Diamonds Are Forever - Part one

In this episode we cover off part one of Diamonds are Forever (book published 1956, film released 1971).

Featuring Sean Connery as James Bond, Jill St. John as Tiffany Case and Charles Gray as Blofeld (and Mrs Blofeld).

James Bond travels from Amsterdam to the USA to investigate a global diamond-smuggling ring, masquerading as a professional courier by the name of Peter Franks. But all is not as it seems as he uncovers a plot by his nemesis Ernst Stavro Blofeld to build a space-based laser weapon powered by the stolen gems. Bond heads to Vegas in search of reclusive billionaire Willard Whyte who he guesses is bank-rolling the operation. We meet some proper characters along the way - Mr Wint and Mr Kidd, Thumper and Bambi and, of course, Tiffany Case.

This is a particularly brutal and booze-soaked book balanced by it's rather camp 70s movie counterpart. From Veuve Clicquot Pink Champagne and the 'Champagne of Beers' to ancient soleras, it's a strong and varied start. We also dissect Tiffany Case's well-stocked home bar, take a deep dive into genever and the liquid-after-dinner-mint, not to mention some fun facts about mashed potato being used as one of the film's most visceral props.

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DRINK ALONG!

Stinger

50ml Cognac (Courvoisier VSOP)

25ml Creme de menthe (Menthe Pastille)

Shake vigourously with ice and serve up (without ice) in a coupe glass.

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EAT ALONG!

Caviar and cutlets

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