Looking for a cocktail that's sure to impress your guests? Try the Casino Royale! This sophisticated drink combines the smoothness of gin with the tanginess of lemon juice and a hint of sweetness from maraschino liqueur. Top it off with a dash of orange bitters and a frothy egg white for a truly elegant finish. With just a few simple tools like a shaker and juicer, even beginner bartenders can create this classic recipe. Cheers to a night of glamour and indulgence with the Casino Royale!
Casino Royale Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 1 tsp maraschino liqueur
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1 egg
Casino Royale Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Casino Royale Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes
- shake till perfectly chilled
- pour into glass
The Casino Royale: A Classic Cocktail with Endless Variations
As a professional bartender, I often get asked about classic cocktails. One that stands out is the Casino Royale. This cocktail has been around for over a century and is still popular today. In this article, we'll discuss the history, ingredients, garnishing, variations, and common mistakes when making a Casino Royale.
Popularity
The Casino Royale cocktail was first mentioned in the 1900s and was popularized during the Prohibition era. It is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. The drink is infamous for its appearance in the James Bond movie, "Casino Royale" where the main character, Bond, orders a drink with the same name.
The origins of the Casino Royale are murky, but it is believed to have been created in the early 1900s in Belgium. The cocktail is known for its complex taste, which is a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The drink is typically served in a cocktail glass and garnished with a lemon twist.
Ingredient roles
The Casino Royale cocktail has a unique combination of ingredients that work together to create a delicious drink. Here is a breakdown of the roles of each ingredient:
- Gin: The base of the drink, gin adds a botanical flavor to the cocktail.
- Lemon juice: Provides a sour taste that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Maraschino liqueur: Adds a sweet, cherry flavor to the drink.
- Orange bitters: Adds a bitter taste that complements the other flavors.
- Egg: The egg white adds a silky texture to the cocktail and helps to bind the ingredients together.
How to garnish
Garnishing is an essential part of a cocktail as it adds to the overall appearance and taste. For a Casino Royale, the traditional garnish is a lemon twist. To create a lemon twist, use a peeler to cut off a strip of lemon peel. Twist the peel over the drink to release the oils, then place it on the rim of the glass.
Variations
One of the best things about the Casino Royale cocktail is that there are endless variations. Here are some popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail version
If you want to enjoy the flavor of a Casino Royale without the alcohol, you can make a virgin/mocktail version. Simply omit the gin and maraschino liqueur and replace them with lemonade and cherry syrup.
Gluten-free version
For those who have gluten allergies, you can use a gluten-free gin such as Tito's Handmade Vodka. Also, make sure the maraschino liqueur you use is gluten-free. Some popular gluten-free maraschino liqueur brands are Luxardo and Maraska.
Vegan version
To make a vegan version of the Casino Royale, replace the egg white with aquafaba. Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and is a great vegan substitute for egg whites in cocktails.
Keto version
For those following a keto diet, the traditional recipe for the Casino Royale may not fit into your diet plan. To make a keto-friendly version, use a low-carb gin such as Bombay Sapphire and replace the maraschino liqueur with a sugar-free cherry syrup.
Low-calorie version
If you're watching your calories, you can still enjoy a Casino Royale. Use a low-calorie gin such as Beefeater Light and replace the maraschino liqueur with a low-calorie cherry syrup.
Common Mistakes when making
Making a Casino Royale is not difficult, but there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are a few tips to help you avoid these mistakes:
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor to the cocktail.
- Make sure to shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure the egg white is properly incorporated.
- Use a strainer to remove any large pieces of ingredients, such as fruit parts or seeds, from the drink.
- Use the right glass for the cocktail. A cocktail glass is the traditional glass for a Casino Royale and will enhance the overall experience.
In conclusion, the Casino Royale is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. It's versatile, with endless variations to suit everyone's taste. Whether you're a fan of the traditional recipe or prefer a twist on the classic, the Casino Royale is a drink that everyone can enjoy.
If you are going to order Casino Royale in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Casino Royale can be served with different ingredients in different places.
