Monkeys Go Bananas
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 29.7% ABV ∙
Monkeys Go Bananas is a stirred Scotch riff on the Old Fashioned with banana liqueur, a touch of herbal liqueur and a dash of absinthe.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: Blended Scotch whisky 50 mlBanana liqueur 10 mlHerbal liqueur (e.g., Yellow Chartreuse) 5 mlAbsinthe 1 dashSaline solution 1 dash (opt.)
- Strain into the ice-filled glass (preferably over a large cube or chunk of block ice)
- Garnish with a dried banana chip
Tips
- Keep the banana liqueur to 10 ml; pour heavier and the drink turns cloying and hides the Scotch.
- One dash of absinthe seasons the drink; a full pour takes it over.
History
Monkeys Go Bananas is a modern riff on the Old Fashioned, created in 2023 by bartender Audrey Marculescu of Mobster Bar, a Prohibition-themed speakeasy in Paris. In place of the plain sugar and bitters of the original, she uses banana liqueur, a dash of absinthe, and an herbal liqueur, which give the whisky drink a fruity, funky edge.
FAQ
What is in a Monkeys Go Bananas cocktail?
50 ml blended Scotch whisky, 10 ml banana liqueur, 5 ml of an herbal liqueur such as Yellow Chartreuse, a dash of absinthe, and an optional dash of saline solution.
Is a Monkeys Go Bananas shaken or stirred?
Stirred. It has no juice or egg to aerate, so stirring chills and dilutes it while keeping it clear and silky.
How strong is a Monkeys Go Bananas?
About 29.7% ABV, so it is a strong drink for slow sipping. Stirring over ice takes the edge off without hiding the Scotch.
