For most, a casino promises a glittering night of fun chasing the ultimate prize. It's even better with a drink in your hand while throwing chips on a the table, waiting for cards to be dealt, or watching the roulette ball spin. But what sort of drinks should be matched with your favourite casino games? Read through our handy guide to see what to try the next time you play.
Cocktails
Cocktails are the perfect fit for a casino environment. There are so many to choose from – from simple light refreshers to those served in a glamorous glass. A Screwdriver's mix of booze and fruit juice keeps you sober enough to make the right decisions about which cards to play or when to fold.
Other refreshing cocktails come with different benefits. A Bloody Mary is commonly considered a hangover cure, so if you're still a little rough around the edges, let the tomato juice and Tabasco do their job, while the vodka takes the edge off. The mint leaves of a Mojito can also arouse your senses and keep you fresh for the tables.
If you want a genuine casino experience, why not try a Martini – shaken, not stirred. James Bond’s signature cocktail was sipped by the super sleuth plenty of times at the casino tables, bringing with it a refined experience. For something a bit creamier, opt for a White Russian or Baileys cream liqueur, which makes for a perfect after-dinner drink if you're dining in the casino.
Spirits
Hard spirits like whisky, vodka and rum can also be enjoyed at a casino without impairing your ability to gamble or have a good time. The best way is with a mixer to spruce them up a little, like a vodka and cranberry juice, gin and tonic or a rum and coke. These sugary pairings can help stimulate your short-term game.
A glass of whisky is often a favourite at the poker table. Whisky neat is generally for sipping rather than to shoot down straight, but it too can be watered down by ordering it on the rocks, with a couple of refreshing ice cubes to help soften the sharpness of the whisky without dulling your senses.
Beer
If cocktails and spirits aren't up your street, a cold refreshing beer can help players relax and ease into a game of roulette, blackjack or poker. It's a simple choice and most casinos will carry a wide range of beers, from big breweries to local craft IPAs.Keep an eye on the alcohol content, as some beers are considerably stronger than others. If you're playing a game of chance like roulette, this may not matter so much, but other games like blackjack and poker will require some level of concentration.
Tea and Coffee
While it might not be a glamourous choice, a nice cup of tea or coffee can give you a caffeine kick to keep you going. These hot beverages can be the perfect choice if you don’t drink alcohol, or if you want to visit the casino tables during the day.
A cup of coffee can come in very handy during a long session of poker to help perk up the senses and keep your eye on the draw. However, the caffeine content can also make you more tired after the rush has worn off, so keep them coming at regular intervals.
Water
Alcoholic drinks are a great coupling with casino games if you are playing to relax or blow off some steam, but for those long poker sessions, nothing can beat a hydrating glass of H20. Games can often last hours and tournaments can go on for days, so you need to be on your A game. Drinking water regularly will keep you calm and cool and make sure that you don't dry out under pressure.
At the end of the day, you go to a casino to have fun and win, so order whatever you feel comfortable drinking. Alcohol is fun in moderation, as is gambling, but too much of one might mean you spend too much on the other. Use this guide to pick a drink that will help you stay in control and keep the fun coming.
