Welcome to Day 7 of the Advent of Cocktails 2025! Today's cocktail is...

Monte Carlo

___

History

The Monte Carlo cocktail is a classic drink that has its roots in the early days of bartending in America, reflecting the blend of glamorous European influences and American ingenuity. It is a variation of the Manhattan, a cocktail that emerged in the late 19th century. The Monte Carlo was likely created during the cocktail renaissance of the 20th century, where bartenders began experimenting with traditional recipes and ingredients. The cocktail is named after Monte Carlo, the luxurious and elegant district in Monaco, known for its casino and high-roller lifestyle, which fits perfectly with the sophisticated nature of this drink.

The recipe first appeared in one David Embury’s 1948 book "The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks". It's also featured in Michael Dietsch’s book, “Whiskey: A Spirited Story with 75 Classic & Original Cocktails.” in which Dietsch suggests using something with heft to it, like Rittenhouse, which clocks in at 100 proof. Its higher alcohol content and spicier profile helps to balance the sweet Benedictine.

The Benedictine liqueur adds a distinct herbal complexity to the drink, arguably even more so than our previous application in a shaken Pantheon. Benedictine is a French liqueur made from a secret blend of 27 herbs and spices, including saffron, cinnamon, fir cones and juniper and its inclusion brings a rich, aromatic character that differentiates the Monte Carlo from similar whiskey-based cocktails.

___

Monte Carlo

• 2 oz (60 ml) Rye whiskey
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Benedictine
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the rye whiskey, Benedictine, and bitters into the glass.
3. Stir well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry, if desired.

___

Variations

Monte Carlos (spec from cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com)

• 2 oz (60 ml) Reposado Tequila
• 0.5 oz (15 ml) Benedictine
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice, and garnish with a lemon twist.

Other interesting variations of the Monte Carlo include swapping rye whiskey for bourbon, which adds a sweeter and rounder profile. Another variation is to use a different type of bitters, such as Peychaud's or orange bitters, for a subtle change in flavor. Additionally, adding a splash of absinthe can create a Monte Carlo with a unique herbal dimension. For a lighter take, try using a dry French vermouth in place of Benedictine, creating a drier but still complex cocktail.

I came across a cocktail while skimming through the Café Royal Cocktail Book doing research for another cocktail and notice the very similar name while not bearing any other resemblance. Below is the recipe for it. It was originally published in Harry Craddock's 1930 The Savoy Cocktail Book.

Monte Carlo Imperial

• 1.5 oz (45 ml) Dry Gin
• .5 oz (15 ml) Lemon Juice
• .5 oz (15 ml) Crème de menthe

Shake and strain into medium size glass and fill up with Champagne

___

Previous December 7 cocktails

• AoC 2020: Clover Club
• AoC 2021: Gold Rush
• AoC 2022: De La Louisiane
• AoC 2023: Pisco Sour
• AoC 2024: Better & Better

___

Ingredient heads-up: Tomorrow Light/unaged rum will be called for

NB! Variations and your own riffs are encouraged, please share the result and recipe!

Are you liking Advent of Cocktails? Want to support it or simply get me the equivalent of a beer or cocktail for the work?