Monkey Gland

Sidecar/New Orleans Sours & Riffs December 16, 2025

Be the first to rate

A photo of the Monkey Gland cocktail containing Beefeater London Dry Gin, Bénédictine D.O.M. Liqueur, Freshly squeezed orange juice, Liber & Co. Real Grenadine in a Old-Fashioned.

Other Ingredients

  • 1.25 fl oz Freshly squeezed orange juice

Directions

  • Add ice to shaker
  • Add all ingredients to shaker
  • Shake well with ice
  • Fine strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass
  • Garnish with orange slice

Cocktail Description

This visually striking riff on the Tequila Sunrise swaps in London Dry gin for a botanically complex twist that will surprise even seasoned cocktail enthusiasts.



The Monkey Gland balances the juniper-forward punch of Beefeater with honeyed herbal notes from Bénédictine, while fresh orange juice provides bright acidity and Liber & Co. grenadine adds both sweetness and that signature sunrise gradient. Your first sip delivers a crisp gin backbone that quickly mellows into sweet citrus with subtle hints of herbs and spices lingering on the finish. Perfect for brunches or as a pre-dinner aperitif, this cocktail works equally well at casual weekend gatherings or more sophisticated evening affairs. It's relatively straightforward to prepare, requiring just a basic shake and strain technique, though the quality of your fresh-squeezed orange juice will make a noticeable difference in the final product. The Monkey Gland pairs beautifully with light seafood dishes, particularly smoked salmon or shrimp with citrus accents, as well as moderately spiced Mediterranean appetizers.