The Casino Cocktail Recipe is a timeless delight that brings together the crisp botanicals of Old Tom gin, the sweet, slightly nutty charm of Maraschino liqueur, and the bright zing of fresh citrus juices. This exquisite drink blends flavors harmoniously and adds a sophisticated touch with a dash of orange bitters and a lovely Luxardo Maraschino cherry garnish. It’s a cocktail that feels both classic and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for those moments when you want to impress without fuss. If you’re ready to shake up a glass that’s elegant and bursting with personality, this Casino Cocktail Recipe is a must-try treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and guarantees that vibrant, balanced flavor the Casino Cocktail Recipe is known for. Each element plays its own role, from the gin’s aromatic spice to the citrus’s bright acidity, creating a perfectly layered taste experience.
- 45 ml Old Tom gin: The backbone of the cocktail, offering a sweeter and more rounded gin flavor that’s smoother than London Dry varieties.
- 20 ml Maraschino liqueur: Adds a subtle cherry-almond sweetness that brings an inviting complexity.
- 10 ml Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for that essential tang and freshness that lifts the whole drink.
- 10 ml Orange juice: Provides a mellow citrus note that softens and brightens the mix.
- 1 dash Orange bitters: Enhances the cocktail’s aroma and layers of flavor with a hint of bitter citrus peel.
- Luxardo Maraschino cherry: The classic garnish that completes the drink with an elegant pop of color and essence.
How to Make Casino Cocktail Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start by selecting a NICK & NORA glass, known for its petite and elegant shape that perfectly suits cocktails like the Casino. Put it in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill it well—serving this cocktail cold maximizes its refreshing character.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
Into a shaker, pour 45 ml of Old Tom gin, 20 ml of Maraschino liqueur, 10 ml each of fresh lemon and orange juices, plus a dash of orange bitters to brighten the flavors. The beauty of the Casino Cocktail Recipe lies in this vibrant yet balanced combination.
Step 3: Shake It Up
Add plenty of ice to your shaker and shake vigorously. This not only chills the liquid but also dilutes it slightly, making the drink smooth and well-rounded. A good shake ensures that all the flavors blend seamlessly.
Step 4: Strain Into Chilled Glass
Remove your pre-chilled glass from the freezer and use a fine strainer to pour the cocktail in. This step ensures a silky, clear presentation free from ice shards or pulp, showcasing the beautiful golden hue.
Step 5: Garnish With Charm
Finally, add a Luxardo Maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick for that signature finishing touch. This cherry not only adds a splash of color but also lends a sweet note as you sip, completing the Casino experience.
How to Serve Casino Cocktail Recipe
Garnishes
The classic Casino Cocktail Recipe is best garnished with a single Luxardo Maraschino cherry, which offers a subtle sweetness and an elegant pop of deep red. Using a high-quality cherry elevates the presentation and enhances each sip.
Side Dishes
Because the Casino is crisp and slightly citrusy, it pairs wonderfully with light hors d’oeuvres such as smoked almonds, a delicate cheese platter, or oysters. These companions complement the drink’s vibrant notes without overpowering its nuanced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of flair, serve the cocktail with an orange twist alongside the cherry or in a vintage coupe glass for a retro vibe. You can also rim the glass lightly with sugar or a fine citrus zest to introduce a playful, aromatic element that teases the palate before the first sip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Casino Cocktail Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with a leftover pour, store it in a sealed bottle or cocktail shaker in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The citrus freshness might mellow slightly, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing this cocktail is not recommended. The fresh citrus juices and the delicate balance of flavors tend to separate or dull when frozen, and the texture might become unpleasant after thawing.
Reheating
Since the Casino Cocktail Recipe is served chilled, reheating is never necessary or advised. Warming will compromise the crispness and brightness that make this drink so special.
FAQs
What is Old Tom gin, and why is it used in the Casino Cocktail Recipe?
Old Tom gin is a slightly sweeter style of gin than the more common London Dry, with a smooth, rounded taste that complements the maraschino and citrus beautifully in this cocktail.
Can I substitute Maraschino liqueur with something else?
While alternatives exist, using Maraschino liqueur is crucial to achieving that signature cherry-almond flavor unique to the Casino Cocktail Recipe. Substitutes may alter the flavor profile significantly.
Is fresh juice necessary for this cocktail?
Absolutely! Fresh lemon and orange juices ensure brightness and acidity that bottled juices can’t match, keeping the Casino Cocktail Recipe vibrant and balanced.
How important is the dash of orange bitters?
Orange bitters add subtle complexity and depth, enhancing citrus notes and tying the flavors together. Skipping them could leave the cocktail tasting flat or less nuanced.
Can I make larger batches of this cocktail for a party?
Yes, you can multiply the ingredients to make a batch. Just mix the spirits and juices in advance, keep chilled, and shake with ice before serving to maintain freshness and that perfect Casino Cocktail Recipe taste.
Final Thoughts
The Casino Cocktail Recipe truly is a shining example of cocktail craftsmanship that feels at once classic and fresh. Its delightful blend of botanicals, cherries, and bright citrus will charm any guest and inspire your inner mixologist. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress friends, give this recipe a whirl—you might just discover a new favorite to savor again and again.
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Casino Cocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Casino is a classic and refreshing cocktail that combines the flavorful blend of Old Tom gin, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh citrus juices, balanced with a dash of orange bitters. Served chilled in a Nick & Nora glass and garnished with a Luxardo Maraschino cherry, it offers a crisp and slightly sweet taste perfect for cocktail enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 45 ml Old Tom gin
- 20 ml Maraschino liqueur
- 10 ml Lemon juice
- 10 ml Orange juice
- 1 dash Orange bitters
- 1 Luxardo Maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare glass: Select a Nick & Nora glass and place it in the freezer or fill with ice to chill while you prepare the cocktail.
- Prepare garnish: Obtain a Luxardo Maraschino cherry to serve as the garnish, setting it aside for later use.
- Mix ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add 45 ml Old Tom gin, 20 ml Maraschino liqueur, 10 ml lemon juice, 10 ml orange juice, and 1 dash of orange bitters.
- Add ice and shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and diluted appropriately.
- Strain cocktail: Fine strain the mixture into the pre-chilled Nick & Nora glass to ensure a smooth, ice-free drink.
- Garnish and serve: Place the Luxardo Maraschino cherry into the glass as a garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon and orange juice for the best flavor.
- Old Tom gin provides a subtly sweeter and richer gin taste compared to London Dry gin.
- Fine straining helps eliminate any small ice chips or pulp, resulting in a smooth drink.
- Chilling the glass enhances the cocktail experience by keeping the drink cold longer.
