Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol:23%
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: January 7, 2024
The Monte Carlo cocktail is a classic whiskey-based drink with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated in the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, where high rollers and celebrities would enjoy this sophisticated libation.
The Monte Carlo cocktail is a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Benedictine. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the sweetness of the syrup and the warmth of the bitters.
Rye Whiskey packs a spicy punch that serves as the backbone of the Monte Carlo. It's not too much nor too little at 2 oz; just enough to let the whiskey shine without overwhelming the Benedictine's sweeter, herbal qualities. Without it, you'd have a very different cocktail on your hands, perhaps a bit too sweet and lacking the signature spiciness.
Benedictine is like the secret spice blend in your grandma's famous recipe—it's got that 'What's that flavor?' quality. At 0.5 oz, it sweetens the deal without upstaging the whiskey, and its herbal complexity adds depth. Miss it out, and the cocktail loses its intriguing character.
Think of two dashes of aromatic bitters as the salt and pepper of the drink. They're small but mighty, adding a layer of depth that ties everything together. It's a balancing act; too little and the drink can be too sweet, too much and it can become too bitter.
The lemon twist is the zestful finishing touch that brightens up the whole affair. The oils provide a fresh aroma that contrasts nicely with the darker liquor, and the visual appeal is not to be underestimated. No lemon twist means a less inviting first sip.
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Just like the original, but with a splash of champagne for a bubbly twist. It’ll lighten the drink, add some fizz, and make it feel more celebratory.
Swap out the rye whiskey for apple brandy. This will give the cocktail a fruity twist, perfect for autumn evenings by the fire.
For a non-alcoholic version, use non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives and a non-alcoholic herbal syrup. This twist allows everyone to enjoy the complexity of a Monte Carlo without the buzz.
Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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).
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Typically, a Monte Carlo is served in an old-fashioned glass, also known as a rocks glass. However, it may also be served in a coupe glass for additional elegance.
Given its smooth, rich and slightly sweet taste, the Monte Carlo cocktail pairs well with heavy meals such as a well-marinated steak or a hearty roast.
Rye whiskey is made from at least 51% rye and it typically has a spicy or fruity flavor compared to the sweet, rich flavor of bourbon, which is primarily corn.
Benedictine is an herbal liqueur made from 27 different herbs and spices, giving it a complex flavor profile that's a blend of sweet honey and tart citrus.
You should stir a cocktail with a long cocktail spoon, moving in a circular motion until the cocktail is well mixed. Generally, the goal is to chill the drink and dilute it slightly.
The Brandy Crusta has a balanced, complex taste with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The orange liqueur and maraschino liqueur contribute a subtle sweetness, and the aromatic bitters bring a hint of spice.
The 'Fall From The Tree' cocktail offers a harmonious blend of flavors. It's warmly sweet from the apple juice and cinnamon syrup, with a refreshing tartness from the lemon juice. The applejack, or your choice of bourbon or scotch, provides a robust backbone, while the aromatic bitters add depth and complexity. It's a medium-bodied cocktail that leaves a lingering spice on the palate.
The Conference is a rich, full-bodied cocktail with a harmonious blend of sweetness from the Demerara syrup, the warmth of rye and bourbon, and the fruitiness of apple brandy. The cognac adds depth, while the aromatic and chocolate bitters provide a complex, spiced undertone. The citrus twists contribute a bright, zesty finish.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
The Creole cocktail is a complex and well-balanced drink, with a sweet and fruity base, a hint of bitterness from the Campari, and a warm, spicy finish from the rye whiskey. It is both refreshing and invigorating, making it a perfect choice for a warm summer evening or a lively night out.
The Espresso Martini is a rich, velvety, and slightly sweet cocktail with a strong coffee flavor and a hint of bitterness. It has a creamy texture and a frothy top, making it a luxurious and indulgent drink.
Irish Coffee is a warm, rich, and creamy cocktail with a perfect balance of bitter coffee, sweet sugar, and smooth Irish whiskey. The whipped cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
The Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
