Montreal Cocktail

The Montreal Cocktail is a tribute to its namesake city, offering a complex and layered drinking experience. It starts with a base of robust Canadian rye whisky, complemented by the crisp, botanical notes of dry vermouth. The addition of Bénédictine D.O.M. introduces a unique herbal sweetness and honeyed character, while a dash of Angostura bitters ties everything together with a hint of warming spice. It's a stirred, aromatic drink perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, spirit-forward classic.
Montreal Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Montreal Cocktail is a classic, spirit-forward cocktail. It falls into the category of stirred drinks, similar in style to a Manhattan or a Brooklyn, often enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif.

Serving

Serve this spirit-forward drink ice-cold in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its alcohol content is notable, making it a strong, sippable cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 90 ml or 3 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Approximately 30-34% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While its exact origin is not definitively documented, the Montreal Cocktail is believed to have been created in the mid-20th century as a Canadian riff on the Manhattan or Brooklyn cocktail. It specifically calls for Canadian rye whisky, celebrating the country's distilling heritage. The drink stands as a proud, if lesser-known, sibling to other cocktails named after major cities.
Origin
Canada, likely created in the mid-20th century. It is named after the city of Montreal, Quebec.

Montreal Cocktail

The drink is consistently known as the Montreal Cocktail. Occasionally, it may be referred to by its French name, "Le Cocktail Montréal," especially within Quebec, Canada.
Original name
Montreal Cocktail
Alternative name
Le Cocktail Montréal

Characteristics overview

This is a smooth, amber-colored cocktail with a complex aroma of rye spice and herbs. The flavor is a masterful balance of spicy whiskey, sweet Bénédictine, and dry vermouth, leading to a long, warming finish.
Flavor
Spicy, Herbal, Semi-sweet, Complex, Robust
Aroma
Aromatic, Herbal, Rye Spice, Orange Zest
Taste balance
Bitter, Sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Herbal, Spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, Golden-brown, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Warming, Autumnal, Wintery, Year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, led by the spiciness of rye whisky and the herbal character of Bénédictine. It is a strong, spirit-forward drink that is neither overly sweet nor bitter.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need Canadian rye whisky as the base, complemented by dry vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, and a dash of Angostura bitters. All ingredients are essential for achieving the signature flavor profile.
  • Canadian Rye Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, spicy Canadian rye is essential for the drink's character.
  • Dry Vermouth15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Ensures a crisp, aromatic dryness to balance the other ingredients.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Provides the signature herbal sweetness and complexity.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters1 dash
    Adds a final layer of spice and brings the flavors together.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This cocktail is stirred, not shaken, so you will need a mixing glass, a bar spoon, and a strainer. A jigger is also necessary for accurate measurements.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the cocktail.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients.
  • Strainer (Julep or Hawthorne) for straining into the glass.

Instructions

This drink is easy to prepare by combining all ingredients in an ice-filled mixing glass, stirring until chilled, and straining into a chilled coupe. The final touch is garnishing with an expressed orange twist.
1. Place your serving glass (a coupe or Nick & Nora) in the freezer to chill.
2. Fill a mixing glass with ice cubes.
3. Add the Canadian rye whisky, dry vermouth, Bénédictine, and Angostura bitters to the mixing glass.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-25 seconds, until the outside of the mixing glass is well-chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into your pre-chilled serving glass.
6. Take a fresh orange peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by twisting it, then use it to garnish.

Garnishing

The classic garnish is an orange twist. Express the oils from the peel over the surface of the drink to add a bright citrus aroma before dropping it in.
  • Orange twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in or placed on the rim.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan and free from dairy, eggs, and caffeine. However, as it is made from whiskey (a grain spirit), it is not considered gluten-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The drink contains around 210 calories per serving, with a moderate sugar content primarily from the Bénédictine liqueur. It is relatively low in carbohydrates outside of its sugar content.
Calories
Averagely 200-220 kcal / 837-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 7-9 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 7-9 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is ideal for sophisticated settings, such as a quiet cocktail hour or as an elegant pre-dinner aperitif. Its warming and complex profile also makes it a superb after-dinner digestif to be sipped and savored.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • After-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Montreal Cocktail's spicy and herbal notes pair beautifully with savory and rich foods. It's an excellent companion to a charcuterie board, sharp cheeses, or even a piece of high-quality dark chocolate for a contrasting flavor experience.
  • Sharp cheeses like aged cheddar
  • Charcuterie boards
  • Dark chocolate
  • Smoked nuts

Montreal Cocktail: A Canadian Classic

The Montreal Cocktail is a hidden gem in the world of classic cocktails, perfect for lovers of rye whiskey and spirit-forward drinks. It achieves a wonderful balance between the spice of the Canadian whisky, the dryness of the vermouth, and the unique honeyed-herbaceousness of Bénédictine. While not as famous as its New York counterparts, it offers a distinct and sophisticated profile that is both warming and complex. It is a true sipper, best enjoyed slowly in a relaxed and refined setting.

Similar Cocktails

Manhattan

Uses sweet vermouth instead of dry vermouth and Bénédictine.

Brooklyn

Uses dry vermouth, but with maraschino liqueur and Amer Picon/another amaro instead of Bénédictine.

Vieux Carré

More complex; uses both rye and cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and both Angostura and Peychaud's bitters.

You May Also Like

Black Flip

A surprisingly light yet rich and velvety cocktail made with dark rum, stout beer, and a whole egg, creating a creamy, dessert-like experience.

Zombie

A famously potent and complex tiki cocktail featuring a blend of multiple rums, fruit juices, and spices.

Elderflower Sour

A refreshingly elegant and floral twist on the classic sour, balancing sweet elderflower liqueur with tart citrus and a spirit of your choice.

Tia Mia

A smoky and tropical twist on the classic Mai Tai, featuring a split base of mezcal and Jamaican rum.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Pollyanna Cocktail

A sophisticated, spirit-forward classic cocktail balancing the warmth of bourbon with herbal Bénédictine and dry vermouth.

Smith & Kearns

A simple and creamy coffee liqueur highball topped with the surprising fizz of club soda.

Algonquin Cocktail

A sophisticated and classic cocktail blending the spiciness of rye whiskey with dry vermouth and the tropical sweetness of pineapple juice.

Coronation Cocktail No. 1

A sophisticated and dry aperitif combining fino sherry and dry vermouth with a whisper of maraschino and orange bitters.