Monkey Gland

Monkey Gland
Table of Contents

The Monkey Gland cocktail, a unique and intriguing cocktail, has an interesting history that traces back to the 1920s. This enticing concoction is believed to have been created by a renowned bartender, Harry MacElhone, at his famed Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of the Russian scientist Serge Voronoff, who experimented with grafting monkey testicle tissue onto humans, MacElhone named the cocktail after this controversial procedure. The Monkey Gland cocktail gained popularity during the height of the Jazz Age and became an emblematic drink of the era. This classic cocktail combines gin and orange juice, with a splash of grenadine and a hint of absinthe or anise-flavored liqueur for an added touch of complexity. With its intriguing name and delightful blend of flavors, the Monkey Gland cocktail remains a fascinating piece of cocktail history that continues to captivate mixology enthusiasts to this day.

Monkey Gland Recipe

  1. 45 ml Gin

  2. 30 ml Fresh orange juice

  3. 1 dash absinthe

  4. 5 ml Grenadine

  5. Ice

  6. Garnish: Orange slice or orange peel

monkey gland cocktail

How to Make the Monkey Gland

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and add gin, fresh orange juice, absinthe, and grenadine.

  2. Shake for 10-12 seconds, until chilled.

  3. Strain the mix into a martini or coupe glass.

  4. Garnish with an orange slice or an orange peel.

Want to have a one-time sipping experience? Try the 21st Century Cocktail, which also includes Absinthe