Casino

The Casino is a refined pre-Prohibition gin cocktail that showcases the elegance of Old Tom gin, the nutty sweetness of maraschino, and the brightness of fresh lemon. It is a crisp, aromatic drink with a dry, sophisticated edge, perfect for those who enjoy complex yet refreshing cocktails.

Built in the sour family but lifted by orange bitters and a fragrant lemon zest, the Casino delivers layers of flavor without becoming heavy or overly sweet. Its restrained sweetness and strong aromatic character make it a versatile choice, ideal as an aperitif before dinner or as a contemplative evening drink.

For cocktail enthusiasts, the Casino is especially interesting because it highlights the specific character of Old Tom gin and maraschino liqueur. It is also an official IBA New Era cocktail, a modern classic that bridges old-school technique with contemporary taste.

Instructions

Official Recipe:

1. Chill a rocks glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water while you prepare the drink.
2. Add 40 ml Old Tom gin into a cocktail shaker.
3. Pour in 10 ml Maraschino Luxardo and 10 ml fresh lemon juice.
4. Dash 2 dashes of orange bitters into the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice cubes.
6. Shake vigorously for about 10–12 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold on the outside.
7. Discard the ice and water from the chilled rocks glass if you used them to chill it.
8. Strain the mixture into the chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
9. Express a strip of lemon zest over the surface of the drink to release the oils, then garnish with the lemon zest and a maraschino cherry.

Note: Adjust the lemon juice slightly to taste if your citrus is particularly sharp or mild, but keep the overall profile dry and balanced.

Tips

• Use real Old Tom gin: The Casino is designed around Old Tom, which is slightly sweeter and rounder than London Dry. Using the correct style of gin keeps the balance between citrus, sweetness, and bitterness.
• Freshly squeezed lemon only: Bottled lemon juice will flatten the drink. Fresh juice provides the bright acidity needed to cut through the maraschino and gin.
• Measure precisely: With such a small ingredient list, even 5 ml too much maraschino can make the cocktail overly sweet. Use a jigger for accuracy.
• Control dilution: Shake briskly but not excessively. About 10–12 seconds is ideal to chill and dilute while keeping the flavors sharp.
• Quality maraschino: Use a good-quality maraschino liqueur like Luxardo; cheaper alternatives can taste artificial and dominate the drink.
• Garnish with intent: Express the lemon zest over the glass before dropping it in. Those aromatic oils are a key part of the first impression on the nose.
• Serve well-chilled: The Casino shows best very cold. Use solid, fresh ice in both the shaker and the rocks glass to keep it crisp to the last sip.

Classic Variations

• Casino (Up Version): Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with no ice for a slightly more intense, spirit-forward presentation.
• Aviation: Add crème de violette and serve up in a cocktail glass for a floral, sky-blue relative of the Casino.
• Gin Sour: Omit the maraschino and bitters, increase the lemon and sweetener for a simpler, more direct sour-style drink.
• Improved Casino: Add a barspoon of simple syrup if you prefer a softer, slightly sweeter balance.

Flavor Profile

On the initial taste, you get a bright hit of lemon and the botanical character of Old Tom gin, lifted by the fresh citrus acidity. The mid-palate reveals subtle almond and cherry-kernel notes from the maraschino, interwoven with the spice and citrus peel tones of orange bitters.

The finish is dry, aromatic, and slightly bitter, with lingering lemon oils from the zest and a gentle sweetness that never becomes cloying. Overall, the Casino is crisp, medium-bodied, and clean, with a classic, old-world gin character.

History

The Casino traces its roots to the early 20th century and appears in classic bartending guides from the pre-Prohibition era. It belongs to the same family of gin, citrus, and maraschino cocktails that produced other icons like the Aviation. The use of Old Tom gin links it to a period when cocktails were beginning to refine and balance sweetness, acidity, and botanicals in a more sophisticated way.

Revived in the late 20th and early 21st centuries alongside the broader classic cocktail renaissance, the Casino gained renewed attention among bartenders and enthusiasts who appreciated its precision and elegance. The cocktail is recognized as an official IBA (International Bartenders Association) New Era Drink, confirming its status as a modern classic on par with other rediscovered recipes.

Today, the Casino is valued by gin lovers and professionals for its subtle interplay of flavor and its ability to showcase quality ingredients with minimal adornment.

Cheers!