If there’s a single icon in cinema who has always carried elegance and knowledge with a caffeinated passion for precision, it is the enduring spy known as James Bond. In service to Her Majesty across generations, whether embodied by Sean Connery, Roger Moore, or Daniel Craig, the English legend has consistently represented a high standard of mixology.
On October 5, a nod to Bond and a toast to Schweppes converge. Schweppes marks the day with three original, unreleased cocktails drawn from Bond’s world—perfect for savoring slowly and with the calm poise the Brits are famed for. Each drink leans on a range of mixers that pair beautifully with premium spirits. The recipes invite readers to slow down, indulge in the drink’s aromatic intensity, and appreciate the maceration process that deepens flavors and creates a foamy, aromatic finish. Borja Cortina, winner of World Class 2015 and a member of Schweppes Mixing Masters, crafted these blends. Cortina is known for his refined palate and his role as an ambassador for the brand. The intention behind these cocktails is clear: accessible to curious guests yet crafted for the most discerning tastes.
These are entirely original drinks and stand up to the legendary Vodka Martini, the iconic order that defined Bond’s cinematic cocktails even when it wasn’t literally shaken and stirred. Throughout Bond’s long filmography, other iconic drinks appear and reappear—Martini Vesper, Dry Martini, Negroni, Rum Collins, Stinger—each reflecting Bond’s appetite for a well-made beverage enjoyed at a measured pace. The character’s calm confidence shines with every sip, a reminder that a finely prepared drink is experience, not just supply.
From Russia with love
A Moscow Mule-inspired version adds extra affection and a hint of gunpowder, paying homage to the second Bond film in the franchise.
- 20 cl Schweppes Selection Ginger Beer and Chile
- 6 cl vodka
- 1 cl Ancho Reyes liqueur
- 1 cl lemon juice
- two strawberries
- A pinch of paprika or Tabasco to taste
- cracked ice
- low glass
To prepare, combine vodka, two strawberries, and a pinch of fresh red pepper in a glass with ice. Puree, then add crushed ice and top with 20 cl Schweppes Selection Ginger Beer and Chile. Finish with rose petals for a delicate, aromatic garnish.
Scaramanga
A tribute to The Man with the Golden Gun, famed for Christopher Lee’s portrayal and a nod to Ian Fleming’s life’s connections.
- 10 cl Schweppes Selection Tonic and Hibiscus
- 6 cl Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
- 4 cl lemon juice
- 2 cl sugar syrup
- 1.5 cl Lillet Rouge
- bucket ice
- Lemon peel
Shake all ingredients except Lillet and the mixer with ample ice until well chilled. Strain into a long-drink glass filled with ice, then garnish with a float of Lillet Rouge and a twist of lemon peel.
Tall drinking glass
Combine the ingredients and shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Strain into a long drink glass over a generous ice cube and finish with a splash of Lillet Rouge and a peel of lemon.
High voltage
The first Bond film featuring Timothy Dalton inspires this electric, high-energy drink. It blends balsamic Fernet with floral notes and a crisp lemon soda, finishing with a dry edge.
- 20 cl Schweppes Selection Lemon and Quinine
- 3 cl Fernet
- 1 cl Gardeum Floral Punch, electric flower liqueur
- 0.5 cl lemon juice
- 4 drops Elemaluke Tiki bitters
- ice cube
- Lemon peel
- Glass long drink
All ingredients are combined in a tall glass over ample ice, stirred gently, and finished with a lemon peel as a bright accent.
These cocktails fuse a cinematic sensibility with modern bartending craft. They invite enthusiasts to explore a world where classic technique meets contemporary flavor, all while enjoying the subtle theatre of a well-made drink.