down a terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game. Craig’s portrayal brought a gritty, intense energy to the role.
Martini Scene: In “Casino Royale,” Bond orders a martini with specific instructions, naming it “Vesper” after the film’s love interest.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Directed by Marc Forster and written by Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, and Robert Wade, “Quantum of Solace” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, and Mathieu Amalric star in this film, where Bond seeks revenge for the death of Vesper Lynd, uncovering a conspiracy by the organization Quantum. The film is noted for its intense action and emotional depth.
Martini Scene: In “Quantum of Solace,” Bond orders a martini while reflecting on his mission
Skyfall (2012)
Directed by Sam Mendes and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan, “Skyfall” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, and Judi Dench star in this film, where Bond faces a threat from his past that puts MI6 at risk. The film is celebrated for its cinematography, character development, and exploration of Bond’s history.
Martini Scene: In “Skyfall,” Bond orders a martini in a Macau casino, meeting the mysterious Sévérine.
Spectre (2015)
Directed by Sam Mendes and written by John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Jez Butterworth, “Spectre” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, and Léa Seydoux star in this film, where Bond uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE. The film ties together elements from Craig’s previous Bond films, deepening the overarching narrative.
Martini Scene: In “Spectre,” Bond orders his iconic martini while on a train with Madeleine Swann.
No Time to Die (2021)
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “No Time to Die” is based on Ian Fleming’s characters. Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, and Léa Seydoux star in this film, where Bond comes out of retirement to confront a new threat posed by a tech-savvy villain. The film marks Craig’s final appearance as Bond, delivering a poignant and action-packed conclusion to his tenure.
Martini Scene: In “No Time to Die,” Bond orders his signature martini while in a tropical bar, reflecting on his past.
Toast to Bond on National Martini Day
As you celebrate National Martini Day, take a moment to appreciate the legacy of James Bond’s martini. Whether you prefer it shaken or stirred, there’s no denying that 007 has elevated this classic cocktail to legendary status. So, mix up your favorite version, put on a Bond film, and raise a glass to the world’s most famous spy.