Lucien Gaudin
Discover the Lucien Gaudin, an elegant and sophisticated classic cocktail named after the renowned French Olympic fencer. This delightful libation offers a complex flavour profile, blending the botanicals of gin with the bitterness of Campari, the orange notes of Cointreau, and the herbal nuances of dry vermouth. Often described as a lighter, brighter cousin to the Negroni, the Lucien Gaudin is stirred, not shaken, and served chilled in a coupe glass, typically garnished with an orange peel. It's a perfect choice for those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink with a touch of European flair.
Ingredients
- 3 cl gin
- 1.5 cl Campari
- 1.5 cl cointreau
- 1.5 cl Martini Bianco
- 1 piece orange peel
- ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 coupe glass
Instructions
Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice and letting it sit while you prepare the drink.
Add the gin, Campari, Cointreau, and dry vermouth (Martini Bianco) to a shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Discard the ice from the chilled coupe glass.
Double strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared coupe glass using a strainer.
Express the oils from the orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it into the glass or run it around the rim before discarding.
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Trivia
- What is a Lucien Gaudin cocktail?
The Lucien Gaudin is a classic cocktail made with gin, Campari, Cointreau (an orange liqueur), and dry vermouth. It's named after a famous French fencer and offers a balanced blend of botanical, bitter, sweet, and herbal notes, often compared to a Negroni but distinct in its use of Cointreau instead of sweet vermouth.
- How does the Lucien Gaudin taste?
The Lucien Gaudin presents a sophisticated flavour profile. The gin provides a botanical backbone, Campari adds a distinct bitterness, Cointreau contributes sweet orange complexity, and dry vermouth lends herbal dryness. It's less bitter and slightly brighter than a Negroni, with a crisp, refreshing finish.
- What is the difference between a Lucien Gaudin and a Negroni?
The primary difference lies in one ingredient: a Lucien Gaudin uses Cointreau (or triple sec) and dry vermouth, whereas a classic Negroni uses sweet vermouth. This substitution makes the Lucien Gaudin slightly less sweet, arguably more complex with its orange notes, and possessing a drier finish compared to the richer profile of the Negroni.
- Who was Lucien Gaudin?
Lucien Gaudin (1886–1934) was a legendary French fencer, considered one of the greatest of all time. He won multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championships in both foil and épée. The cocktail is named in his honor, likely reflecting the era's appreciation for sophisticated, spirit-forward drinks.
- Can I substitute ingredients in a Lucien Gaudin?
While the classic recipe is specific, you can experiment. You could substitute Triple Sec for Cointreau for a slightly less complex orange flavour. Different styles of gin (London Dry, Old Tom) will subtly alter the profile. Using another dry vermouth brand instead of Martini Bianco is also common practice. However, changing Campari would significantly alter the drink's core identity.
- When is the best occasion to serve a Lucien Gaudin?
The Lucien Gaudin is an excellent aperitif, perfect for serving before dinner to stimulate the appetite. Its sophisticated nature makes it suitable for cocktail parties, celebratory gatherings, or simply as an elegant drink to enjoy during a quiet evening. Its balanced profile appeals to those who enjoy classic, spirit-forward cocktails.