7 Iconic Casino Cocktails and the Stories Behind Them

Cocktails and casinos go hand-in-hand – so much so that there’s even a fancy beverage named after everyone’s favourite place to play. A cocktail is always an additional option for enjoying the game in a casino, with various bonuses, such as free spins selected via Slotozilla list. Most retail casinos house bars run by elite professionals cooking up various delightful concoctions from dusk until dawn. But with such a vast array of drinks on offer, you might wonder which option will best accompany you through the day or night.

In this expert-developed cocktail-centric guide, we uncover the iconic backstories behind the industry’s beloved alcoholic beverages. From traditional classics to modern creations – there’s something for everyone here.

Best Cocktails Per Casino Game

Here’s a quick look at the most suitable cocktails to order while playing popular casino games.

Casino Cocktail

Where else to begin than the cocktail named after the casino itself? Officially recognised by the IBA (International Bartender’s Association), Casino Cocktails feature traditional gin, cherry-flavoured gin (Maraschino liqueur), orange bitters, and lemon juice. These ingredients are shaken together and mixed with ice cubes to create a refreshingly cool drink ideal for those looking for a sure-thing at a local establishment.

Today’s Casino Cocktails were first brought to public attention in the early 1900s. Conjured up by Jacob. A. Didier in 1909, this classic remains a hit among those who indulge in slots, table games, and all other genres available at retail casinos. 

Gin & Tonic

Next up, we have an old reliable. Regardless of where you venture on your journey through retail casinos – virtually every venue will immediately understand what you mean when you enquire about a G & T. It’s a simple beverage that hits the spot no matter the season. 

Preferences vary, but one of the most popular preparation methods for gin and tonic is to simply mix your favourite gin with tonic water. The precise ratio of alcohol to tonic water differs from venue to venue – with most beverages holding between 1:1 and 1:3 in favour of the non-alcoholic portion of the drink. 

Like the taste of the drink, the history behind gin and tonic is quite unique. It came to be as a cure for malaria as members of India’s military sought to battle the disease. At the time, it was believed that a combination of gin, lime, water, and sugar would serve as the perfect vessel for quinine – an anti-malaria medicine. Although the effectiveness of this method has since been proven false, the composition of gin and tonic remains incredibly similar to its original form.

Espresso Martini

What do you get when you combine everyone’s favourite morning beverage with a world-famous alcoholic drink? An exuberant and slightly flashy cocktail that carries a noticeably creamy texture when created just right. It’s a sweet yet generously bitter mixture of coffee and vodka. The perfect compatriot for late nights or extended play sessions. 

The exact birth of the espresso martini is stringently debated in many circles but one claim carries more weight than others. It is believed that the first beverage of this ilk was unveiled at Soho Brasserie during the 1980s when a supposed fashion star craved something both energetic and alcoholic. Thus, the espresso martini came to be.

It remains a stalwart in the retail and online casino scenes through new cocktail-based slot games – and you should be able to find a delicious espresso martini at all top-rated nearby establishments. 

Whiskey Sour

Another IBA-recognised beverage, the whiskey sour merges a delicate blend of tasty ingredients that result in a wondrous offering containing whiskey, lemon juice, and syrup. Although it sounds tremendously basic, the flavours are far from boring. This is especially true when other ingredients enter the fold – as several variations of the drink have come to pass since its inception. Egg whites, scotch, and red wine stand as popular additions to the drink.

Finished with a Maraschino cherry and half a slice of orange, the whiskey sour originally came to fruition in the mid-to-late 1800s. Specifically, it is thought that the author of 1862’s The Bartenders Guide, Jerry Thomas, introduced the first written steps outlining the whiskey sour cocktail. However, many argue that whiskey sours have been enjoyed by the masses for decades prior to the book’s release. 

Regardless of its true debut, the whiskey sour is a great option for anyone looking to wash the night down after partaking in casino games. 

Pina Colada

If you want to stand out at the poker table, display a ferocious showing of courage while playing roulette, or tell those around you that you’re not just at the casino to bet look no further than the world-famous Pina Colada. This drink is a personality test in itself.

Served in a tall glass called a Poco Grande, pina coladas contain pineapple juice for sweetness, cream of coconut for texture and taste, and rum for an extra kick. Bartenders typically garnish the cocktail with a slice of pineapple or cherry, but this is down to personal preference. 

Historians believe that a Puerto Rican pirate named Roberto Cofresi invented the Pina Colada during the 19th century. That said, mainstream media did not spread the word of this eccentric cocktail until the 1920s. In the 1950s and 1960s, multiple bartenders came forward as “creators” of the Pina Colada. 

Whatever the truth may be – you can grab a summery swig of pineapple, rum, and coconut at most modern retail casinos. 

Bloody Mary

Instantly recognisable thanks to its blood-red appearance, the Bloody Mary is a cocktail presented in a high-ball glass. Packed with Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, vodka, lemon juice, tabasco sauce, black pepper, and a sprinkling of celery salt, this beverage is not for the faint-of-heart. In fact, its target audience is those who may have drunk a little too much the previous night due to the drink’s apparent anti-hangover qualities. 

Who originally designed the Bloody Mary remains a mystery, but plenty of names have been thrown around. Here’s a look at some who claim to have delivered the Bloody Mary to the world:

• Fernand Petiot

• George Jessel

• A Cuban fish restaurant named El Floridita

• Life Magazine

Modern retail casinos take inspiration from each of these supposed originators of the Bloody Mary. It pairs nicely with a morning session or a midday berth on the slots – with its tantalizingly tangy nature waking many-a-tired-bettor from a slumber. 

Mojito

Last but not least is the world-renowned Mojito. A sweet cocktail made up of lime juice, white rum, sugar, soda water, and a smattering of mint, this popular drink is often enjoyed during summer betting sessions. If you’re looking for a cocktail that delivers a “pick me up” without the caffeine, mojitos deliver just that. 

The origin of mojitos is significantly less debated than other cocktails discussed today, but there remains some room for questioning. Though it is agreed that mojitos are derived from local recipes in Havana, Cuba, some uncertainty surrounds the date and year in which they were first brought to the fore. 

So, whether you’re a slots-fanatic, table-game enthusiast, or preparing for a fresh batch of bets at the beginning of the night – the mojito represents one of the best non-caffeinated options at casino bars.