Monkey Gland
Despite its bizarre and unappetizing name, the Monkey Gland is a surprisingly delicious and refreshing classic from the 1920s. It's a simple gin and orange juice cocktail made extraordinary by a subtle, aromatic hint of absinthe.
Ingredients
- 2 oz London Dry Gin
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 bar spoon Grenadine
- 1 dash Absinthe
- Garnish: Orange Peel
Instructions
- Rinse the Glass: Pour a dash of absinthe into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Swirl it around to coat the entire interior, then discard the excess liquid.
- Combine and Shake: Add the gin, fresh orange juice, and grenadine to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Well: Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside is ice-cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into the prepared, absinthe-rinsed glass.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a fresh orange peel over the surface of the drink for aroma, then drop it in.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Absinthe Rinse: The key to this drink's unique character is the absinthe. It's not meant to be a main ingredient but an aromatic whisper. The rinse provides a complex, herbal anise note on the nose that beautifully contrasts with the sweet and fruity flavors of the drink itself.
Fresh Juice is Crucial: As with any simple sour-style cocktail, using freshly squeezed orange juice is non-negotiable. The bright, natural flavor is essential to balance the gin's botanicals and the absinthe's powerful aroma.