Irish Monkey Cocktail Recipe
Irish Monkey Nutrition Facts
Calories:~260
Fat:8g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:25g
Alcohol:~14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Irish Monkey is a playful and indulgent concoction that's believed to have emerged from the fusion of Irish and tropical flavors. It's a hit at parties and a favorite among those who enjoy creamy, dessert-like cocktails with a hint of fruitiness.
- Origins
- The exact origins are unclear, but it's a modern creation.
- It likely originated from a bartender's experiment or a themed party.
- Popularity
- Gained popularity for its smooth and sweet taste.
- Often enjoyed during celebrations or as an after-dinner treat.
- Audience
- A hit with those who have a sweet tooth.
- Perfect for fans of Irish cream and banana flavors.
How Irish Monkey Tastes?
The Irish Monkey is a rich and creamy cocktail with a delightful balance of sweetness from the banana liqueur and the smooth, velvety texture of the Irish cream. It's a decadent treat that's both comforting and luxurious, with a subtle kick from the alcohol that's not too overpowering.
Interesting facts about Irish Monkey
- The Irish Monkey combines the best of both worlds: the warmth of Irish cream and the tropical vibes of banana.
- Despite its dessert-like qualities, it's not as heavy as one might expect, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
- It's not a traditional Irish cocktail, but rather a modern twist that celebrates the spirit of innovation in mixology.
Ingredients
- Bailey's irish cream: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Banana liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Ice cubes: As needed
Bailey's Irish Cream
This creamy liquor serves as the base of our Irish Monkey, providing a silky texture and a subtle whiskey undertone. 1.5 oz is just enough to assert its presence without turning the cocktail into a dairy overload. For a twist, try coconut cream liqueur for a tropical turn.
Emma Rose
Banana Liqueur
Our fruity fellow, this brings the 'monkey' in Irish Monkey with its sweet, banana flavor. 1 oz gives you that hint of banana without swinging into an overpowering sweetness. Miss it out, and you'll lose the jungle vibe. Alternatively, muddle fresh banana if you don't have the liqueur, but expect a less intense flavor.
Mary Mitkina
Ice Cubes
The unsung heroes that chill the mixture and bring everything together. The number of them doesn't really matter as long as they're enough to get the job done – chilling and diluting just a smidgen to perfect the drink. No ice, and you’re basically sipping on room-temperature cream with a hint of banana - not very cocktail-like.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Irish Monkey Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Pour 1.5 oz of Bailey's Irish Cream into the shaker.
- Add 1 oz of Banana Liqueur.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Optionally, garnish with a slice of banana or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- For a smoother texture, use a fine strainer to remove ice shards after shaking.
- Chill the cocktail glass beforehand to keep the drink colder for longer.
- If you enjoy a bit of texture, try garnishing with grated chocolate on top.
Perfect Pairings
Desserts
Chocolate Delights: The creamy texture and sweet flavors of the Irish Monkey make it a perfect match for chocolate-based desserts such as brownies or chocolate cake.
Fruit Plates: Aim for fruits that complement banana, such as strawberries or pineapples, to create a fresh balance.
Cheese Board: A selection of mild cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, would pair well without overpowering the cocktail's delicate flavors.
Coffee
Espresso or Black Coffee: The robust coffee flavors can enhance the Bailey's Irish Cream component, making for a delightful contrast.
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What you could change in Irish Monkey
- Bailey's Irish Cream: Can be substituted with any other brand of Irish cream liqueur.
- Banana Liqueur: If unavailable, banana syrup mixed with a touch of rum can mimic the flavor.
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And of course - twists🍹
Irish Monkey Coffee Twist
Ingredients: Instead of shaking with ice, pour the Bailey's and banana liqueur over hot coffee. Stir and top with whipped cream.
Recipe: This warming version will be a hit for those chilly nights or as a fun dessert drink. The coffee's bitterness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cream and banana.
Chocolate Monkey
Ingredients: Add 0.5 oz of chocolate syrup to the original recipe. Garnish with chocolate shavings instead of banana.
Recipe: This tweak makes for a richer, more decadent experience – almost like a boozy banana-chocolate milkshake.
Nutty Monkey
Ingredients: Replace Banana Liqueur with Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) for a nuttier twist.
Recipe: The Frangelico introduces a toasty, nutty dimension that complements the creamy Bailey's beautifully, giving you a slightly sophisticated palate pleaser.
In case you forgot basics how to make Irish Monkey
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Irish Monkey
What type of glass is best suited for serving an Irish Monkey cocktail?
An Irish Monkey cocktail is typically served in a chilled cocktail or martini glass, which enhances the presentation and keeps the drink cool.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Irish Monkey cocktail?
Yes, you can create a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic Irish cream and banana-flavored syrup instead of the alcoholic components.
Is there a specific technique to shaking the cocktail for optimal texture?
Yes, shake the cocktail vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to achieve a well-chilled and frothy consistency.
How can I tweak the Irish Monkey to make it less sweet?
Adjust the sweetness by reducing the banana liqueur slightly and considering adding a splash of milk or cream to dilute the sweetness if needed.
What are some common garnishes used for the Irish Monkey cocktail besides banana slices?
Common garnishes include a sprinkle of grated nutmeg, chocolate shavings, or a cinnamon stick to complement the creamy flavor profile.
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