There’s something timeless about the Casino cocktail. It’s crisp, a little tart, gently sweet, and has just enough complexity to make you feel like you’re sipping something special. Made with gin, maraschino liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of orange bitters, this classic drink has been around for over a century—and for good reason.
Casino
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights when I want something refreshing but still elegant. It’s simple to make but tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bar.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Cocktail or coupe glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) dry gin
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) maraschino liqueur
– 1/4 oz (7.5 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 dashes orange bitters
– Ice, for shaking
– Garnish: maraschino cherry or a lemon twist
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop your cocktail or coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep the drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail crisp and refreshing.
- Shake it up. In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 15 seconds—until the outside feels cold and frosty.
- Strain and serve. Strain into your chilled glass. You want a smooth pour, so use a fine strainer if you have one.
- Garnish. Drop in a maraschino cherry or add a twist of lemon peel. Either works beautifully—go with what you’ve got on hand.
Tips for Success
– Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness. It’s worth the squeeze.
– Don’t skip chilling the glass. It helps keep the flavors sharp and the drink cold longer.
– Shake hard. You want to wake up the citrus and mix everything thoroughly. If your shaker feels icy, you’re doing it right.
– Watch the maraschino liqueur. It adds sweetness and a subtle cherry-almond flavor, but too much can overpower the drink. Stick to the recipe for balance.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the gin, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice (without ice) and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick shake with fresh ice and add bitters right before serving.
Leftovers? Not likely—but if you must, keep the mix chilled and use within a day.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Sometimes you’ve gotta work with what’s in your kitchen. Here are some easy swaps and twists:
- Gin: Vodka works if you prefer a smoother, less botanical flavor.
- Maraschino liqueur: Try cherry brandy for a deeper fruit note, though it’ll make the drink sweeter.
- Lemon juice: Lime juice gives it a zestier, slightly sharper edge.
- No bitters? A drop of Angostura or grapefruit bitters will still add depth.
Fun Variations
- Summer Casino: Muddle a few cucumber slices and a sprig of mint in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Light, fresh, and garden-party ready.
- Winter Casino: Infuse your gin with a cinnamon stick and star anise for a few hours. It adds a cozy, spiced twist that’s perfect for colder months.
- Berry Casino: Add a few fresh raspberries or blackberries to the shaker with the lemon juice. Shake well and double-strain for a fruity spin.
Virgin Casino (Non-Alcoholic)
If you’re skipping the booze, no problem.
Mix 2 oz (60 ml) tonic water, 1/2 oz (15 ml) lemon juice, and a splash of cherry syrup or grenadine. Add a dash of bitters if you’re okay with trace alcohol. Serve over ice and garnish with a cherry.
What It Tastes Like
The Casino is bright and zesty from the lemon, with a soft sweetness from the maraschino. The gin brings in herbal, slightly piney notes, while the bitters pull it all together with just a hint of spice. It’s balanced and elegant—kind of like putting on a sharp suit or a little black dress.
I’ve made this drink countless times—here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: if your lemon is on the sour side, just a drop more maraschino can round things out beautifully. Taste and adjust until it sings.
What to Serve With It
Looking for the perfect bite to go with your Casino? Try these combos:
- Smoked Salmon: The smoky, salty richness pairs beautifully with the citrusy bite of the cocktail.
- Spicy Tapas: Think chorizo bites or patatas bravas. The lemony notes cool down the spice just right.
- Dark Chocolate: That little bitter-sweet square of 70% cocoa? It’s magic with the cherry and citrus flavors in the drink.
FAQs
Can I make a Casino ahead of time?
Yes—just skip the ice until you’re ready to serve. Keep the mix chilled and shake with fresh ice when it’s go-time.
Is it a strong drink?
Yes, but it doesn’t taste overpowering. It’s smooth and well-balanced, so sip slowly.
Best gin to use?
A dry gin works great. London Dry is classic, but feel free to experiment with what you love.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Only if you must. Fresh really makes a difference here.
No maraschino liqueur?
You can try a cherry-flavored syrup or brandy, but it won’t taste quite the same. Still tasty, just not a true Casino.
Final Thoughts
The Casino cocktail is one of those drinks that feels a little fancy without trying too hard. Whether you’re making one to unwind after a long day or mixing up a batch for friends, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser. Light, flavorful, and just a touch sophisticated—it’s a classic for a reason.
Try it once and it might just become one of your favorites too.
