Shaken, not stirred: 5 Spy Inspired Cocktails

Drop the dirty martini and try out these 5 fresh new recipes inspired by our Agency favourites

The Istanbul Intercept 🌉

Inspired by: The exotic end of the Orient Express line, spice markets, smoky jazz bars of old Istanbul

Vibe: Complex, aromatic and dangerously smooth

Ingredients:

• 50ml Raki (or anise-flavoured liqueur like Pernod)

• 20ml lemon juice

• 10ml honey syrup (1:1 honey and hot water)

• Dash of cardamom bitters

• Star anise (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled

2. Strain into chilled coupe glass

3. Garnish with star anise for mysterious, smoky look

Highland Deception 🏔

Inspired by: misty moors, mossy glens, and buried lochs.

Vibe: smoky and warm, with an elegant kick

Ingredients:

• 40ml peated Scotch whisky

• 20ml sweet vermouth

• 10ml Drambuie

• 2 dashes of orange bitters

• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Stir all ingredients over ice until cold and silky

2. Strain into a rocks glass over large cube

3. Express orange peel over glass and drop in

Aegean Cipher 🌊

Inspired by: Crashing waves, sun-bleached ruins, and Greek Isles

Vibe: Refreshing but unpredictable - perfect for sipping mid taverna.

Ingredients:

• 40ml ouzo

• 20ml fresh lime juice

• 10ml elderflower liqueur

• 60ml soda water

• Cucumber slice and mint sprig (garnish)

Instructions:

1. Shake ouzo, lime and elderflower with ice

2. Strain into highball over fresh ice

3. Top with soda water and garnish with cucumber and mint

The Orient Affair 🚂

Inspired by: Silk lined cabins, stolen glances, whispered threats and velvet curtains

Vibe: Sophisticated and seductive

Ingredients:

• 30ml cognac

• 30ml dry gin

• 20ml creme de cassis

• 10ml lemon juice

• Twist of lemon (garnish)

Instructions:

1. Shake ingredients with ice

2. Strain into chilled martini glass

3. Garnish with lemon twist

Double Cross Daiquiri 🕵️‍♀️

Inspired by: Island escapes with hidden motives and warm breezes

Vibe: Tropical, unexpected, just sweet enough to be suspicious

Ingredients:

• 50ml white rum

• 25ml lime juice

• 15ml pistachio syrup (almond/orgeat substitute)

• Pinch of sea salt

• Crushed pistachios (rim)

Instructions:

1. Rim half glass with crushed pistachios

2. Shake all ingredients with ice

3. Strain into coupe glass

4. Garnish with single mint leaf or sliver of lime