Vodka Martinis

Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
edited August 2011 in General James Bond Chat
I have never read a book, just a movie fan here but what is the reason Bond drinks vodka martinis instead of gin martinis? I would think that since gin is a British made drink, well that's what he would drink since he's a brit.
Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

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  • Mr BeechMr Beech Florida, USAPosts: 1,749MI6 Agent
    So I don't know much about this, but his signature drink contains gin and vodka.
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    Well, besides the vesper
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

    http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
  • Le SamouraiLe Samourai Honolulu, HIPosts: 573MI6 Agent
    In the novels, Bond often had real (aka gin) martinis. The real reason for the whole vodka martini thing in the films is the large amounts of money Smirnoff was willing to pay for product placement in the early films. It sort of stuck after that.
    —Le Samourai

    A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy.
    Agent In Training
  • CmdrAtticusCmdrAtticus United StatesPosts: 1,102MI6 Agent
    Fleming's Bond is actually a whiskey man. Here are some stats:

    Bond is famous for ordering his vodka martinis "shaken, not stirred." In the novel Moonraker, he drinks a shot of vodka straight, served with a pinch of black pepper, a habit he picked up working in the Baltic region. He also drinks and enjoys gin martinis, champagne, and bourbon. In total, Bond consumes 317 drinks in the novels, of which 101 are whisky, 35 sakes, 30 glasses of champagne and a mere 19 vodka martinis. This is an average of one drink every seven pages.
  • Alec 006Alec 006 Sydney, AustraliaPosts: 211MI6 Agent
    edited August 2011
    -{ Grammar Alert -{

    Whisky or whiskey. Bourbon and Irish are with an "e", Scotch without.
    Also Monza, there shouldn't be an apostrophe in your title.

    Ah I feel better now. Thanks for that. :))

    -{ -{ -{ -{ -{ I have still only managed five in one night.
    Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
    Oscar Wilde
  • 7700777007 Posts: 502MI6 Agent
    Yeah skip the martini and go with whiskey. That's how Dalton got all that hair on his chest.
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    interesting to hear, thanks for the info
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

    http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj258/monza860/
  • Le SamouraiLe Samourai Honolulu, HIPosts: 573MI6 Agent
    I always found it interesting that Bond's taste in spirits is decidedly not English. Martinis--gin or vodka--are very American drinks. And Bond prefers bourbon to Scotch (as do I!). Not only that, he drinks his bourbon on the rocks. He obviously doesn't have the classic British aversion to ice.
    —Le Samourai

    A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy.
    Agent In Training
  • The Domino EffectThe Domino Effect Posts: 3,638MI6 Agent
    Fleming was a very big fan of martinis and like most authors, his character has much in common with himself. Many of Bond's preferences were Fleming's preferences and that certainly extended to his choice of tipple. As for the drinks being American or British, I don't think that was ever a concern of Fleming either for himself or his character. Fleming, like Bond, was quitessentially English but their tastes often strayed to the exotic and the U.S., in the immediate post-war period, was decidedly exotic.
  • thesecretagentthesecretagent CornwallPosts: 2,151MI6 Agent
    I think enough alcohol has been highlighted to understand that Bond had more than a mere drink problem... :))
    Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. If you enjoy crime, espionage, action and fast-moving thrillers follow this link:

