Try out this Monkey Gland recipe! Mixing gin, orange juice, and a bit of absinthe, this drink is great for any get-together.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
152
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Gin
- 1½ oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 tsp of Grenadine
- 1 tsp of Absinthe
- Ice Cubes
- Orange twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer and Fine-strainer
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Set your coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice cubes to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: In your cocktail shaker, pour in the grenadine, Absinthe, fresh orange juice, and Gin.
- Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake it until the outside feels cold.
- Strain: Remove the ice from your chilled glass and fine-strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish: Add an orange twist for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Gin: I've tried this with vodka when I ran out of gin; it gives a different, cleaner taste. For a unique twist, try a botanical, non-alcoholic spirit to replace gin directly.
- Grenadine: If grenadine isn't available, a simple pomegranate or cherry syrup can be a good alternative. Remember, the aim is to give a touch of sweetness and a splash of color.
- Absinthe: Pernod or pastis can be used. If those are also hard to find, a few fennel or anise seeds infused in vodka can replicate the licorice notes.
Making a Pitcher of Monkey Gland:
- Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. This would mean 12 oz of gin, 12 oz of fresh orange juice, and 8 bar spoons of grenadine and absinthe.
- Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice. Stir thoroughly.
- Serve: Pour into individual chilled glasses, garnish, and serve.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Gin Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic gin substitute; they offer a comparable flavor without the alcohol.
- Absinthe Substitute: A hint of non-alcoholic aniseed or licorice flavoring can replace the absinthe's distinct flavor.
- Follow Steps: Using these non-alcoholic substitutes, go through the regular instructions.
Making it Vegan:
- Check Your Ingredients: While the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally vegan, some grenadines can contain animal byproducts. Use a vegan-certified grenadine, or make your own using pomegranate juice and sugar.
- Serve as Usual: Once you've ensured your ingredients are vegan, follow the main recipe.
What is a Monkey Gland?
Monkey Gland is a gin cocktail incorporating fresh orange juice, grenadine, and a dash of absinthe. Historians trace its quirky name to the early 20th century, possibly drawing inspiration from a peculiar medical procedure. While its title might raise eyebrows, the drink has earned a spot in classic cocktail menus worldwide. People often seek the Monkey Gland for its unique blend of flavors. The International Bartender Association(IBA) officially categorize the drink as one of “The Unforgettables“.
What is a Monkey Gland made of – The ingredients
To put together a Monkey Gland, make sure you have the following:
- Gin: The primary spirit in the cocktail, adding depth and botanical notes.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Introduces a citrusy sweetness and brightens the flavor.
- Grenadine: Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of red color.
- Absinthe: Gives the cocktail a subtle aniseed or licorice note, enhancing its complexity.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink, refreshing and diluting it slightly for balance.
- Orange twist (optional): Used for garnish, it provides an aromatic zest on the nose.
