Dry Casino
A pre-Prohibition cocktail that champions the complex botanicals of gin against the nuanced sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the bright acidity of fresh lemon.
36%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Casino is a classic from the pre-Prohibition era, first appearing in print in 1909. It was popularized by its inclusion in Harry Craddock's 1930 'The Savoy Cocktail Book.' The name likely evokes the glamour of the grand hotels and casinos of the early 20th century.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
Double strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with an expressed lemon peel or a maraschino cherry.
Glassware
Served in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
Lemon twist or maraschino cherry
Expressed lemon twist or a high-quality maraschino cherry
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a high-quality Old Tom gin for a historically accurate and well-rounded cocktail.
Do not over-pour the maraschino liqueur; its potent flavor can easily dominate the drink.
A vigorous shake and a well-chilled glass are essential for the perfect texture and temperature.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Dry Casino.
The Aviation
The most famous relative of the Casino, the Aviation adds crème de violette to the mix, giving it a distinctive floral note and a pale blue hue.
Changes
Casino Royale
A modern variation that adds an egg white to the shaker, resulting in a cocktail with a richer, velvety texture.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Casino Royale
A sophisticated gin cocktail with maraschino liqueur and lemon juice – elegant, complex, and refined like its namesake casino.
Casino
An elegant gin sour with maraschino and lemon—bright, botanical, and subtly cherry-kissed.
Martinez
The 19th‑century bridge between Manhattan and Martini—Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino and bitters stirred silky cold.