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  • CmdrAtticusCmdrAtticus United StatesPosts: 1,102MI6 Agent
    Having smoked for twenty years (and finally gave it up over twenty years ago, thank heavens), and having associated with smokers - along with being a Bond/Fleming fan, I can say from experience that Bond and Flemings drinking went hand in hand with the tobacco. It is no coincidence that the more one smokes the more liquor one partakes (as well as coffee). Back in the days of smoke filled bars and club rooms awash with liquid spirits, men like Bond and Fleming enjoyed the combo for some very basic reasons. Smoking always dries out the mouth and throat, and drinking helped keep that from becoming unbearable. Also, because both are plant based drugs that contain chemicals that are toxic to the body (liver, lungs heart, in fact - every cell), for some reason they taste well together (as does coffee). For proof, ask any smoker what a cigarette tastes like with a glass of milk or orange juice (liquids actually beneficial to one's health). Yuck is a diplomatic response, to say the list. That's why I did not like cocktails that were mostly fruit juice sugar laden drinks with alcohol thrown in to make them more adult. Even sweet wines never seem to go that well with tobacco, unlike the drier and heavier tasting versions. Those sweet cocktails also seem to appeal to most women in general, who for some reason (biology, genetics?) don't seem to enjoy harder liquors (they would sip a straight bourbon or scotch and always pull a sour face) and tend to prefer the liquor/candy tasting varieties (or of course beer, which isn't sweet but doesn't have the kick in the senses that harder liquors have). Of course, there are women who do enjoy a good single malt, but I've only met two in my life and they were more like Pussy Galores in nature that Tilly Mastersons. Getting back to my point, men who drink tend to smoke and visa versa, and the more they drink the more they smoke. They are drugs, and if a man is addicted to tobacco and burns up between one or more packs a day, he'll probably have more than just a cocktail before dinner! So yes, Bond and Fleming were addicts (which is why Fleming died in middle age and Bond probably would not lived long enough to have gotten a lot of wrinkles - even if he had not been killed by a bullet).
  • LexiLexi LondonPosts: 3,000MI6 Agent
    Le Samourai wrote:
    I always found it interesting that Bond's taste in spirits is decidedly not English. Martinis--gin or vodka--are very American drinks. And Bond prefers bourbon to Scotch (as do I!). Not only that, he drinks his bourbon on the rocks. He obviously doesn't have the classic British aversion to ice.

    Well for me personally, if I'm enjoying a single malt - then I don't want to water it down (by adding ice...) and the flavours can be tasted much clearer, when it's room temp - a bit like brandy.

    However, on a warm summer's evening, then I do like a scotch rocks. (Or a blended whiskey, I'm not picky :)) ) It's even nicer with a splash of ginger wine :D

    -{
    She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
  • LexiLexi LondonPosts: 3,000MI6 Agent
    CmdrAtticus wrote:
    Those sweet cocktails also seem to appeal to most women in general, who for some reason (biology, genetics?) don't seem to enjoy harder liquors (they would sip a straight bourbon or scotch and always pull a sour face) and tend to prefer the liquor/candy tasting varieties (or of course beer, which isn't sweet but doesn't have the kick in the senses that harder liquors have).

    I prefer a vodka martini (with olives) to a cosmopolitan, but if a cosmo is the only thing on offer, then I won't say no!

    Not too keen on sweet drinks myself.... I prefer a drier white - and you can't beat a cold pint on a hot day!

    CmdrAtticus wrote:
    Of course, there are women who do enjoy a good single malt, but I've only met two in my life and they were more like Pussy Galores in nature that Tilly Mastersons.

    Love a single malt :x .... although I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))
    She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Le Samourai wrote:
    I always found it interesting that Bond's taste in spirits is decidedly not English. Martinis--gin or vodka--are very American drinks. And Bond prefers bourbon to Scotch (as do I!). Not only that, he drinks his bourbon on the rocks. He obviously doesn't have the classic British aversion to ice.

    I love a good Single Malt there and then, but I never put water of any kind into them - particularly in the cask strength ones.

    However, I am in the camp of those, who say, that a Bourbon MUST be added with something else (water, ice, Coke, Orange) to make it reasonably enjoyable :D
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,619MI6 Agent
    Lexi wrote:
    I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))


    ...and we are all glad about it :x
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.
    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ke02ewwke02eww USPosts: 2,063MI6 Agent
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Lexi wrote:
    I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))


    ...and we are all glad about it :x


    8-)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-f7G4FFYE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
  • ke02ewwke02eww USPosts: 2,063MI6 Agent
    Lexi wrote:
    Le Samourai wrote:
    I always found it interesting that Bond's taste in spirits is decidedly not English. Martinis--gin or vodka--are very American drinks. And Bond prefers bourbon to Scotch (as do I!). Not only that, he drinks his bourbon on the rocks. He obviously doesn't have the classic British aversion to ice.

    Well for me personally, if I'm enjoying a single malt - then I don't want to water it down (by adding ice...) and the flavours can be tasted much clearer, when it's room temp - a bit like brandy.

    However, on a warm summer's evening, then I do like a scotch rocks. (Or a blended whiskey, I'm not picky :)) ) It's even nicer with a splash of ginger wine :D

    -{


    Agree on not watering down single malts lex, and i guess ur right about the clarity of taste...

