If you’re in the mood of a delicious Gin based cocktail, then stay right here and you’ll have a tasty Monarch ready in no time. The Monarch Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been making the rounds at cocktail bars since the 1920s. It has a long and storied history, beginning with its creation at a Prohibition-era speakeasy in New York City.
The story goes that the cocktail was created by a bartender named Joe, who was working at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. He was looking for a way to make a cocktail with a light, refreshing taste and he ended up creating the Monarch. The original recipe was a combination of gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters, and it quickly became a popular drink at the hotel, and then other speakeasys up and down the eastern shoreboard.
Today, the Monarch is still a classic cocktail enjoyed by many and commonly found on menus in quality cocktail bars across the country. It’s a great option for a refreshing and delicious cocktail that’s both classy, but also super easy to make. Here’s a recipe for making a Monarch Cocktail at home:
Key Cocktail Ingredients:
2 ounces of gin
1 ounce of orange liqueur
1 ounce of lemon juice
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Glass:
Cocktail glass
Ice:
Crushed ice
Garnish:
Lemon wedge
Mixing Directions:
Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice. Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Vigoriously stir the drink until all the ingredients are combined. As for garnishes, a lemon wedge is the most common addition, but in a pinch, a orange slice is totally suitable.
If you are out of Gin or just looking for a twist on the classic Monarch Cocktail, you can substitute another clear liquor you have available. Vodka, white rum, or tequila can all be used instead of gin, and each will bring a slightly different, but still tasty final product. The recipe remains the same; just switch up the type of alcohol to create a unique and delicious cocktail.
The Monarch Cocktail is a timeless classic that really has stood the test of time. It’s a very classy cocktail that is also light and refreshing cocktail which makes it perfect regardless of whether it’s enjoyed with friends or as a nightcap. The best part is with just a few simple ingredients, you can make this classic cocktail at home in no time. Enjoy!
Need other gin based cocktail ideas to try for your next party? Find great gin cocktails here.