If Sean Connery is King Arthur in the Camelot of the James Bond film series then Roger Moore surely is Sir Lancelot. While there can only be one King in Camelot, Sir Lancelot was loved and admired by the other knights at the Round Table as representing the supreme essence of what a courtly knight should be. And so it was with Roger George Moore born in Stockwell, London on October 14^th.

After training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, Roger Moore started to appear on the big and small screens in the 1950s. In romantic melodramas such as 'Interrupted Melody', 'The Last Time I Saw Paris,' and 'Diane', Moore usually played an impossibly handsome young rake. He really found his niche when he took over the role of the modern-day Robin Hood, Simon Templar known as The Saint. The show first appeared on British television in 1962, the same year that Ian Fleming’s character James Bond made his debut on the silver screen. The combination of pretty people in pretty clothes in pretty locations endeared the series to viewers on both sides of the Atlantic and made Moore a household name. The Saint also cruised around in a cool Volvo.

The Saint was not a secret agent but a modern-day knight errant, pursuing adventures all over the world. The series fell easily into the slipstream of the 1960s spy craze which the Bond films initiated. When the series ran its course, Moore appeared in the underrated film 'The Man Who Haunted Himself' (1970) before transitioning into another television series 'The Persuaders!'

Playing the dashing Lord Brett Sinclair, Moore was paired with streetwise Tony Curtis in adventures that took them to posh locations. By the time that 'The Persuaders!' had finished its run it was apparent that Roger Moore was the ideal choice to assume the role of James Bond after Sean Connery ruled out any further films after 'Diamonds Are Forever' Thus in 1973 Roger Moore made his debut as 007 in 'Live And Let Die'.

Dispensing with the approach that did not work for George Lazenby (for general audiences of the day), Moore’s first film was a subtle reboot of the Bond series. In 'Live And Let Die', Roger’s Bond does not wear a tuxedo, does not drink vodka martinis, and smokes Moore’s signature cigars. This repositioning made it clear that although this was a James Bond film, the filmmakers did not need to lean on the obvious Bond props. Roger was allowed to subtly form a new interpretation of the Fleming character. The approach worked and audiences accepted Moore in the role.

At seven official Eon James Bond films, Roger Moore’s tenure as 007 will probably never be surpassed. On the occasion of Sir Roger Moore’s birthday on October 14^th, MI6 presents the Roger Moore cocktail.

In a rocks glass with ice, pour:

• 3 oz. Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey
• 1 oz. Goldschlager

Mix and garnish with a cherry.

This update of the Stinger incorporates Jack Daniel’s, Roger’s acknowledged favorite spirit. Moore likely was turned onto Jack due to his friendship with Frank Sinatra, himself a world-famous Jack drinker. Incidentally, Sinatra was the first person to congratulate Roger on getting the Bond role.

The Goldschlager echoes the 1961 Moore film 'Gold of the Seven Saints.'

Roger always maintained that this spaghetti Western presaged his entire career.

'Gold' was the title of the 1974 thriller starring Moore and directed by Peter Hunt. Seven needs no explanation (the cherry in the drink represents the 007 opening gunbarrel). “Saint” suggests the moniker of Simon Templar.

To really celebrate Roger, pair this drink with a cigar. Montecristo was Moore’s brand. In fact, a supply of Montecristo cigars was written into some of Roger Moore’s Bond contracts!