As suave and sophisticated as James Bond is, he has his idiosyncrasies and eccentric style. Apart from his quintessential spy attitude, another popular thing that people associate with him is martinis.
He famously orders them “shaken, not stirred” – so much so that it has become an iconic line associated with his character. Bond is a character from Ian Fleming’s novels from the 1950s, who deliberately opts for a seemingly less desirable version of his favorite drink. But it cannot be for nothing. There has to be a solid reason behind that.
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Is James Bond’s Creator Ian Fleming The Reason Behind His Martini Preference?
The specificity of Bond’s martini order becomes more intriguing because he is a character who knows his tastes well. So there must be a deliberate reason for his choice.
Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming, was also known for his passion and specificity when it came to cocktails. A rumor suggests that Fleming himself enjoyed a shaken martini, and that is where Bond’s signature preference stems from.
But the books and movies portray Bond differently. While Bond inclines towards martinis in the movie versions, the novels portray a more adventurous side of his drinking habits.
In the books, Gin makes occasional appearances, whereas the famous Vesper martini, featured in ‘Casino Royale‘, includes both gin and vodka. He also also drinks champagne, whisky, and various cocktails in the book version.
Meanwhile, in the cinematic world, he will necessarily stick to a martini. In all the movies made over six decades, he has not ordered a single other drink than a martini, and that too, “shaken, not stirred“.
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Bond’s Reddit Fans Say His Drinks Choice Is A Strategic Move
If we are to believe the James Bond fans on Reddit, his choice of drink and how it’s made has a strategy behind it. The fan theory suggests that by ordering a shaken martini, Bond just makes sure that his wits remain sharp even though he appears more intoxicated than he truly is.
The fans suggest that the unexpected move would catch opponents off guard, while Bond himself would be able to react quickly when needed.
But that’s not the only Reddit theory. Some other Reddit users suggest that James Bond has a preference for colder drinks, while others say that his use of shaking is a means to dilute subpar vodkas.
Whether it’s a strategic decision, a matter of personal taste, or a nod to Ian Fleming’s own preference, Bond’s martini order remains an important part of his legacy.
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