The cocktail bar at Dukes London in the city's St. James's neighborhoodhas joined in partnership with London-based fragrance maker Floris to introduce the Fleming '89, a new martini crafted in honor of the author Ian Fleming - who, like his character, James Bond, knew a thing or two about martinis.
A frequent patron of the bar, Fleming penned much of his book Casino Royale at Dukes and is said to have dreamed up the famous "shaken not stirred" line as well as Bond's classic Vesper Martini while there. He was also a frequent visitor at Floris, where his fragrance of choice was No. 89, named after the number of the shop on Jermyn Street.
The new Fleming '89 was created by DUKES Bar Manager Alessandro Palazzi (pictured), who was inspired by the ingredients written in the original 1951 formula book for the No. 89 fragrance. After plenty of experimentation, Palazzi arrived at the final creation, which combines vodka infused with Tonka beans, chocolate bitters, DUKES' specially-made English Amber Vermouth, Stolichnaya "ELIT" vodka and rose liqueur. The Fleming '89 is only available at Dukes bar.