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La Vie En Rose Cocktail

By Greg Bechtloff

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In celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the publication of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, CASINO ROYALE, MI6 unveils the “La Vie en Rose Cocktail”.

Besides initiating the James Bond mythos, CASINO ROYALE also introduced many of the famous elements of the James Bond mystique; cars, guns, locations, clothes, food, and of course cocktails!

Here is not the place to delve into the continuing debate as to whether shaking or stirring a martini is better. Nor do we need to examine the fact that the vodka martini as described in the novel is no longer viable to make these days. (Hint: it has something to do with Kina Lillet)

Instead, we choose to celebrate the legacy of 007’s first appearance in 1953 by creating a cocktail that builds on elements from the novel itself.

Channeling the luxe world of Royale-les-Eaux, the La Vie en Rose Cocktail evokes the romance between Bond and Vesper.

In a shaker with ice, pour:

2 oz. Bacardi
1 ½ ounce Frais de Bois liqueur (or similar strawberry liqueur)
Add a liberal tot of grenadine

Shake and strain, pour into a martini glass.

“It sounds a drink to be proud of” - Vesper Lynd

Enjoy during the violet hour or any hour! If you want to go all out in your own CASINO ROYALE lifestyle tribute, have the La Vie en Rose Cocktail, and then feel free to recreate the meal that Bond and Vesper share before the epic card battle with Le Chiffre.

On that menu, James Bond enjoys:

Caviar (get enough toast with that!)
Tournedos (beef fillet) with Bernaise sauce
Artichoke Heart
Avocado with French dressing

Vesper chooses:

Caviar
Grilled veal kidneys
Potato souffles
Fras de Bois (wild strawberries) with lots of cream

Be sure to play multiple versions of “La Vie en Rose” throughout the meal. The song is most famously sung by Edith Piaf. Connections to the Bond film series include covers of “La Vie en Rose” by Louis Armstrong and Grace Jones. Lady Gaga and Andrea Bocelli have also done modern updates to the song.

About The Author

Greg Bechtloff hails from Huntington Beach, California. Introduced to the world of 007 by his parents through the cinema, he’s been infatuated with Ian Fleming’s creation for over 35 years. With wide ranging interests, he has drilled down to the very foundations of the character of James Bond. Greg has worked in many positions in varied industries. He has travelled extensively and has visited many James Bond locations all over the world. He has recently become certified as a professional bartender, another aspect of the Bondian world that he has always been interested in.