The launch of our new Sussex Aperitivo gift box was just a week before the new Bond film burst onto cinema screens. Coincidence? Well actually, yes. But it got us thinking all things James Bond and martini.

So what type of Martini did Bond drink?
The answer is both the vodka martini and the gin martini and whilst Fleming’s character preferred the former, the gin martini was much preferred by Roger Moore, who starred in A View to a Kill (1985) and had scenes shot in Sussex.

This famous Sussex scene was filmed at the former quarry and limeworks of Arundel’s Amberley Museum, which mined chalk from the South Downs – one of Sussex’s defining geographical features. These off-white seams play a part too in the making of the very smooth gin which features in our Sussex Martini and canapés gift box.

Chilgrove is a London Dry gin, made traditionally using natural mineral water filtered through the chalky Sussex downs, uniquely it’s distilled from grapes, which seems imminently sensible, given the many superb vineyards in Sussex. It also features citrus peel, which Roger Moore would approve of, given his preference for a Gin Martini served in a glass with lemon zest rubbed around the rim before serving.

We think he’d also have loved Albourne Estate’s stylish 40 Vermouth: a semi-dry Vermouth produced from single estate matured base wines, blended with grain spirit, named after its infusion of 40 herbs, spices and citrus peels.

What would Bond eat with a Martini?
Well, canapés of course. Nothing stodgy. It would have to be light but packed with flavour, to reflect Bond’s zest for life and sophisticated palate. Our Field Canapés would certainly do the trick. Flavour bombs based on the traditional Italian serving of bresaola with rocket and parmesan, condensed into light but punchy gourmet bites.

Our Sussex beef bresaola is made in small batches from grass-fed beef, naturally cured with hand harvested, sustainable sea salt, organic herbs and spices, air-dried to perfection with a hint of smoke. It won a Great Taste Award in 2017 and 2021 when it was described by judges as:

“An original blend of herbs and spices, rich in clove, has been used to cure this wafer-thin beef. Great texture, melts in the mouth, and has a natural wood-smoke flavour.”

Its canapé partners in crime include wild rocket pesto, featuring parmesan-style cheese and parmesan & nigella seed thins (Great Taste Award winner 2018), made with our unique organic flour blend and organic butter.

A sophisticated foodie gift
Altogether, the combination of a smooth, citrussy gin martini and lip-smacking canapés makes for a darned good Aperitivo and an even better gift, suitable for any Bond, but also as an original foodie hamper and unusual corporate gift.