Casino Royale cocktail in whiskey sour glass, served with traditional garnish

Ordinary Drink

Casino Royale

The Casino Royale is a sophisticated cocktail that combines gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc, creating a refreshing and elegant drink. Often garnished with a twist of lemon, this cocktail exudes a sense of glamour and excitement, reminiscent of the high-stakes world of James Bond. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a balanced blend of herbal and citrus notes that tantalize the palate.

  • bitter
  • citrusy
  • herbal
  • refreshing
Elena
By ElenaClassic Cocktails & Gin ExpertPublished Reviewed
Prep Time
5 min
Glass
Whiskey sour glass
Difficulty
Easy
Yields
1 serving
Jump to Recipe
Saved!

The Casino Royale is a ordinary drink built on gin, celebrated for its bitter and citrusy character — a consistently top-searched luxury. Whether you're after a reliable cocktail parties option or simply want to master a classic, this 5-minute recipe is straightforward enough for home bars yet refined enough to impress. Perfect if you've been searching for the best celebration.

Ingredients

Serves
1 serving
Glass
Whiskey sour glass
Prep
5 min
  • 2 ozGin
  • 1/2 ozLemon juice
  • 1 tspMaraschino liqueur
  • 1 dashOrange bitters
  • 1Egg yolk

Method

Preparation

  1. 01

    In a shaker half-filled with ice cubes, combine all of the ingredients. Shake well. Strain into a sour glass.

Origin

History & Origins

The Casino Royale is a sophisticated martini-style cocktail named after Ian Fleming's iconic James Bond novel. This elegant drink became synonymous with luxury casinos and spy culture, embodying the glamour and refinement of high-stakes gaming establishments. Its popularity surged in the mid-20th century as a symbol of sophisticated entertainment and continental elegance.

Bartender’s Insight

Pro Tips

Use premium gin and ensure proper chilling by pre-cooling your glass

From Elena

  • Stir gently with ice to achieve the perfect silky texture without over-dilution

  • Garnish with a lemon twist expressed over the drink to add aromatic oils that enhance the flavor profile

At the Table

Perfect Pairings

Smoked salmon canapés
Oysters on the half shell
Caviar and blini
Prosciutto-wrapped figs
Roasted duck breast

Beyond the Classic

Variations

Casino Royale Vodka

Substitutes vodka for gin to create a smoother, more neutral-flavored version

Casino Royale 007

Uses both gin and vodka with a splash of champagne for an elevated variation

Casino Royale Dark

Made with dark rum instead of gin for a richer, warmer profile

Questions

Frequently Asked

Casino Royale Cocktail Recipe | Hero Cocktails | Hero Cocktails