Lido Cocktail Recipe

The Lido cocktail is named after the famous Lido Beach in Venice, Italy. This refreshing and elegant drink was created in the 1920s during the height of the Prohibition era. It was a popular choice among the fashionable and sophisticated crowd who frequented the luxurious bars and hotels along the Lido shoreline.

• The Lido cocktail was inspired by the glamour and opulence of the Italian Riviera
• It was a favorite among celebrities and socialites during the Roaring Twenties
• The Lido Beach in Venice is known for its golden sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning Art Deco architecture

The Lido cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. It has a refreshing citrus taste, with a hint of floral notes from the elderflower liqueur. The gin adds a subtle juniper taste, while the vermouth brings a touch of herbal complexity.

• The Lido cocktail is often served in a coupe glass, which was originally designed for champagne
• The drink is sometimes garnished with a lemon twist, which adds a burst of citrus aroma
• The Lido cocktail is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a nightcap

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
2. Add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and dry vermouth
3. Shake well until chilled
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass
5. Garnish with a lemon twist

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
• Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer
• Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients

Food

• Cheese plates: The bright and floral notes of the Lido cocktail pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or Brie. The elderflower liqueur complements the subtle flavors of the cheese.
• Light Appetizers: Items like smoked salmon or cucumber sandwiches which are not too overpowering allow the cocktail's delicate flavors to shine.
• Seafood dishes: Especially good with shellfish, like oysters or shrimp, which can match the Lido's crispness.

Drinks

• Mineral Water: A simple palate cleanser between sips to enhance the cocktail's flavors.
• Champagne: For those who enjoy pairing cocktails with other alcoholic beverages, a brut champagne can complement the dryness of the vermouth.

• Vodka can be used instead of gin for a smoother taste
• Lime juice can replace lemon juice for a different citrus note
• Honey can be used instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetness

Cucumber Lido

• Ingredients: Use cucumber-infused gin instead of regular gin.
• Recipe: Follow the original Lido recipe but shake with a few slices of fresh cucumber.
• Taste Change: This will add a fresh, garden-like twist to the drink, complementing the elderflower's floral notes.
• Experience: It's like taking a leisurely stroll through a blooming garden, perfect for a summer's eve.

Rosy Lido

• Ingredients: Add a splash of rose water along with the other ingredients.
• Recipe: Proceed as with the original recipe, adding a few drops of rose water before shaking.
• Taste Change: This will introduce a gentle rose flavor, making the cocktail intricately fragrant.
• Experience: Sipping this feels like whispering sweet nothings—it's delicate, tender, and mysteriously alluring.

Spiced Lido

• Ingredients: Add a pinch of ground cardamom to the shaker.
• Recipe: Include the cardamom with the other ingredients and shake well.
• Taste Change: Cardamom will bring a warming, exotic spice to the mix, balancing the sweetness with its aromatic depth.
• Experience: It's a cozy embrace on a cool evening, with each sip hinting at distant shores and spice markets.