    But I always prefer brandy and cognac with two ice cubes ......

    It heightens the flavour.... The warmth of the liqour against the cold of the ice, like water and electricity..... Always guarantees a spark... ;)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-f7G4FFYE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
  • CmdrAtticusCmdrAtticus United StatesPosts: 1,102MI6 Agent
    Lexi wrote:
    CmdrAtticus wrote:
    Those sweet cocktails also seem to appeal to most women in general, who for some reason (biology, genetics?) don't seem to enjoy harder liquors (they would sip a straight bourbon or scotch and always pull a sour face) and tend to prefer the liquor/candy tasting varieties (or of course beer, which isn't sweet but doesn't have the kick in the senses that harder liquors have).

    I prefer a vodka martini (with olives) to a cosmopolitan, but if a cosmo is the only thing on offer, then I won't say no!

    Not too keen on sweet drinks myself.... I prefer a drier white - and you can't beat a cold pint on a hot day!

    CmdrAtticus wrote:
    Of course, there are women who do enjoy a good single malt, but I've only met two in my life and they were more like Pussy Galores in nature that Tilly Mastersons.

    Love a single malt :x .... although I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))

    Have any malt label preferences? Glenmorangie, McClelland's, Glenlivet, Knockando, Glenfiddich? Which vodka due you prefer? Since not being keen on the sweet drinks, do you smoke or used to smoke?
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,756Chief of Staff
    Bondtoys wrote:
    Lexi wrote:
    I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))


    ...and we are all glad about it :x

    You speak for yourself, Markus :))
    YNWA 97
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 27,756Chief of Staff
    ke02eww wrote:
    Agree on not watering down single malts lex, and i guess ur right about the clarity of taste...

    But I always prefer brandy and cognac with two ice cubes ......

    It heightens the flavour.... The warmth of the liqour against the cold of the ice, like water and electricity..... Always guarantees a spark... ;)

    I'd be happier to pour the lot down the sink ! :))

    I really don't like spirits much...vodka is okay...but I'd rather have a beer :D
    YNWA 97
  • ke02ewwke02eww USPosts: 2,063MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    ke02eww wrote:
    Agree on not watering down single malts lex, and i guess ur right about the clarity of taste...

    But I always prefer brandy and cognac with two ice cubes ......

    It heightens the flavour.... The warmth of the liqour against the cold of the ice, like water and electricity..... Always guarantees a spark... ;)

    I'd be happier to pour the lot down the sink ! :))

    I really don't like spirits much...vodka is okay...but I'd rather have a beer :D

    Sacrilege ...... :o
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-f7G4FFYE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
  • Le SamouraiLe Samourai Honolulu, HIPosts: 573MI6 Agent
    Sir Miles wrote:
    ke02eww wrote:
    Agree on not watering down single malts lex, and i guess ur right about the clarity of taste...

    But I always prefer brandy and cognac with two ice cubes ......

    It heightens the flavour.... The warmth of the liqour against the cold of the ice, like water and electricity..... Always guarantees a spark... ;)

    I'd be happier to pour the lot down the sink ! :))

    I really don't like spirits much...vodka is okay...but I'd rather have a beer :D

    Except for whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum, I'm not much into spirits either. B-)
    —Le Samourai

    A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy.
    Agent In Training
  • Mr BeechMr Beech Florida, USAPosts: 1,749MI6 Agent
    I like this thread :)
  • Monza860Monza860 USPosts: 501MI6 Agent
    I drink just about everything, not big on red or white wine and Tequila. I love Champagne, drink the occasional beer, but most of the time go straight for the hard liquor. :D
    Away at Boot Camp, won't be back until April the earliest.

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  • pyratpyrat Posts: 260MI6 Agent
    thesecretagent wrote:
    I think enough alcohol has been highlighted to understand that Bond had more than a mere drink problem... :))

    What drinking problem??? I drink. I get drunk. I fall down. No problem... -{ -{ -{ :))

    The books certainly do present the different perception of drinking that was the prevalent at the time. You know, before everything went PC... :s
    Pyrat
    Reflections in a double bourbon...
  • 00730073 COPPosts: 1,061MI6 Agent
    Lexi wrote:
    I prefer a vodka martini (with olives) to a cosmopolitan, but if a cosmo is the only thing on offer, then I won't say no!

