Monk’s old fashioned Cocktail recipe
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Monk’s old fashioned is a bourbon-forward twist on the Old Fashioned template, swapping some of the usual simplicity for a herbal accent that feels both classic and a little mysterious. You’ll recognise the familiar bones—whiskey, sugar, bitters—built for slow sipping, but the addition of Green Chartreuse nudges it into a more aromatic, liqueur-led direction. Rather than leaning on a long, specific backstory, this drink reads like a modern variation designed for drinkers who already love stirred, spirit-first cocktails and want extra depth without losing structure.
Expect Bourbon to set a warm, oaky base while Green Chartreuse brings a concentrated hit of sweet herbal intensity that blooms through the mid-palate. The sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges and helps knit the whiskey and liqueur together, while a dash of aromatic bitters adds a dry, spiced lift that keeps the sweetness in check. The result is rich and rounded, with a lingering, botanical finish.
Serve it in a lowball when you want something contemplative: after dinner, as a nightcap, or anytime you’d normally reach for an Old Fashioned but crave more complexity. It’s a great fit if you like bourbon cocktails that stay bold and boozy, and it especially suits fans of herbal liqueurs who want them integrated rather than dominant.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Bourbon leads with warm oak and vanilla, while Green Chartreuse brings a vivid herbal lift that threads through the simple syrup’s sweetness; aromatic bitters add a dry, spiced snap that tightens the finish. It works because the bitters and Chartreuse keep the sugar in check and add complexity without drowning the bourbon, ideal for Old Fashioned fans who want a bolder, more botanical edge.
Method
How to make a Monk’s old fashioned
- Bourbon 60ml, Green Chartreuse 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 7.5ml, Aromatic bitters Dash
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- Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
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- Stir well then strain into chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with orange twist and serve
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FAQ's
What makes Green Chartreuse unique in the Monk’s old fashioned cocktail?
Green Chartreuse is a key ingredient in the Monk's old fashioned cocktail, bringing a unique blend of 130 herbs, plants and flowers. Distilled by Carthusian Monks in France since the 1740s, its complex herbal profile adds a distinct, vibrant layer of flavor complexity to the cocktail, differentiating it from a traditional Old Fashioned which doesn't include such an herbal liqueur.
Why is the Monk’s old fashioned stirred and not shaken?
The Monk's old fashioned is stirred instead of shaken to ensure a silky texture without introducing too many air bubbles, which is crucial for achieving the cocktail’s signature clarity and smoothness. Stirring gently combines the ingredients, cooling the drink to the desired temperature while maintaining its dense texture, which is preferred for spirit-forward cocktails like this one.
What is the best way to serve a Monk’s old fashioned?
The best way to serve a Monk’s old fashioned is in a lowball glass, often over a large ice cube or sphere. This not only keeps the drink cold but also allows it to dilute slowly, subtly changing the flavor profile as you enjoy it. Garnishing with an orange peel or a maraschino cherry can add a touch of aroma and sweetness.
How does the alcohol content of Monk’s old fashioned compare to other classic cocktails?
With an alcohol content of 38.86%, the Monk’s old fashioned is on the higher end of the spectrum for classic cocktails, which typically range from 25% to 40% alcohol by volume. This makes it stronger than a classic Margarita (around 30%) but somewhat similar to a traditional Old Fashioned, depending on the recipe, highlighting its stature as a potent, spirit-forward drink.
Can you customize the Monk’s old fashioned for a sweeter palate?
Yes, the Monk’s old fashioned can be customized for a sweeter palate by adjusting the sugar syrup quantity according to taste or by using a sweeter bourbon. Additionally, a dash of orange or chocolate bitters can introduce new flavor dimensions that complement the sweetness, making the cocktail more approachable for those who prefer their drinks on the sweeter side.
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