Ordinary Drink
Casino
The Casino is a classic cocktail that combines gin, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating a refreshing and zesty drink. Often garnished with a twist of lemon or a cherry, this vibrant cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a timeless choice for cocktail enthusiasts. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, embodying the elegance of vintage cocktail culture.
- dry
- citrusy
- herbal
- slightly bitter
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
At its core, the Casino is a gin-forward ordinary drink that takes about 5 minutes to make. The result is dry and citrusy — worth every second. Consistently one of the most popular cocktail party searches, and for good reason.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 2 ozGin
- 1/4 tspMaraschino liqueur
- 1/4 tspLemon juice
- 2 dashesOrange bitters
- 1Cherry
Method
Preparation
- 01
Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist and a maraschino cherry. Serve without a straw.
Origin
History & Origins
The Casino cocktail represents the glamorous world of gaming establishments and upscale entertainment venues that flourished during the mid-20th century. This elegant, spirit-forward drink gained popularity among casino patrons seeking sophisticated cocktails during evening entertainment. Named directly after its cultural context, the Casino embodied luxury, excitement, and refined indulgence associated with destination gaming.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Use high-quality London Dry gin as the foundation for botanical character
From Elena
incorporate fresh lemon juice for proper citric balance and brightness
add maraschino liqueur for subtle sweetness and almond undertones
shake vigorously with ice for adequate chilling and dilution
serve in a coupe glass with a cherry and lemon twist for elegant presentation
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Dry Casino
Using entirely dry vermouth without sweet components for drier profile
Casino with Bitters
Adding aromatic bitters for herbal complexity and balance
Casino Variation with Orange
Incorporating orange bitters or orange liqueur for citrus variation
Modern Casino Riff
Contemporary versions using craft gins or alternative liqueurs
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The Casino has a flavor profile that is dry, citrusy, herbal, slightly bitter. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The Casino is ideal for cocktail parties, upscale gatherings, special celebrations. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a Casino. If you cannot source Gin, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular Casino variations include Dry Casino, Casino with Bitters, Casino Variation with Orange. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The Casino is traditionally served in a Cocktail glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Cocktail glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the Casino is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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