Lido Cocktail Recipe

Lido Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:14g

Alcohol percent:25%

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 Lido cocktail is named after the famous Lido Beach in Venice, Italy. This refreshing and elegant drink was created in the 1920s during the height of the Prohibition era. It was a popular choice among the fashionable and sophisticated crowd who frequented the luxurious bars and hotels along the Lido shoreline.

  • The Lido cocktail was inspired by the glamour and opulence of the Italian Riviera
  • It was a favorite among celebrities and socialites during the Roaring Twenties
  • The Lido Beach in Venice is known for its golden sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning Art Deco architecture

How Lido Tastes?

The Lido cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a refreshing citrus taste, with a hint of floral notes from the elderflower liqueur. The gin adds a subtle juniper taste, while the vermouth brings a touch of herbal complexity.

Interesting facts about Lido

  • The Lido cocktail is often served in a coupe glass, which was originally designed for champagne
  • The drink is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist, which adds a burst of citrus aroma
  • The Lido cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a nightcap

Ingredients

A few good options for Lido are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

GIN

  • Gin is the spirit base of the cocktail, providing a complex botanical flavor. Using 2oz is just enough to assert its presence without overpowering the other delicate ingredients. If you use less, the drink might be too mild; more, and you risk an imbalance. A possible alternative could be vodka for a less complex taste.

Alex Green

ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR

  • This sweet and floral liqueur brings a unique flavor that complements the gin. At 1oz, it adds depth without being too sweet. Forgetting the elderflower would mean losing a key floral note, but an alternative like St-Germain can provide a similar taste.

Emma Rose

LEMON JUICE

  • Fresh lemon juice provides acidity that brightens the drink and balances the sweetness. Half an ounce is just the perfect squeeze to keep everything in harmony. Too much could turn the cocktail sour, and too little could render it flat. Lime juice could be a zesty alternative but would change the flavor profile slightly.

Mary Mitkina

SIMPLE SYRUP

  • The simple syrup is there to add a touch of sweetness and smooth out the acidity. The balance is key here; a half-ounce should suffice. Without it, the drink might be too tart. An alternative like honey syrup could provide a richer sweetness.

Alex Green

DRY VERMOUTH

  • Dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and dry element, complementing the gin nicely. Just a splash (0.5oz) does the trick without making the drink too boozy. Omitting it would lose an essential complexity, while a sweeter vermouth would change the drink's character significantly.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Lido Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and dry vermouth
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist

Pro Tips

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients

Perfect Pairings

Food

  • Cheese plates: The bright and floral notes of the Lido cocktail pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or Brie. The elderflower liqueur complements the subtle flavors of the cheese.
  • Light Appetizers: Items like smoked salmon or cucumber sandwiches which are not too overpowering allow the cocktail's delicate flavors to shine.
  • Seafood dishes: Especially good with shellfish, like oysters or shrimp, which can match the Lido's crispness.

Drinks

  • Mineral Water: A simple palate cleanser between sips to enhance the cocktail's flavors.
  • Champagne: For those who enjoy pairing cocktails with other alcoholic beverages, a brut champagne can complement the dryness of the vermouth.

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What you could change in Lido

  • Vodka can be used instead of gin for a smoother taste
  • Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrus note
  • Honey can be used instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetness

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber Lido

  • Ingredients: Use cucumber-infused gin instead of regular gin.
  • Recipe: Follow the original Lido recipe but shake with a few slices of fresh cucumber.
  • Taste Change: This will add a fresh, garden-like twist to the drink, complementing the elderflower's floral notes.
  • Experience: It's like taking a leisurely stroll through a blooming garden, perfect for a summer's eve.

Rosy Lido

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of rose water along with the other ingredients.
  • Recipe: Proceed as with the original recipe, adding a few drops of rose water before shaking.
  • Taste Change: This will introduce a gentle rose flavor, making the cocktail intricately fragrant.
  • Experience: Sipping this feels like whispering sweet nothings—it's delicate, tender, and mysteriously alluring.

Spiced Lido

  • Ingredients: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the shaker.
  • Recipe: Include the cardamom with the other ingredients and shake well.
  • Taste Change: Cardamom will bring a warming, exotic spice to the mix, balancing the sweetness with its aromatic depth.
  • Experience: It's a cozy embrace on a cool evening, with each sip hinting at distant shores and spice markets.

In case you forgot basics how to make Lido

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 Lido

What type of gin works best for a Lido cocktail?

Though any type of gin can work, London Dry Gin is frequently preferred due to its clear, crisp flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.

Can a Lido cocktail be made in large batches for parties?

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe. Just make sure to maintain the ratios to ensure the proper taste.

What is the origin of the name 'Lido'?

Lido is Italian for 'beach'. The cocktail is named after the famous Lido Beach in Venice, Italy.

What makes Elderflower Liqueur unique?

Elderflower Liqueur is made from the small, white flowers of the elderflower bush. It's known for its distinct, subtly sweet and floral flavor.

Is there an alcohol-free version of the Lido cocktail?

Yes, the gin and vermouth can be replaced with non-alcoholic alternatives and the elderflower liqueur can be swapped out for an elderflower cordial or syrup.

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