Instructions

1
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
2
Stir well until extremely cold.
3
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4
Garnish with an orange twist.

Lucien Gaudin

Name: Lucien Gaudin
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 30 ml Gin; 15 ml Dry Vermouth; 15 ml Campari; 15 ml Cointreau; 1 twist Orange twist

The Lucien Gaudin is a sophisticated, more bone-dry cousin of the Negroni. Named after the legendary French Olympic fencer, it is a masterclass in aromatic precision, where dry vermouth and Cointreau substitute the traditional sweet vermouth for a leaner, more citrus-forward experience.

Key Takeaways

Advanced Negroni: A drier and more citrus-driven alternative to the Italian classic.
French Elegance: Highlights the synergy between gin botanicals and orange zest.
ABV: High (approximately 28-30%).
Primary Glassware: Chilled cocktail glass or Nick & Nora.

The History of the Lucien Gaudin

Named in honor of Lucien Gaudin, who won gold medals for France in the 1920s, the drink surfaced in Parisian bar manuals of the era. It was added to the IBA New Era Drinks list to represent the sophisticated, French-style of bitter-sweet drinking.

Ingredient Definition and Selection

Gin

A standard London Dry Gin provides the necessary juniper structure.

Dry Vermouth

Acts as the necessary dry stabilizer that defines the drink’s identity against the sweet Negroni.

Campari

The essential bitter component. Its vibrant red color and citrus-peel bitterness are foundational.

Cointreau

The premium orange liqueur provides the necessary sugar and orange zest to balance the bitterness.

Preparation and Best Practices

The Long Stir: To achieve the landmark silky mouthfeel and clarity, stir for a full 30-45 seconds with hard ice.
Temperature is Crucial: This is a spiritous “up” drink; pre-chilling the glass is mandatory.
The Garnish: A large orange peel expressed over the top provides the final aromatic “lift” that emphasizes the Cointreau’s orange notes.