Cheeky Monkey Cocktail recipe
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Cheeky Monkey is a playful, dessert-leaning shooter that sits firmly in the creamy liqueur tradition: small, sweet, and built for instant gratification. It doesn’t have a widely agreed, well-documented origin story, but it fits the late-night bar and party-shot era where familiar candy-bar flavours and easy-drinking textures take centre stage. Think of it as a quick, cheeky treat rather than a cocktail with a long pedigree.
You’ll find Bailey’s brings a smooth, milky richness that softens everything it touches, while crème de banane adds a clear banana sweetness that reads instantly on the palate. Dark crème de cacao deepens the profile with chocolatey weight, giving the shot a more grown-up edge and stopping the banana from feeling too bright. Together, the trio lands like a creamy banana-chocolate dessert in liquid form.
Serve it cold in a shot glass when you want something fun and crowd-pleasing—after dinner, as a birthday round, or as a sweet finish to a night out. It’s ideal for guests who usually skip spirits-forward drinks and prefer creamy, confectionery flavours in a quick pour.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Bailey’s brings a creamy, milky sweetness that wraps around the ripe banana candy of crème de banane, while dark crème de cacao adds a deeper chocolate note that turns the whole shot into a liquid dessert. The trio works because the cocoa richness reins in the banana’s brightness and Bailey’s smooths the edges, making it ideal for sweet-tooth drinkers and after-dinner shooter fans.
Method
How to make a Cheeky Monkey
- Bailey's 20ml, Creme de banane 20ml, Creme de cacao (dark) 20ml
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- Pour crème de cacao into a tall shot glass, then carefully pour Baileys on top so that it layers
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- Then pour crème de banane into the Baileys so it settles in between the two and serve
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FAQ's
Can I substitute any ingredients in the Cheeky Monkey cocktail if I don't have them on hand?
Yes, you can substitute ingredients in the Cheeky Monkey cocktail. If you're missing Bailey's, any Irish cream liqueur can work as a substitute. For Creme De Banane (banana liqueur), you might use banana syrup for a non-alcoholic version or another fruit liqueur for a similar fruity note. If Creme De Cacao (dark) is unavailable, chocolate liqueur or dark chocolate syrup could be used as alternatives.
What's the best way to serve the Cheeky Monkey cocktail?
The Cheeky Monkey cocktail is best served cold in a shot glass. You can chill the ingredients beforehand or briefly place the mixed drink in the freezer before serving. This cocktail is not shaken or stirred, so gently layering the ingredients in the shot glass will present it best.
How does the alcohol content in Cheeky Monkey compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 15.67%, the Cheeky Monkey falls into the lower to medium range of alcohol content for cocktails. Many full-sized cocktails tend to have higher alcohol content, often around 20-30%, depending on the recipe and proportions. However, as a shot, its alcohol percentage is appropriate, offering a milder option compared to stronger shots or cocktails.
What occasions are best suited for serving the Cheeky Monkey cocktail?
The Cheeky Monkey cocktail, with its playful name and sweet flavor profile, is perfect for casual gatherings, parties, or any fun occasions. It can be a great icebreaker at social events or a delicious indulgence for dessert-themed cocktail nights. Its low alcohol content also makes it a good choice for early evening events where guests prefer lighter drinks.
How can I customize the Cheeky Monkey cocktail to suit my taste?
To customize the Cheeky Monkey cocktail, you can play with the proportions of the ingredients based on your taste preferences. For a sweeter drink, increase the Creme De Banane. If you prefer a more chocolatey flavor, add more Creme De Cacao. You can also add a splash of cream or milk to make it creamier, or include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a spicy twist.
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