Dry Martini vs. Vesper

The difference, by the numbers

Both have gin. Only the Dry Martini has dry vermouth; only the Vesper has vodka and Lillet Blanc. In parts, a Dry Martini is 6 gin and 1 vermouth; a Vesper is 6 gin, 2 vodka and 1 Lillet. By volume, the Dry Martini is 86% spirit and 14% fortified wine and bitter; the Vesper is 89% spirit and 11% fortified wine and bitter. That makes them close cousins on the ratio map.

The Dry Martini is the stronger drink in the glass (24.4% ABV against 21.4%), but being smaller it holds about the same alcohol (1.45 and 1.42 standard drinks). Calories and sugar are close: about 144 and 142 calories, 0.3 g and 0.7 g of sugar. Both are served in a martini glass; the Dry Martini is stirred, the Vesper shaken.