Casino Cocktail Recipe

Casino Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:7g

Alcohol:22%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Casino cocktail has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. It was first mentioned in Harry Craddock's 'The Savoy Cocktail Book' in 1930. The Casino is a classic gin-based cocktail that has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, refreshing drink.

  • Originated in the early 20th century
  • First mentioned in 'The Savoy Cocktail Book'
  • A classic gin-based cocktail

How Casino Tastes?

The Casino cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors, with a slightly sweet and sour taste. The gin provides a strong, botanical backbone, while the maraschino liqueur adds a touch of sweetness. The fresh lemon juice brings a zesty, tangy element, and the orange bitters round out the flavor profile with a subtle, citrusy bitterness.

Interesting facts about Casino

  • The Casino is sometimes referred to as the 'Gin Aviation', due to its similarity to the classic Aviation cocktail.
  • The original recipe called for Old Tom Gin, a sweeter style of gin that was popular in the 19th century.
  • The maraschino cherry garnish is a nod to the maraschino liqueur used in the cocktail.

Ingredients

A few good options for Casino are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The 2 oz of gin provides the core spirit of the cocktail. It's the canvas where the other flavors paint their magic. Too little gin and the drink is a tad weak, too much and you'll overpower the nuances. Skip it, and, well, it's not a Casino anymore, it's a sad lemonade.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Liqueur

Providing a 0.5 oz maraschino liqueur adds a sweet, cherry-almond undertone that's oh so necessary. It's like the bassist in a band – you may not always notice it, but you'd miss it if it's gone. Go overboard, and the cocktail becomes cloyingly sweet.

Alex Green

Fresh Lemon Juice

Ah, 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice, the zest of life, the citrusy zing that makes the Casino dance on your tongue. Too much, and the drink becomes a sourpuss. Too little, and it's like watching paint dry. Exciting? Not.

Emma Rose

Orange Bitters

Just 2 dashes of orange bitters give a spicy herby complexity. Imagine it as the friend who adds an unexpected twist to a story. Leave it out, and the plot doesn't quite twist right. Like forgetting a punchline.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

And finally, a maraschino cherry for garnish – it's not just a pretty face; it's a sweet little encore when you've finished sipping.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Casino Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and orange bitters
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry

Pro Tips

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep your cocktail cool longer.
  • Use high-quality gin for a smoother taste.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Appetizers: The Casino's crisp and botanical notes pair nicely with light appetizers such as oysters on the half shell or goat cheese crostinis.
  • Seafood: The lemon juice in the cocktail complements dishes like grilled shrimp and smoked salmon well.
  • Cheese: A board featuring mild, creamy cheeses such as Brie or Camembert balances the cocktail's sharpness.

Drink Pairings

  • Non-alcoholic**: Because the Casino is rather strong, it can be followed by a refreshing mocktail like a cucumber mint cooler to cleanse the palate.

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What you could change in Casino

  • You can substitute the gin with vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • If you don't have maraschino liqueur, you can use cherry brandy or cherry syrup.
  • Lime juice can be used in place of lemon juice for a more tart flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Elderflower Casino

Swap the maraschino for elderflower liqueur, creating a flowery and slightly sweeter twist. Add a splash of soda water to balance the sweetness:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 0.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Soda Water
  • Lemon twist for garnish

This variation is a garden party in a glass, perfect for sipping on a warm sunny day.

Casino Royale

Include a small amount of egg white to add a frothy texture. Double strain into the glass, and add a dash of crème de violette for a royal purple hue:

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • 0.25 oz Crème de Violette
  • Egg White

Think of it as a Casino with a crown, smooth with a regal touch.

Smoky Casino

Introduce a peated Scotch rinse to the glass before pouring the cocktail to give it a smoky backdrop:

  • Peated Scotch (for rinse)
  • 2 oz Gin
  • 0.5 oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 dashes Orange Bitters
  • Maraschino Cherry

It's a nod to the classic, with a whisper of campfire tales and autumn evenings.

In case you forgot basics how to make Casino

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Casino

What should be the temperature of the gin and other ingredients before mixing the Casino cocktail?

All the ingredients including gin should be at room temperature before mixing for optimal flavor blending.

Can I replace orange bitters with any other type of bitters in the Casino cocktail?

Yes, but it may slightly alter the taste of the cocktail. Angostura bitters can be a suitable alternative.

What are some food pairings with the Casino cocktail?

The Casino pairs well with salty snacks such as olives or cheese, seafood, and light, tangy salads.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Casino cocktail?

Yes, you can replace gin with non-alcoholic gin and maraschino liqueur with cherry syrup to create a non-alcoholic Casino.

Is Casino cocktail suitable for a cocktail party?

Absolutely. Its well-balanced flavors, sophistication and ease to create makes it a perfect choice for a cocktail party.

What are the origins of the name 'Casino' for this cocktail?

The exact origins of the name 'Casino' for this cocktail are not known, although it was popular in speakeasies during the 1920s prohibition period where discreet gambling was often occurring.

Can I prepare a Casino cocktail in a batch for a party?

Yes. Simply multiply all the ingredients proportionally according to the number of servings you want. Remember not to add ice into the batch, add it individually to glasses.

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