Cocktail Art
Monkey Gland
The Monkey Gland is a classic Prohibition-era cocktail created in Paris during the 1920s. Combining robust gin with sweet orange juice, rich grenadine, and a hint of herbal absinthe, it offers a complex, slightly bitter, and deeply aromatic profile. It is a sophisticated choice for brunch or an evening aperitif.
- GlassCocktail glass
- MethodShake
- Time3 min
- Strength≈ 15% ABV
How to make a Monkey Gland
Shake it in a cocktail glass with ice cubes. About 3 minutes.
- Chill your cocktail glass before starting.
- Add the gin, fresh orange juice, absinthe, and grenadine syrup into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
Bartender’s tips
- If you do not have dry gin, you can substitute it with Genever for a maltier, more historic flavor profile.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice rather than bottled juice to ensure the bright acidity balances the sweet grenadine and strong absinthe.
- Chilling the cocktail glass beforehand is essential, as this drink is served without ice and warms up quickly.
You may also like
If you enjoy the botanical and citrus notes of the Monkey Gland, you might also want to try the Lone Tree Cooler, Orange Fizz, Singapore Sling, or Long Island Ice Tea.
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★ 4.6 · 584 ratingsMonkey Gland questions
Which gin works best in a Monkey Gland?
A classic London Dry gin works best to cut through the sweetness of the orange juice and grenadine, though you can also use Genever.
How strong is the Monkey Gland cocktail?
The drink has an alcohol by volume of about 15 percent, making it a moderately strong short drink.
Can I substitute the absinthe?
If absinthe is unavailable, you can use pastis or another anise-flavored liqueur to maintain the drink's signature herbal aroma.