Monkey's Lunch Cocktail recipe
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Monkey's Lunch is a creamy, dessert-leaning highball that sits firmly in the easy-drinking liqueur-and-milk family of cocktails. Rather than a storied classic with a single, well-documented origin, it feels like the kind of playful, after-dinner creation that grows out of home bars and late-night menus—built around familiar sweet liqueurs and a simple dairy top-up. You’ll find it reads more like an adult milkshake than a spirit-forward mixed drink.
With coffee liqueur and crème de banane in equal measure, you get a clear two-note core: roasted coffee sweetness meets ripe banana candy-like richness. The milk softens both, smoothing the coffee’s darker edge and turning the banana liqueur’s sweetness into a round, creamy fruitiness. Expect a mellow, velvety sip where the coffee liqueur provides depth and the banana liqueur keeps everything bright and playful.
Serve it when you want something comforting and uncomplicated—an after-dinner treat, a movie-night pour, or a sweet alternative to heavier dessert cocktails. If you enjoy creamy drinks and have a soft spot for coffee-and-banana flavours, this one is squarely in your lane.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Coffee liqueur brings a deep roasted sweetness that’s softened by milk, while banana liqueur layers in ripe, candy-like fruit that turns the whole drink into a creamy mocha-banana shake in a highball. It works because the milk rounds off the liqueurs’ intensity and lets coffee and banana meld into a unified dessert profile, ideal for sweet-toothed sippers and after-dinner drinkers.
Method
How to make a Monkey's Lunch
- Coffee liqueur 60ml, Banana liqueur (crème de banane) 60ml, Milk Top up
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- Add all the ingredients into a highball glass with ice
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- Stir and serve
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FAQ's
Can I use a different type of milk in a Monkey's Lunch cocktail?
Absolutely! While regular cow's milk is commonly used in a Monkey's Lunch, you can easily substitute it with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, or if you just prefer the taste of another type of milk.
What is the best way to serve a Monkey's Lunch?
A Monkey's Lunch cocktail is best served cold in a highball glass, with the coffee liqueur and banana liqueur stirred together, then topped up with milk. It's not necessary to shake this cocktail, but make sure all the ingredients are well-mixed. Serve it with ice for an extra chilled beverage.
How does the alcohol content of a Monkey's Lunch compare to other cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 7%, Monkey's Lunch is on the lower end of the spectrum compared to many cocktails. For example, classic cocktails like the Margarita or Martini often have an alcohol content around 15-30%, making Monkey's Lunch a lighter option if you prefer a drink with less alcohol.
How can I customize a Monkey's Lunch to make it more unique?
There are several ways to customize a Monkey's Lunch. Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or cinnamon for a spicy twist. For a richer flavor, you could use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. If you like your cocktails on the sweeter side, experimenting with flavored syrups, such as caramel or chocolate, can add an interesting depth to the drink.
When is the best time or occasion to enjoy a Monkey's Lunch cocktail?
Monkey's Lunch, with its playful name and sweet, creamy, and coffee/banana flavor profile, is perfect for brunch, dessert, or any laid-back gathering where cocktails are served. Its low alcohol content and delicious taste make it a great choice for afternoon events or as a sweet conclusion to a meal.
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