The Story Behind The Monkey Gland
The Monkey Gland may be an unusual blend of bar cart staples, but when composed just right, it transforms into an enticing and delicious concoction. The base of the drink is herbaceous, bright, and poppy, with a straightforward mixture of gin, orange juice, and Grenadine. But what really sets this drink apart is a rinse of absinthe in the glass beforehand, leaving behind a subtle, sultry perfume of anise. What would otherwise be a fun, fruity, easy sipper becomes complex and alluring.
According to Rob Chirico’s “Field Guide to Cocktails,” the origins of the Monkey Gland can be traced back to Harry MacElhone, owner and bartender at the iconic Harry’s New York Bar in 1920s Paris. The name itself comes from a pseudo–scientific idea popularized in that era, which argued that inserting the tissue of a monkey testicle inside the human body could increase longevity.
Needless to say, we’d rather stick with the namesake drink.
Related Reads & Recipes
More Gin Recipes To Explore
The Gin Kombucha Tea Punch Recipe:
With a mix of aromatic Early Grey tea and funky, fruity kombucha, this lightly-sparkling gin punch is a can't-miss crowd pleaser.
Tanqueray London Dry Gin Negroni:
The lovely red drink is bitter enough to be interesting yet easy to drink, thanks in large part to Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
The Hanky-Panky Recipe:
Created in the 1920s, the Hanky-Panky is a representation of the overseas bartending innovation that occurred during America’s Prohibition.
The Southside Recipe:
Falling somewhere between a Gimlet and a Mojito, the Southside is an easy-to-make, quaffable, and refreshing cocktail.
The Berry Bee’s Knees Recipe:
This twist on the classic Bee's Knees gin cocktail incorporates a mix of berries. It is easy to make at home with whatever fruit you have on hand. Learn how to make it with this recipe!
The Old Fashioned Mill No. 4:
This take on the classic Old Fashioned swaps out bourbon in favor of both gin and apple brandy for a warm spiced edge. See the recipe here!
