Monkey gland

Monkey Gland

(0 ratings)

A classic 1920s cocktail with gin, fresh orange juice, grenadine, and absinthe

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Recipe

1 cocktail (130ml)
  • Gin 
    40 ml
  • Orange Juice 
    45 ml
  • Grenadine 
    15 ml
  • Absinthe 
    15 ml
  • Orange Peel 
    1 twist
Recipe credit: Harry MacElhone, Harry's New York Bar, Paris (1920s)

Instructions

Step

Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the drink.

Step

Add 40ml gin, 45ml fresh orange juice, 15ml grenadine, and 15ml absinthe to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step

Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.

Step

Discard ice from the chilled glass and strain the cocktail into the coupe glass.

Step

Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Citrus peeler
Jigger

Description

The Monkey Gland is a classic cocktail created in the early 1920s by Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. This vibrant drink combines gin with fresh orange juice, real grenadine, and a touch of absinthe to create a complex balance of sweet, citrus, and herbal flavors. The cocktail’s provocative name references Dr. Serge Voronoff’s controversial monkey gland transplant experiments, which were believed to rejuvenate humans during that era.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (130ml)
Calories
145
ABV
27 %
Alcohol
28 g
Carbs
12 g
Carbs from Sugar
11 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.5 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Always use freshly squeezed orange juice and real grenadine made from pomegranate juice rather than artificial syrups for the best flavor and color.

  • Start with less absinthe (5-10ml) if you're new to the spirit, as it can easily overpower the other flavors. You can always adjust to taste in future preparations.

  • Shake vigorously to ensure proper dilution and create a light frothy texture that enhances the cocktail's mouthfeel and visual appeal.

  • Choose a gin with pronounced botanicals as it complements the herbal notes of absinthe and balances the sweetness of grenadine.

  • Pre-chill all equipment and glassware for the best results - a warm glass will dilute the cocktail too quickly and affect the flavor balance.

While absinthe is traditional, you can substitute with pastis, Pernod, or another anise-flavored liqueur if absinthe is unavailable. Use slightly less as these alternatives may have different alcohol content and flavor intensity.

The color comes from real grenadine made from pomegranate juice. Artificial grenadine syrups often produce different colors and flavors. Look for brands like Liber & Co or make your own grenadine for the authentic coral-pink hue.

Adjust the grenadine quantity to taste – reduce to 10ml for a drier cocktail or increase to 20ml for more sweetness. You can also add a small amount of simple syrup if additional sweetness is desired without changing the color significantly.

The cocktail was named after Dr. Serge Voronoff’s controversial 1920s experiments involving monkey gland transplants, which were believed to have rejuvenating properties. The name was chosen by creator Harry MacElhone to reflect the era’s fascination with this bizarre medical procedure.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Gin
    40 ml
  • Orange Juice
    45 ml
  • Grenadine
    15 ml
  • Absinthe
    15 ml
  • Orange Peel
    1 twist

Method

  1. Chill a coupe glass by placing it in the freezer or filling with ice water while preparing the drink.
  2. Add 40ml gin, 45ml fresh orange juice, 15ml grenadine, and 15ml absinthe to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until the mixture is well chilled and slightly frothy.
  4. Discard ice from the chilled glass and strain the cocktail into the coupe glass.
  5. Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink, then drop it in as garnish.