Casino Cocktail
A Recipe to Win Big With
If you’re looking for a casino cocktail recipe that will have you feeling like a high roller in no time, look no further. This classic gin drink is easy to make and packs a punch. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started.
The Casino is a classic gin cocktail. If you almost love an Aviation you will really love. It is centered around gin and maraschino. That is such a delicious classic pairing. Add a little creme de violette and it becomes an Aviation. A little sweet vermouth and some bitters gets you to a Martinez.
CASINO COCKTAIL HISTORY
For many years créme de violette was unavailable. In addition, many people find it overpowering. As a result a lot of bartenders simply omit the violette in an Aviation. The place you arrive at when you do this is the Casino cocktail.
The Casino is a drink created by Hugo Ensslin. He stripped the violette from the Aviation and served this variation while tending bar in New York City. The recipe was originally published in his 1917 book Recipes for Mixed Drinks.
Harry Craddock also published this recipe in the Savoy Cocktail Book.
How to Make a Casino Cocktail
A Casino cocktail is a simple gin-based drink that can be made with just a few ingredients. To make it you’ll need gin, maraschino liqueur, and bitters. Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Fine strain out the ice and lemon pulp. the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass and enjoy!
Casino Cocktail Ingredients
The Casino is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice and orange bitters.
Old Tom Gin
Old Tom Gin is a style of gin that was popular in the 18th century. It is sweeter than modern gin, and is typically made with a higher percentage of sugar. Old Tom Gin is often used in cocktails such as the Casino Cocktail.
Maraschino Liqueur
Maraschino liqueur is a type of liqueur that is made from the Marasca cherries that are grown in Dalmatia. It is a sweet liqueur that is often used in cocktails. Some of the most popular cocktails that include maraschino liqueur include the casino cocktail, the aviation cocktail, and the Martinez cocktail.
Maraschino brings out some of the darker notes in gin. Bitters and lemon juice balance the sweetness of the maraschino. Three ingredients make a simple, well balanced and delicious drink.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice gives this drink some acidity. It also takes it into sour cocktail territory. The sweetness in the maraschino liqueur provides the sweet balance to the acidity of the lemon juice.
Orange Bitters
There are many different brands of bitters on the market, but orange bitters is one of the most popular. Orange bitters are made with bitter orange peel, which gives them their characteristic orange flavor. They are also commonly used in cocktails, and can be added to almost any drink to give it a little extra flavor.
Garnish
You can garnish this drink with a lemon twist or a brandied cherry.
Glassware
This is a drink that is commonly served up in a chilled cocktail glass. A coupe glass or a Nick and Nora glass are perfect for this drink.
Casino Cocktail Variations
There are a few variations that you can make to the casino cocktail. For example, you can add a little bit of orange liqueur for an orange casino cocktail. Another variation is to add some Benedictine for a Benedictine casino cocktail. Finally, you can also add some Lillet Blanc for a Lillet casino cocktail.
Casino Cocktail
The Casino is a classic gin cocktail.
- 1 1/2 ounce London dry gin
- 3/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 dash orange bitters
Pour all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10 – 15 seconds.
Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cocktail cherry.
This recipe has been adapted from Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
Gin Cocktails
Gin is one of the most popular spirits in the world. Learn how to the most important gin cocktails that will be sure to please any guest!
Martinez
The Martinez is another drink that is one step away from the Casino cocktail. Learn more about it here.
Aviation
The Aviation cocktail is the Casino’s closest relative. Learn more about it here.