Lucien Gaudin

The Lucien Gaudin is a current favorite of mine. It’s an older cocktail, probably Prohibition-era, that has managed to fly under the radar for nearly 100 years. Which is a shame, because it’s very good. With gin, Campari, Cointreau, and dry vermouth, it’s sort of a Negroni-meets-Martini. It’s a perfect aperitif, with just the right amount of bitterness, sweetness, and bright and beautiful hints of citrus.

One thing I love about this cocktail is how simple and classic its four ingredients are. You probably have them in your bar already. The one thing I didn’t have until recently is Cointreau. Since it’s a bit pricier than other orange liqueurs, I’ve often substituted Triple Sec in the past, which will give you generally the same flavor. But since buying a bottle, I have to say that it is definitely not the same. Triple Sec is orange candy in comparison to Cointreau’s brighter, more complex flavor. It adds a level of sophistication to a cocktail that Triple Sec lacks. It’s a worthy splurge.

History: Lucien Gaudin was a famous French fencer. He was known for his graceful technique, which fellow master Felix Bertrand called “poetry in motion.” He won two gold medals at both the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, in which he competed in both the foil and the épée. He went on to become a journalist and co-owner of a company that made sports films. He committed suicide in 1934. Most sources say it was because his company had gone bankrupt, but others claim he suffered a thumb injury that would prevent him from fencing. 

Lucien Gaudin

The cocktail named for Gaudin was probably invented in France during the height of his popularity, but its exact origins are unknown. The earliest publication to include a recipe is Trader Vic’s Bartender’s Guide from 1948. It has recently been rediscovered by cocktail enthusiasts, probably due to its inclusion in Ted Haigh’s recent book Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails. This recipe uses the proportions from Trader Vic’s; Haigh’s recipe reduces the gin to 1 oz.

I think the Lucien Gaudin cocktail is an apt tribute to its namesake. It’s elegant and strong, and the ingredients work together like a bit of poetry themselves.

Lucien Gaudin

1 1/2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. Campari
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1/2 oz. dry vermouth

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Recipe from Cold Glass.