“Shaken, not stirred” is one of James Bond’s most iconic lines, and for good reason. But it does raise a simple question: who actually stirs a martini in the first place? I’ve never seen a bartender stir any mixed drink, let alone a martini specifically. Sure, people swear there’s a difference in taste and texture, and shaken tends to win that debate. And whether I could tell the difference is another matter entirely.

So maybe Bond’s order is less about preference and more just force of habit? Does he just enjoy the ceremonial nature of bartenders shaking his drink?