    Not too keen on sweet drinks myself.... I prefer a drier white - and you can't beat a cold pint on a hot day!

    Love a single malt :x .... although I would say I'm more Tilly Masterson, than Pussy Galore ;) :))

    My kind a gal!

    For hot summer day on the rocks, nothing can beat Kilchoman 2011 release, it's one of those fashionable 3-4 yrs old single malts.

    :p
    "I mean, she almost kills bond...with her ass."
    -Mr Arlington Beech
  • LexiLexi LondonPosts: 3,000MI6 Agent
    CmdrAtticus wrote:

    Have any malt label preferences? Glenmorangie, McClelland's, Glenlivet, Knockando, Glenfiddich? Which vodka due you prefer? Since not being keen on the sweet drinks, do you smoke or used to smoke?

    Yes, I like Glenmorangie.... as well as both Glenlivet and Glenfiddich. Not to mention Highland Park and Laphroaig ;)

    For a blended one, I enjoy Jonny Walker red label.... but I'm not fussy...Famous Grouse will do :))

    Vodka, well, if it's in a martini, then it's Stolli.... but I am a fan of Absolute Vodka too, although purists wouldn't agree. However, I was once spoilt when I spent an evening in the company of some Russian colleagues - and we drank the proper stuff... neat. It was one of those experiences I will never forget... and the best tasting vodka ever. -{

    I would never say I smoked on a regular basis.... I'm one of those annoying people who can enjoy a cigarette here and there, however, it's been over 2 years now since I've smoked.
    She's worth whatever chaos she brings to the table and you know it. ~ Mark Anthony
  • 00730073 COPPosts: 1,061MI6 Agent
    Lexi wrote:
    Vodka, well, if it's in a martini, then it's Stolli.... but I am a fan of Absolute Vodka too, although purists wouldn't agree.....

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...........................................!!!!!!!!!!! :#

    Say no to Absolute!

    I agree with you on the Stolichnaja, one of the better tasting vodkas neat, on the rocks or in a martini. IMHO has a very balanced taste. When compared to some other vodkas like Ruski Standard Platinum, which in my opinion is too subtle or Absolute, too medicinal, Stoli shines over them all!

    But, yes all those obscure Polish and Russian small brand vodkas, that is The Way of The Vodka.
    "I mean, she almost kills bond...with her ass."
    -Mr Arlington Beech
  • Le SamouraiLe Samourai Honolulu, HIPosts: 573MI6 Agent
    0073 wrote:
    Lexi wrote:
    Vodka, well, if it's in a martini, then it's Stolli.... but I am a fan of Absolute Vodka too, although purists wouldn't agree.....

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...........................................!!!!!!!!!!! :#

    Say no to Absolute!

    I agree with you on the Stolichnaja, one of the better tasting vodkas neat, on the rocks or in a martini. IMHO has a very balanced taste. When compared to some other vodkas like Ruski Standard Platinum, which in my opinion is too subtle or Absolute, too medicinal, Stoli shines over them all!

    But, yes all those obscure Polish and Russian small brand vodkas, that is The Way of The Vodka.

    I have to agree with 0073 here. Stoli is great, but I find Absolut rather flat tasting. In general, I prefer Polish vodkas. My current choice is Sobieski, which is not only delicious, but very reasonably priced as well.
    —Le Samourai

    A Gent in Training.... A blog about my continuing efforts to be improve myself, be a better person, and lead a good life. It incorporates such far flung topics as fitness, self defense, music, style, food and drink, and personal philosophy.
    Agent In Training
  • 00730073 COPPosts: 1,061MI6 Agent
    Yes!

    I remember my youthfull days when I worked for a marketing consulting company, we did a number for the Finnish alcohol monopoly company on polish vodka.
    Had to have a drink or two in the proces.... :))

    My favourites being Zrodlana and Sobieski. I did get a kick 8-) out of drinkng Luksusowa because it is a potato spirit, but being honest I didn't like it quite as much.
    "I mean, she almost kills bond...with her ass."
    -Mr Arlington Beech
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