Brass Monkey Cocktail Recipe

The Brass Monkey is a simple cocktail with a bit of a murky history. Some say it originated in the 1970s, while others claim it was a popular drink during the prohibition era. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet, fruity cocktail with a bit of a kick.

• The name 'Brass Monkey' is thought to come from an old naval term.
• It was popularized by the Beastie Boys' song 'Brass Monkey'.
• It's a great cocktail for those who enjoy sweet, fruity flavors.

The Brass Monkey is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a hint of tartness. It's a refreshing drink with a strong citrus flavor, balanced by the sweetness of the rum and the slight bitterness of the beer.

• The Brass Monkey is often served in a highball glass.
• It's a popular cocktail at beach parties and summer gatherings.
• The Brass Monkey is sometimes referred to as a 'poor man's cocktail' due to its simple ingredients.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the dark rum and orange juice into the glass.
3. Top with beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.

• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
• Don't overdo it with the beer, it should just add a bit of fizz and bitterness.
• Serve immediately after mixing to maintain the fizz.

Food Pairings

• Grilled Meats: The boldness of the dark rum combines well with the smoky flavor of grilled chicken or pork.
• Seafood: Lightly seasoned seafood dishes can bring out the citrus notes in the orange juice.
• Spicy Dishes: Spicy cuisine like Thai or Caribbean can complement the complexity of the Brass Monkey.
• Bar Snacks: Salty snacks like nuts or pretzels will contrast nicely with the sweet and tangy cocktail.

Drink Pairings

• Water: To stay hydrated while enjoying the cocktail.
• Coffee: A non-alcoholic option for those preferring a sober pick-me-up.

• You can substitute the dark rum with light rum or spiced rum.
• If you don't have orange juice, you can use grapefruit juice or pineapple juice.
• Instead of beer, you can use ginger ale or club soda.

Frozen Monkey

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Dark Rum, 4 oz Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate, 1 oz Beer, Ice Recipe: Blend the rum, frozen orange juice concentrate, and ice until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass and top with beer. The result is a slushy tropical variant that'll make you feel like you're swinging from the palm trees.

Spiced Monkey

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Spiced Rum, 4 oz Blood Orange Juice, 1 oz Craft IPA Recipe: Combine spiced rum with blood orange juice for an intriguing twist. Top with a hoppy IPA to add complexity. This monkey has learned a few tricks, delivering a richer, slightly bitter experience.

Brass Monkey Mule

Ingredients: 1.5 oz Dark Rum, 2 oz Orange Juice, 0.5 oz Lime Juice, 1 oz Ginger Beer, 1 oz Beer Recipe: Shake rum, orange juice, and lime juice with ice. Strain into a mule cup filled with ice, then top with equal parts beer and ginger beer. It's a refreshing cocktail that'll kick like a mule and swing like a monkey.