Of all the drinks in the world, the Monkey Gland is one of my absolute favorites, if you get it just right that is. Most recipes tend to suggest a splash of absinthe or one of its many substitutes, but I prefer the subtlety of coating a chilled cocktail glass with absinthe and dumping any excess. This creates a nice, fruity cocktail with the slightest taste of anise and the aroma itself is intoxicating and delightful. During the time that absinthe was illegal in the U.S. many bartenders learned to make this drink with Benedictine, also a worthy libation. This drink has a sordid history behind its name.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/4 oz grenadine
- 1 dash absinthe
- orange slice for garnish
Preparation:
- Swirl a dash of absinthe in a chilled cocktail glass to coat it, then dump any excess liqueur
- Pour the other ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake well.
- Strain into the cocktail glass.
- Garnish with the orange slice or a burnt orange peel.
