Casino Cocktail Recipe

You can learn to the Casino cocktail recipe at home. This drink features gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice and bitters. The ingredients in this classic are so well-balanced, and that’s why it’s loved by mixologists and drinkers alike.

Casino cocktail with cherry and orange garnish

How to Create the Perfect Casino Cocktail

Creating the perfect casino cocktail isn’t difficult. The mixing technique is very easy. You put glass in a mixing glass, which is simply any tumbler or glass you have.

Then you pour in the ingredients and gently stir them around until the drink is chilled. After that, you strain the mixed drink – without the ice – into a coupe or martini glass.

Choosing the Gin

It’s important to pick a good, tasty gin for this cocktail. 

Look for one that has a crisp, dry flavor profile. This will complement the other ingredients. Some popular choices include Tanqueray London Dry Gin, Beefeater Gin, Old Tom Gin and Bombay Sapphire Gin.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste preferences. It’s fun to experiment with different gins until you find the one that works best for your individual palate.

Choosing the Maraschino Liqueur

Maraschino liqueur is a popular ingredient you’ll see in many classic cocktail recipes like the Aviation and Hemingway Daiquiri. There are several brands to choose from, but some of the best ones include:

  • Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. This is a widely available and respected brand that’s been made in Italy since 1821. It has a wonderful cherry-almond flavor and aroma.
  • Maraska Maraschino Liqueur. This is a popular choice from Croatia, with an intense fruity flavor and hints of almonds and spices.
  • Tempus Fugit Spirits Crème de Noyaux. Although not technically a Maraschino liqueur, this is an almond-based liqueur you can use as a substitute in cocktails calling for maraschino. It has a rich nutty flavor with notes of cherry and vanilla.

If you can’t find those brands, most any brand that’s actually called maraschino liqueur will still be delicious. What you do not want to get under any circumstances is a simple cherry liqueur. That’s a completely different flavor profile.

Fresh-squeezed Lemon Juice

It’s worth it to squeeze a lemon instead of using bottled lemon juice. The bottled won’t taste bad, but fresh has more of a… well, fresh flavor. It’s that simple.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Your Casino Cocktail

When it comes to serving your casino cocktail, presentation is key. You want your drink to look as good as it tastes and impress your guests with its appearance. Start by choosing the right glassware for your cocktail. In this case, a coupe or martini glass.

You can also add some flair to your presentation by garnishing your cocktail with fruits, herbs or spices that complement its flavors. A simple lemon or lime twist on the rim of a glass can add a touch of elegance, while a sprig of fresh mint or rosemary can lend aroma and freshness to the drink. Consider using unique ice cubes made from fruit juice or coffee for an added visual effect.

Casino Cocktail vs. Aviation Cocktail Recipe

When it comes to classic cocktails, the Casino and the Aviation are two drinks that stand out.

The Casino cocktail is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, orange bitters, and lemon juice. The gin is the focal point of this cocktail and the maraschino liqueur adds a slightly floral and sweet note.

On the other hand, the Aviation cocktail is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and Crème de Violette, which gives it its signature light blue color. The Crème de Violette adds a unique floral flavor to the cocktail, which pairs well with the gin and maraschino liqueur.

Both cocktails are refreshing and easy to drink, but the Aviation has a more complex flavor profile. Overall, the choice between these two cocktails comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a strong gin flavor, go for the Casino. If you want something a little more unique, try the Aviation. 

Enjoying your Casino Drink

This is a very tasty classic cocktail recipe that’s been around for years. It’s changed from the original recipe, and you should feel free to tweak the ingredients. Try different ratios. Add more of this or less of that.

Similar to the Casino Cocktail Recipe

If you love the taste of this drink, don’t miss the Aviation cocktail, which we already mentioned, featuring gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and Crème de Violette, which is so good.

Overhead shot of Aviation cocktail with cherries

And there’s also the White Lady, with gin, triple sec, and lemon juice.

The overall flavor is citrus with herbal notes from the gin - light, refreshing, and neither dry nor sweet. If you like martinis, this drink makes for a great change every now and then.

And of course the egg white variation on the Casino, called the Casino Royale!

Closeup of Casino Royale cocktail on dark table with cherry ganish against brown background

Casino Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 oz. London Dry gin
  • 1/2 oz. maraschino liqueur
  • 1/4 oz. lemon juice
  • 4 dashes orange bitters
  • Maraschino cherry garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
  2. Add in all ingredients.
  3. Stir them around gently to chill and mix.
  4. Strain the mixture into a coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

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Last Updated:

December 18, 2023