a nice drink made with a combination of gin, OJ, and 1.5 teaspoon grenadine, with an orange peel garnish

Table of Contents

How to Make the Monkey Gland Cocktail
History of the Monkey Gland Cocktail
Ingredients
Variations
Final Thoughts

bright pink-orange drink made with a cocktail strainer

OK, you’re probably like “I’m sorry, the what?” But hang with me– I promise it’s more delicious than it sounds.

The Monkey Gland drink is as intriguing as its name— and no, it doesn’t include any monkey parts (*shudders*). It’s just a good ol’ fashioned mixed drink with an odd name.

This classic cocktail recipe combines gin, orange juice, grenadine, and a touch of absinthe for a drink that’s fruity, slightly herbal, and definitely unique. When Chris and Rob made this one for today’s recipe video (below), I couldn’t help but laugh at the name, but one sip made it clear why this quirky cocktail has stuck around for decades.

How to Make the Monkey Gland Cocktail

Join us as Chris walks you through the Monkey Gland cocktail recipe, balancing its fruity and herbal notes with just a few ingredients– And then, yes kids, try this at home.

orange cocktail in a coupe glass surrounded by oranges on a table

History of the Monkey Gland Cocktail

The Monkey Gland cocktail dates back to the 1920s, created by the legendary bartender, Harry MacElhone at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.

The drink’s eccentric name was inspired by a bizarre medical trend of the era, involving supposed, uh, “rejuvenation” treatments with— and I apologize because this is pretty gross— monkey testicle tissue, which was transplanted into human men.

While the science didn’t stand the test of time, the cocktail did, earning its place as a Prohibition-era classic with its bold flavors and striking hue. And considering how not-gross this drink is, I’m glad it’s the one that stuck around.

Despite its memorable moniker– one that is definitely a contender for the “ridiculous cocktail name” award, this (surprisingly) isn’t the most famous cocktail in the world by any means, but it holds its own in modern cocktail culture– and I’d say that this funky drink is absolutely worth a try.

A citrusy cocktail surrounded by its ingredients on a bar

Monkey Gland Ingredients

The Monkey Gland cocktail recipe relies on a handful of ingredients, each contributing to its distinct flavor profile:

Gin: The botanical base, dry gin provides herbal and floral complexity.
Orange Juice: Fresh-squeezed orange juice adds a bright, citrusy element that balances the stronger flavors.
Grenadine: A splash of grenadine lends a touch of sweetness and a beautiful blush of color. If you’re not a huge fan of the chemical, bottled stuff, you can make your own real grenadine at home beforehand.
Simple Syrup: Just a little bit goes a long way, combining with the grenadine to sweeten up the drink a bit more.
Absinthe (or Pastis): Just a rinse or a few drops introduce an herbal, anise note that elevates the drink and plays against the sweetness. You can adjust this to taste, of course– Some prefer just one dash of absinthe, while we are using three drops.

This blend of ingredients brings together citrus and botanicals with a hint of sweetness, creating a balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Variations

The classic recipe’s balance of flavors makes it a great base for experimentation. Here are some fun variations to try:

Bitter Monkey: Because this cocktail isn’t completely balanced as is and runs on the sweeter side, Chris recommends adding 1/4 ounce of lemon juice or 2 dashes of orange bitters to help level out that sugar from the orange juice.
Tropical Monkey: Add a splash of pineapple juice or swap grenadine for passionfruit syrup for a tropical twist.
Smoky Gland: Swap out gin for mezcal to introduce earthy, smoky undertones.
Berry Monkey: Replace grenadine with raspberry or blackberry syrup for a rich, fruity alternative.
Low-Fi Monkey: Skip the absinthe and use a drop of herbal bitters for a gentler, less intense version.
Spiced Monkey: Make your own spiced pomegranate syrup infused with cinnamon and clove, replacing the grenadine for an earthier, less sweet version.

Bartending holding a drink in a chilled glass with orange slice garnish

A Name Worth Remembering

This classic gin cocktail might raise a few eyebrows with its eccentric name, but its flavor is seriously fun. The balance of gin, orange juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and absinthe creates a drink that’s fruity, herbal, and super memorable.

Whether you stick with the classic or experiment with a variation, this cocktail proves that sometimes a ear-perking name is just the start of the adventure. So give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments. Cheers to cocktails with character!