Shaken, stirred and still standing: James Bond’s six decades of drinking

As the world eagerly speculates about who will next don the tuxedo and holster the Walther PPK, another question looms: will the new James Bond have the requisite taste for the finer things in life? Because, according to two detailed studies into the drinking habits of the world’s most famous spy, 007’s appreciation of well-crafted drinks is truly something to admire. An exhaustive content analysis of 24 James Bond films from 1962 to 2015 (Wilson et al., BMJ, 2018) presents a picture of a man whose enjoyment of alcohol is as refined as his tailoring. Across these six decades, Bond is seen drinking on 109 separate occasions — averaging a respectable 4.5 per film. His beverage of choice remains predictably top-shelf, with 55% of drinks consisting of spirits or cocktails and martinis retaining their place as a staple. Beer, on the other hand, makes only four fleeting appearances and never in a low-alcohol incarnation. One suspects that “shaken, not stirred” simply wouldn’t have the same ring if applied to a lukewarm lager.

A drink to remember

Bond’s legendary drinking stamina is perhaps best exemplified by his penchant for a vesper martini, a cocktail of his own invention that has become the hallmark of refined indulgence. His most celebrated session saw him dispatch six vesper martinis in a single sitting — equating to 24 units of alcohol. Lesser mortals might struggle, but Bond, as ever, remains in impeccable form. In another instance, he polishes off 12 units of vodka shots alone in a hotel room, ahead of an anticipated visit from henchmen. A questionable tactical move, to steel himself for what was to come.

Drinking with style

Bond’s drinking is not merely about excess; it is an integral part of his savoir-faire. The study found that, after enjoying a drink, he routinely engages in activities that would make a health and safety officer blanch. These include high-stakes gambling, piloting helicopters, driving at breakneck speed, escaping dangerous animals (komodo dragons, scorpions, tarantulas) and engaging in combat.

Bond in print

The second study (Johnson et al., BMJ, 2013) delves into Ian Fleming’s original novels and finds that Bond was, if anything, an even greater connoisseur on the page than on screen. His average weekly alcohol consumption is calculated at 92 units, the NHS recommends adults consume no more than 14 units a week. His highest recorded daily intake is 49.8 units, a level that suggests he was a man who knew how to enjoy himself. Notably, he has only 12.5 alcohol-free days across the books, demonstrating his commitment to the good life.

The business of Bond’s booze

One element that has evolved is alcohol’s role within Bond’s world. While his drinking levels have remained consistent, there has been a notable rise in alcohol product placement, particularly in the more recent films. Though he remains most closely associated with Bollinger and vodka martinis, the likes of Heineken, Macallan and Smirnoff have all enjoyed screen time in Bond’s company. Meanwhile, the use of alcohol as a weapon — whether as a Molotov cocktail or a delivery mechanism for sedatives — has declined significantly over the decades.

The legacy of Bond’s drinking

Of course, Bond is a fantasy figure — one who has survived more assassination attempts, explosions and car crashes than any real human could withstand. To scrutinise his drinking with such clinical precision may seem excessive. But for those of us who appreciate the art of fine drinking — and would rather not expire in a blaze of glory atop a Monte Carlo casino table — perhaps it is worth remembering that the most important lesson Bond teaches us is that drinking, like life, should be an adventure. As we await the unveiling of the next Bond, we can only hope he brings the same charm, wit and taste for the extraordinary to the role. And if that means keeping the vesper martini as his drink of choice, well, who are we to argue?