The Monkey Gland cocktail is a truly unique and daring drink, with both remarkable flavors and an equally remarkable history. This cocktail combines the citrusy freshness of gin with the mysterious, anise-like aroma of absinthe. Meanwhile, orange juice and grenadine add sweet, fruity notes. The Monkey Gland is not only an adventure for the taste buds. It also offers a journey into the eccentric world of the 1920s, which shaped its name and reputation.
Story
The history of the Monkey Gland cocktail is closely intertwined with the cocktail culture of 1920s Paris. The cocktail’s name refers to a bizarre medical procedure popularized by Dr. Serge Voronoff. It involved implanting animal glands, specifically monkey glands, into humans in the hope of achieving “eternal youth.” The name reflects the satirical humor of the cocktail’s inventor, Harry MacElhone, owner of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. MacElhone suggested that the drink had just as much of a “rejuvenating effect” as Voronoff’s treatment. In doing so, he was poking fun at the sensational medical idea. The drink quickly became popular among the era’s eccentric cosmopolitans. It has remained an iconic part of cocktail culture ever since.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz (45 ml) gin
1 ½ oz (45 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon grenadine
1 tablespoon absinthe
How to Make a Monkey Gland Cocktail
Pour all the ingredients into a shaker, add ice, and shake well until the drink is thoroughly chilled. Then, strain into a chilled cocktail glass to create a smooth, silky serve.
Serving and Garnish
The Monkey Gland cocktail is most commonly served in a cocktail glass or coupe glass. This beautifully highlights the drink’s vibrant orange color. For garnish, add a twist of orange peel. However, the cocktail’s striking color and appearance are impressive enough on their own.
Calorie Content
A single serving of a Monkey Gland cocktail contains approximately 160–170 calories. Most of these calories come from the orange juice, grenadine, and alcohol.