Espionage Cocktails: The Most Iconic Drinks of the Spy Community

 

"Okay spies, listen up! If you want to fit in with the cool crowd at your next covert operation, you better know your drinks. For the modern espionage crowd, nothing screams "I'm a spy" like a classic Vodka Martini (shaken, not stirred of course). But, if you want to show off your sophisticated side, go for a single malt scotch or a gin and tonic. And let's not forget the good old American classic, bourbon. But, if you're trying to keep a low profile, grab a beer, it's the perfect cover.

     So, why have these drinks become associated with modern espionage? Well, the Vodka Martini was made more famous by the James Bond movies. That’s a no-brainer. But many contemporary spies prefer whiskey, especially single malt scotch, because it is associated with power and sophistication. Gin was included because it’s a popular choice among spies, particularly in the form of a gin and tonic, as it is a classic drink that is easy to make and can be easily disguised.

     Modern-day spies also like bourbon because it's often seen as a drink of choice for covert agents, and also, it's a classic American drink that can be found in most bars around the world. A side note: some spies may prefer to sip (or gulp down) a glass of red wine, as it is a classic drink that is often associated with elegance and class.

     I’m sure that many CIA operatives would opt for a drink that enables them to easily blend in with the crowd and not draw attention. I might add that many of them may enjoy a drink in their leisure time, but the brass at Langley would look down on them imbibing in alcohol while on duty would, as it could impair their judgment. 

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     But let's take a trip down memory lane to the golden age of espionage, between World War II and the Cold War, where martinis were the drink of choice, whiskey symbolized power, and champagne was the epitome of luxury. Cognac and Old-Fashioned cocktails were also popular among the spy elite. And let's not forget the classic cocktails like Manhattan, Negroni, and Daiquiri that were often sipped in exclusive bars and clubs.

     During the golden age of espionage, certain drinks became synonymous with the spy lifestyle. They were consumed in exclusive clubs and bars and were seen as symbols of sophistication and power. Here are a few examples:

1.   The Martini: The Martini was a staple of the golden age of espionage, particularly the vodka martini, which was made famous by James Bond in the film series. The Martini was often considered the ultimate spy drink and was served in a variety of ways, including the classic dry Martini, the popular vodka Martini, and the Gibson Martini, which is garnished with a pickled onion.

2.   The Manhattan: The Manhattan is a classic cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, it was a very popular drink among the spies and was often consumed in the bars and clubs of New York City, where it originated.

3.   The Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail, made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a splash of soda, was also a popular choice among spies. It was considered a sophisticated and powerful drink and was often consumed in exclusive clubs and bars.

4.   The Daiquiri: This classic cocktail, made with rum, lime juice, and sugar, was also a popular choice among spies. It was considered a refreshing and sophisticated drink and was often consumed in exclusive clubs and bars.

5.   The Negroni: This classic cocktail, made with gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, was also a popular choice among spies during the golden age of espionage. It was considered a sophisticated and powerful drink and was often consumed in exclusive clubs and bars.

6.   The Champagne Cocktail: This classic cocktail, made with champagne, sugar, and bitters, was also a popular choice among spies during the golden age of espionage. It was considered a sophisticated and luxurious drink and was often consumed at high-end parties and events. 

    As for famous real-life spies, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was known to enjoy a Vodka Martini, while actor Roger Moore's Bond preferred a Bourbon on the rocks. Sean Connery's Bond, on the other hand, kept it classic with a Scotch on the rocks. Other spy characters like Ethan Hunt and Jason Bourne also had their drink of choice, with Hunt preferring a beer and Bourne sticking to water (boring, I know).

     And finally, let's not forget drinks that are named after spies such as the "Spyglass Martini" or the "Spy's Demise" cocktail. Here are a few more drinks that are named after spooks:

1.   The "Spycatcher" - a mix of gin, lime juice, and triple sec, often served in a martini glass with a lime twist garnish, it's named after the famous 1987 book Spycatcher which was written by a former MI5 officer.

2.   The "Spyglass" - A combination of gin, orange juice, and grenadine, it's named after the famous book "The Spyglass" written by a British author and spy.

3.   "The Spy Who Loved Me" - A cocktail consisting of vodka, triple sec, and cranberry juice, it's named after the James Bond film "The Spy Who Loved Me" which was released in 1977.

4.   The "Spy vs Spy" is a cocktail that features gin, lime juice, and orange bitters.

5.   “The Secret Agent": This cocktail features gin, sweet vermouth, orange bitters, and is garnished with an orange peel.

6.   "The Double Agent": This cocktail features a combination of vodka and gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.

7.   "The Shadow Agent": This cocktail features dark rum, lime juice, and grenadine, garnished with a lime wheel. 

     But what about beer? Beer is the most common drink consumed by spies and non-spies alike, and it is often used as a cover for meetings or as a way to blend in with a crowd. I think guzzling down a Budweiser in a bar where you’re about to meet a contact would draw less attention that if you ordered a fancy, upscale drink.

     That’s why, in the MISSION OF VENGEANCE spy thriller, CIA spymaster Corey Pearson drinks beer to blend in while on a mission in the Dominican Republic. He consumes Santo Domingo Catalina beer, which is a local brand in the Dominican Republic. Here’s a snippet from the spy thriller:

     Corey Pearson took a swig from a bottle of Santo Domingo Catalina beer that filled half the refrigerator. His handler liked to keep his spies contented. The slight touch of banana tasted good."

     I wanted to highlight the effectiveness of using beer as a means of fitting in and staying low-key while on a mission, an aspect of the spy lifestyle that is often overlooked. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.