What is a vesper in This Is Us? Drink's special meaning to The Train plot

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If you’ve wondered what a vesper is following the penultimate episode of NBC drama This Is Us, you’re not alone.

In the episode, Rebecca mentions a “vesper” with the beverage leaving some fans wondering about her drink of choice.

We take a look at what a vesper is in the context of This is Us.

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Vesper’s special meaning to The Train’s plot explored

The penultimate episode of This Is Us centres on Rebecca’s train journey, which honours her life. In the episode a younger version of Rebecca is shown on a train ride, which is one of her fondest memories of growing up.

While on the train, Rebecca meets William and reflects on how her father used to order a vesper whenever they took a train journey together. Later in the episode she finally gets to try the drink herself as she ends up at the train’s bar to find Dr K mixing drinks.

What is a vesper in This Is Us?

The actual drink Rebbecca mentions in This Is Us is a ‘vesper Martini’. The cocktail consists of gin, vodka and French wine-based aperitif Lillet Blanc. The drink is commonly topped off with a twist of lemon peel for garnish.

To make the beverage, you combine the gin, vodka and Lillet Blanc in a cocktail shaker and shake for about 15 seconds. Once the drink is chilled, you strain it into a Martini glass, sit back, and enjoy.

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Here’s why the drink may sound familiar

While the mention of vesper has made it popular among This Is Us fans, James Bond fans will also recognise the cocktail.

The drink was actually invented by Ian Fleming, the author behind the James Bond spy novels, with the cocktail first mentioned in his 1953 classic novel Casino Royale.

The vesper Martini went on to be famous in the franchise thanks to Bond’s iconic “shaken not stirred” line on how he prefers the drink to be made.

As explained by BBC Good Food, when the drink is shaken it allows the drink’s flavours to open up. However, Liqour.com recommends it’s best to stir the drink as it’s a spirit-only cocktail.

Which version do you prefer?

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Vesper to be fans’ drink of choice amid next week’s finale

This Is Us fans have already claimed they’re going to be sipping a vesper as they watch the final episode:

Another user joked the ingredients for a vesper might sell out ahead of the final episode:

Amber Peake

Amber is an entertainment journalist with a love for anything showbiz, celeb or reality TV. After graduating with a degree in Journalism at Brunel University she became a Showbiz Reporter at Express.co.uk. Having written for both HITC and The Focus, Amber is now a staff writer for The Focus covering the latest celeb and entertainment trends.