Monte Carlo recipe
Rye, Benedictine, and bitters create a compact, herbal Old Fashioned variation with real bite.
Method: Stir ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Old Fashioned Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Rye Whiskey
- 1/2 oz Benedictine
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
How to make a Monte Carlo
- Add rye, Benedictine, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 20 to 25 seconds.
- Strain over one large cube in a rocks glass.
- Express a lemon peel over the surface.
- Drop the peel in and serve.
Garnish
Lemon twist.
Pro tip
Benedictine is sweeter than it seems. Use a dry, assertive rye and do not increase the liqueur unless you are deliberately making a dessertier drink.
History of the Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo appeared in cocktail books in the 1930s. It is often described as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan variation, but its Benedictine note gives it a character all its own.
Flavour profile
Rye, Herbal, Honey, Spice
Variations
- Bourbon Monte Carlo — Use bourbon for a rounder, sweeter profile.
- Monte Carlo 50/50 — Use 1 1/2 oz rye and 3/4 oz Benedictine for a richer nightcap.
- Monte Carlo Sour — Shake with 1/2 oz lemon juice and serve up.
Practise making the Monte Carlo in the free Virtual Bar game.