Blackhawks Fans: Toast Chris Chelios' No. 7 (And Patrick Kane's Return) With A Blended Breakthru Beverage... Created For Agent 007

It's an upscale take on the Vesper, James Bond's famous martini. The cocktail blends Ketel One Vodka, the late Rocky Wirtz's favorite distilled spirit, with Tanqueray No. Ten, one of current Blackhawks boss Danny Wirtz's callout gins. Now we have to mix it... and name it.

Hockey stick. Swizzle stick. They both work on ice. 

Breakthru Beverage Group, the mammoth alcohol wholesaler, is probably the biggest money generator in the portfolio of the family-owned Wirtz Corporation. Breakthru distributes more than 6,000 brands of distilled spirits, wine and beer.

Of course, the Wirtzes have also owned the Blackhawks over four generations.

Let's mix up a new take on a classic, using Breakthru products to toast the retirement former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios' No. 7 and the return of Patrick Kane to the United Center on Sunday, Feb. 25. 

Chicago will take on the Detroit Red Wings at 5 p.m., but fans should be in their seats by 3 p.m. for the ceremony to honor Chelios.

This is a Blackhawks version of the Vesper, the first martini British secret agent James Bond ordered in Ian Fleming's book, "Casino Royale," and the subsequent film. 

Bond's number was 007. Chelios' was just 7. Close enough.

This classy cocktail blends vodka, gin and dash of Lillet Blanc, a French fortified wine, instead of vermouth. Garnished with lemon, it should be shaken, not stirred, and served icy cold.

Late Blackhawks chairman Rocky Wirtz liked very dry Ketel One Vodka martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives. 

Distributed by Breakthru: Check. Even in Canada, THN readers.

Danny Wirtz says he enjoys a gin-based beverage every now and then. He even named one of his daughters Juniper. 

The current Blackhawks and Wirtz Corporation chairman talks up the blend of botanicals in Tanqueray No. Ten, a top-shelf spirit. Make sure to read The Hockey News Money & Power special edition for more. Subscribe at thn.com/free

Distributed by Breakthru: Check. Even in Canada, THN readers.

The Vesper was named after the seductive double agent Vesper Lynd, who tempted Bond. 

Here's all-Blackhawks and Breakthru recipe.

Place the three main ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake until very chilled.

Compared to a gin martini, this has a slightly sweet, bitter taste balanced by the Lillet, while the vodka tames the gin's botanicals. It's a drink both gin and vodka drinkers can appreciate.

NOW: What to name this version of the Vesper?

WARNING: This is a very potent cocktail. Make sure to have water on the side and don't down this drink with an empty stomach, no matter your age. Don't drive if you feel buzzed or over the blood alcohol limit in your state or province.