Monkey's Lunch Cocktail Recipe

Monkey's Lunch Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Fat:5g

Protein:2g

Carbohydrates:40g

Alcohol:10%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Monkey's Lunch cocktail is a popular drink that originated in Canada. It is often enjoyed as a dessert cocktail or a sweet treat during social gatherings. The name 'Monkey's Lunch' is believed to have been inspired by the combination of banana and chocolate flavors, reminiscent of a playful and indulgent treat a monkey might enjoy.

  • Originated in Canada
  • Often enjoyed as a dessert cocktail
  • Inspired by the combination of banana and chocolate flavors

How Monkey's Lunch Tastes?

The Monkey's Lunch cocktail is a sweet, creamy, and indulgent drink with a rich blend of banana and chocolate flavors. It has a smooth texture and a balanced sweetness that makes it a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Interesting facts about Monkey's Lunch

  • The Monkey's Lunch cocktail is often served in a rocks glass over ice
  • It is a popular drink in Canada and has gained popularity in other countries as well
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a chocolate-covered banana slice

Ingredients

Banana Liqueur

Banana Liqueur brings the fruity sweetness and the distinct tropical flavor that gives the Monkey's Lunch its name. Using 1 oz sets the stage without overpowering. Too much and you're in banana heaven, too little and it's more like a Kahlua milkshake. If you run out of Banana Liqueur, you could try using a banana-flavored syrup, but expect a less alcoholic and possibly sweeter drink.

Alex Green

Kahlua

Kahlua adds the deep, rich coffee flavor which complements the banana's sweetness while giving the drink a backbone. The cocktail's balance hinges on the 1 oz - tipping the scales too much either way could create a too bitter or overly sweet experience. If you decide to omit Kahlua, consider substituting with another coffee liqueur, though Kahlua's unique flavor profile is hard to match.

Emma Rose

Milk or Cream

Milk or cream adds a silky texture and mellows out the intensity of the flavors, ensuring the cocktail is smooth and sippable. The choice of milk vs. cream can tailor the drink to your desired richness – with milk being lighter and cream being more decadent. Skimp on it, and the drink might be too strong; overdo it, and it becomes a dairy bomb. Non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk could be used for those with dairy restrictions, though they will impart their own flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Monkey's Lunch Drink

  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice
  2. Pour 1 oz of banana liqueur over the ice
  3. Pour 1 oz of Kahlua over the banana liqueur
  4. Top with 1 oz of milk or cream
  5. Stir gently to combine the ingredients
  6. Optional: Garnish with a chocolate-covered banana slice

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing experience.
  • Stir gently to avoid diluting the cocktail too much.

Perfect Pairings

Desserts

  • Chocolate-Based: The richness of Kahlua and the sweetness of banana liqueur make it an excellent companion for chocolate desserts, enhancing their decadent flavors.
  • Banana Treats: To echo the fruity notes of the banana liqueur, try pairing with banana bread or banana cream pie for a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Coffee Cake: The coffee flavor from Kahlua complements coffee-infused baked goods well.

Coffee

  • Enjoy alongside a steaming cup of black coffee to contrast and cut through the creaminess of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Monkey's Lunch

  • Banana Liqueur: Can be replaced with other fruit liqueurs, such as peach or apricot.
  • Kahlua: Can be substituted with other coffee liqueurs.
  • Milk or Cream: Non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or coconut cream can be used for a vegan option.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso Monkey's Lunch

Replace Kahlua with a freshly pulled espresso shot to add a punch of caffeine and a more intense coffee flavor. Expect a cocktail that's less sweet but packed with a coffee kick that can jolt you awake!

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Banana Liqueur, 1 oz Espresso, 1 oz Milk or Cream
  • Recipe: Follow the same steps, substituting the Kahlua with a shot of espresso.

Nutty Monkey's Lunch

Introduce a nutty twist by adding ½ oz of Frangelico to bring in hazelnut notes which marry beautifully with banana and chocolate. This results in a layered drink where a new depth of flavor teases the palate.

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Banana Liqueur, 1 oz Kahlua, ½ oz Frangelico, 1 oz Milk or Cream
  • Recipe: Build the cocktail in the same fashion, adding in the Frangelico with the other liquors.

Spiked Monkey's Lunch

Add a shot (1 oz) of vodka to elevate the alcohol content and add a crisp edge to the drink without altering the core flavors. The vodka's neutrality means the character of the original ingredients shines through, with just a bit more kick.

  • Ingredients: 1 oz Banana Liqueur, 1 oz Kahlua, 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Milk or Cream
  • Recipe: Begin as usual, adding the vodka along with the other ingredients, then stir and enjoy.

In case you forgot basics how to make Monkey's Lunch

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Monkey's Lunch

Can I use any type of glass to serve Monkey's Lunch cocktail?

While the cocktail is traditionally served in a rocks glass, you can use any type of medium to large glass. Keep in mind, the glass should be able to accommodate the volume of the drink and the ice.

Can I make a large batch of Monkey's Lunch cocktail for parties?

Yes, you can make a large batch of the cocktail, just be sure to maintain the proportions of all the ingredients to preserve the flavor.

Is there any other garnish recommended for Monkey's Lunch cocktail besides a chocolate-covered banana slice?

Traditionally, a chocolate-covered banana slice is used but you could also use whipped cream, a sprinkle of grated chocolate or even a cherry for a touch of color.

Which other countries are known to serve Monkey's Lunch cocktails?

While the cocktail originated in Canada, it is enjoyed in various countries globally, with a notable presence in the United States, parts of Europe and Australia.

I don't have Banana Liqueur, what can I use instead?

While Banana Liqueur is a key ingredient in the Monkey's Lunch cocktail, you could use a banana simple syrup as a replacement. Keep in mind it will alter the flavor profile compared to the original recipe.

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