The Casino cocktail is a hidden gem—simple, sharp, and surprisingly complex. A pre-Prohibition cocktail built around dry gin, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice, and orange bitters, it's a refreshing, tart drink with a slight cherry finish. Light enough for afternoon sipping but sophisticated enough for a black-tie event, it's the kind of cocktail that turns heads in Los Angeles—especially when served by pros who know how to do it right.
From Pasadena garden parties to Silver Lake film wrap celebrations, the Casino is a secret weapon for impressing guests who've seen it all.
Ingredients for The Casino Cocktail(One Serving)
l 1½ oz London Dry Gin
- ½ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 dashes Orange Bitters
- Ice
- Cherry for garnish
- Coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Tip: If you're sourcing ingredients locally, head to Bar Keeper in Silver Lake or The Wine House in West LA for high-quality gin and authentic maraschino liqueur (like Luxardo).
How to Make the Casino Cocktail
- Chill your glass.
Pop your coupe glass into the freezer, or fill with ice water while you prepare the drink. - Combine ingredients in a shaker.
Add 1½ oz gin, ½ oz maraschino liqueur, ½ oz lemon juice, and 2 dashes of orange bitters to a shaker filled with ice. - Shake hard and fast.
Shake for 12–15 seconds. You want the citrus to chill quickly and mix evenly. The Casino Cocktail is ideal for this purpose. - Double strain into the chilled glass.
Use a fine mesh strainer for a clean, frothy finish. - Garnish with a cherry.
Drop a Luxardo cherry in the center or balance it on a cocktail pick—it adds a sweet contrast to the tart base.
Why Casino Is a Winner in Los Angeles
The Casino drink isn't on every bar menu—which makes it perfect for exclusive LA gatherings. It appeals to gin lovers, sour cocktail fans, and anyone looking for something other than the usual Negroni or Margarita.
You'll find it popping up at:
- Industry after-parties in Burbank
- Home cocktail classes in Culver City
- Chic rehearsal dinners in Manhattan Beach
- Art exhibit launches in Echo Park
It also photographs beautifully, making it an ideal drink for Instagrammable bar setups or high-end mobile bar activations.
FAQs
Is the Casino similar to an Aviation?
Yes, they share maraschino and lemon juice. But the Casino cocktail skips the crème de violette, making it sharper and more citrus-forward. Think of it as Aviation's leaner cousin.
What type of gin should I use?
A London Dry gin works best—something botanical but not too floral. We often use Beefeater or Sipsmith, and for a local LA twist, Mulholland Gin is a great pick.
Can Party Shakers batch the Casino for large events?
Absolutely. We batch the base, then shake fresh per guest to maintain texture. It's perfect for events where guests want something fast, elegant, and unique.
Party Shakers – The Casino Is Always Open in LA
Want to bring a hidden classic to your next event? Party Shakers offers handcrafted cocktails—including the rarely seen Casino—at private events, weddings, brand activations, and corporate parties throughout Los Angeles.
✅ We serve all of LA County, including Glendale, Long Beach, West LA, Pasadena, and beyond
✅ Custom cocktail menus available
✅ Trained mixologists who make every detail count
✅ Optional garnish bars, photo booths, and glassware upgrades