Monkey Gland

Also known as: Манки Гланд, Манки-Гланд, Обезьянья железа, Обезьянья-железа, Monkey Gland

Monkey Gland cocktail recipe, illustration

Illustration generated by AI from the recipe’s glass, ice and garnish — not a photograph of a real pour.

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Ingredients

How to make it

  1. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add gin to the shaker.
  3. Add Benedictine to the shaker.
  4. Add orange juice to the shaker.
  5. Add grenadine to the shaker.
  6. Close the shaker and shake vigorously.
  7. Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.

Monkey Gland is a classic cocktail with a vibrant flavor that combines gin, Benedictine, and fresh orange juice.

The story

The Monkey Gland cocktail emerged in the 1920s, attributed to the famous bartender Harry MacElhone at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. Named after a controversial surgical procedure involving monkey glands, the drink became popular during the Prohibition era for its unique combination of gin, orange juice, and grenadine, appealing to adventurous drinkers seeking something different.

How it tastes

The Monkey Gland features a sweet and citrusy flavor profile, with the herbal notes of Benedictine complementing the brightness of orange juice. It is best served as a refreshing cocktail during warm weather or as a pre-dinner drink.

Getting it right

The key to a successful Monkey Gland is the balance between the sweet grenadine and the tart orange juice. Shaking the ingredients well with ice ensures proper dilution and chilling, which enhances the overall flavor and texture of the drink.

Variations

  • Monkey Gland #2 — This variation substitutes the gin with vodka, resulting in a smoother taste while maintaining the original's fruity profile.
  • Monkey Gland Sour — In this version, lemon juice is added to create a more tart and refreshing cocktail, enhancing the citrus notes.

Substitutions

  • Benedictine — If Benedictine is unavailable, you can substitute it with another herbal liqueur, such as Chartreuse, though the flavor will differ.
  • Grenadine — For a homemade option, mix pomegranate juice with sugar to create a grenadine substitute.

Questions

What is the origin of the name 'Monkey Gland'?
The name refers to a controversial medical procedure from the early 20th century that involved transplanting monkey glands into humans, which was believed to have rejuvenating effects.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Monkey Gland?
Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by omitting the gin and using a mix of orange juice, grenadine, and a splash of tonic water for fizz.
What type of gin works best for a Monkey Gland?
A London Dry gin is typically recommended for its crisp and juniper-forward flavor, which balances well with the sweetness of the other ingredients.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

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