Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo is a classic cocktail that offers a rich and complex flavor profile. It expertly balances the spicy character of rye whiskey with the sweet, herbal notes of Bénédictine D.O.M liqueur. A dash of Angostura bitters adds depth and ties the ingredients together, resulting in a smooth, warming, and elegant sipper. It's often seen as a delightful variation on the Manhattan family of cocktails.
Monte Carlo

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Monte Carlo is classified as a classic cocktail. It belongs to the family of stirred, spirit-forward drinks, often considered a sophisticated aperitif or digestif due to its strength and complex flavor profile.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward cocktail served cold and "up" (without ice) in a chilled Coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It is a relatively strong drink, best enjoyed sipped.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 32-36% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

The Monte Carlo first appeared in print in David A. Embury's influential 1948 book, "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks". Embury noted it as a variation of the Manhattan, praising its unique character derived from the Bénédictine. Its name evokes the glamour and sophistication of the famous Monte Carlo casino and district in Monaco, fitting for such an elegant and worldly drink.
Origin
United States, circa 1940s.

Monte Carlo

The drink is most commonly known as the Monte Carlo, with "Monte Carlo Cocktail" being its formal or full name. There are no other widely accepted alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Monte Carlo Cocktail
Alternative name
Monte Carlo Cocktail

Characteristics overview

The Monte Carlo presents a rich amber color and a silky texture, with a warming and complex flavor profile dominated by rye spice and herbal sweetness. Its aroma is a fragrant mix of whiskey, honey, and spice, leading to a long, smooth finish.
Flavor
Spicy, herbal, subtly sweet, complex, warming
Aroma
Whiskey, honey, herbs, baking spice
Taste balance
Balanced, spirit-forward, hint of sweetness, touch of bitterness
Aftertaste
Long, smooth, warming, spicy, herbal
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Rich amber, clear, golden-brown
Texture
Silky, smooth, rich
Seasonality
Warming, autumnal, wintery, suitable year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is defined by its strong alcohol presence and the spicy notes from the rye, balanced by a subtle sweetness from the liqueur and a hint of bitterness. It is a non-carbonated, intensely flavored cocktail.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This three-ingredient cocktail requires a spicy Rye Whiskey, the unique herbal liqueur Bénédictine D.O.M., and a few dashes of classic Angostura Aromatic Bitters.
  • Rye Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    A quality, high-proof rye (like 100-proof/50% ABV) works best to stand up to the Bénédictine.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.15 ml / 0.5 oz
    This sweet, herbal French liqueur is essential for the cocktail's signature flavor.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Adds spice complexity and balances the sweetness of the liqueur.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need standard bar tools for a stirred cocktail: a mixing glass, a jigger for measuring, a bar spoon for stirring, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients with ice.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Hawthorne or Julep strainer for straining the chilled liquid.

Instructions

This is a stirred cocktail built in a mixing glass with ice, then strained into a chilled coupe. The process is straightforward: chill, combine ingredients, stir, strain, and garnish.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
2. Combine the rye whiskey, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass two-thirds full with large, solid ice cubes.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is frosty and the drink is well-chilled.
5. If you used ice water, empty the serving glass.
6. Strain the cocktail from the mixing glass into the chilled serving glass.
7. Take a fresh lemon peel, hold it over the drink, and squeeze it to express its oils onto the surface.
8. Garnish by dropping the lemon twist into the glass, and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish. The citrus oils expressed over the drink add a bright aromatic layer that complements the herbal and spicy notes.
  • Lemon Twist - Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink's surface before dropping it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan, vegetarian, and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is not considered gluten-free due to the use of rye whiskey, though the distillation process removes most gluten proteins.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with most calories coming from the alcohol. The carbohydrate and sugar content is relatively low, derived entirely from the Bénédictine liqueur.
Calories
Averagely 190-210 kcal / 795-880 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 7-9 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a sophisticated pre-dinner aperitif or a warming nightcap, the Monte Carlo suits any occasion that calls for a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. It is an excellent choice for quiet evenings or elegant social events.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Nightcap
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Monte Carlo's rich, spicy, and herbal profile pairs wonderfully with savory and rich foods. It complements the saltiness of aged cheeses and cured meats, and its complexity stands up well to the richness of dark chocolate or the simple pleasure of spiced nuts.
  • Aged cheeses like sharp cheddar or Gruyère
  • Charcuterie board with cured meats
  • Dark chocolate
  • Spiced or salted nuts

The Monte Carlo: A Gamble on Sophistication

The Monte Carlo is a refined and elegant rye whiskey cocktail, dating back to the 1940s. It beautifully marries the spicy kick of rye with the complex honeyed and herbal notes of Bénédictine liqueur, all tied together with aromatic Angostura bitters. Served chilled and straight up, it's a perfect sipper for those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward drink with historical roots. Its name conjures images of old-world glamour, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated evening.

Similar Cocktails

Bobby Burns

A similar classic made with Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth, and a small amount of Bénédictine.

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