Monk's Dream Cocktail Recipe
Monk's Dream Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:3.5g
Carbohydrates:18g
Alcohol:20%
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 Monk's Dream cocktail is inspired by the legendary jazz musician Thelonious Monk and his album 'Monk's Dream.' This cocktail is perfect for jazz enthusiasts and those who appreciate a sophisticated and complex drink. It combines the flavors of herbal liqueurs and citrus, creating a unique and memorable experience.
How Monk's Dream Tastes?
The Monk's Dream cocktail has a complex, herbal taste with a hint of sweetness and a touch of sourness. The combination of ingredients creates a harmonious balance between strong and light flavors, making it a delightful and refreshing drink.
Interesting facts about Monk's Dream
- The cocktail is named after Thelonious Monk, a famous jazz pianist and composer.
- The drink is inspired by his album 'Monk's Dream,' which is considered one of his finest works.
- The combination of herbal liqueurs and citrus flavors represents the complexity and depth of Monk's music.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Green chartreuse: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.75 oz(23ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
A few good options for Monk's Dream are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The Backbone: 2oz of Gin provides the strong foundation to our Monk's Dream cocktail. It's crisp, dry, and a little floral, which works wonders with our other flavorful ingredients. Without it, you've basically walked out of a monastery into a lemonade stand – not quite the dream we’re aiming for.
Mary Mitkina
Green Chartreuse
The Mystical touch: Green Chartreuse, with its unique blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, brings an unparalleled complexity at just 0.5oz. If you skimp on this, you'll lose the depth it brings. It's like forgetting the secret chant – the magic won't happen.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
The Zesty Squeeze: Fresh lemon juice at 0.75oz gives that tangy punch we love. Too much, and you’re puckering more than a monk at a sour sermon. Too little, and the cocktail might lean towards dull righteousness.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Sweet Salvation: Simple syrup at 0.5oz is your sip of sweet serenity amongst the intense flavors. If we took it out, the Monk’s Dream might turn into a harsh epiphany. Just enough keeps the peace.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
The Holy Froth: The egg white is the halo on top of our cocktail – it provides that smooth and frothy texture that makes each sip divine. Forget it, and you lose the heavenly clouds that carry the dream.
Mary Mitkina
Angostura Bitters
The Final Blessing: Two dashes of Angostura Bitters add a layer of complexity that completes the drink like the last word of a prayer. No bitters, no benediction.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Monk's Dream Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
- 2oz Gin
- 0.5oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.75oz Lemon Juice
- 0.5oz Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White
- Dry shake (without ice) to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
Pro Tips
- Dry shake the cocktail first to properly emulsify the egg white.
- Use a chilled coupe glass to serve the cocktail to maintain its temperature.
- Double strain the mixture to ensure a smooth and frothy texture.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially ones with a bit of a funk, will harmonize well with the herbal notes of the Green Chartreuse.
- Smoked Salmon: The oils and flavors of smoked salmon can be an excellent match with the Monk's Dream's complexity.
Main Course
- Lemon Herb Chicken: The citrus in the drink pairs nicely with the zesty lemon flavors in such dishes.
- Pasta with Pesto: The herbal elements of both the pesto and the Chartreuse are a match made in heaven.
Desserts
- Lemon Tart: Echoing the lemon juice in the cocktail, a lemon tart can complement the drink's citrus notes magnificently.
- Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate and the sweetness of the simple syrup contrast and complement each other.
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What you could change in Monk's Dream
- You can substitute Gin with Vodka if you prefer a less botanical flavor.
- If you don't have Green Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse can be used as a milder alternative.
- Lemon Juice can be replaced with Lime Juice for a different citrus note.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
A Herbal Awakening
Ingredients: Replace gin with 2oz of mezcal for a smoky kick. Recipe: Follow the original method with this substitution. Description: The mezcal’s smokiness will lead you on a visionary path through a fragrant herb garden. It’s a dream for those who walk on the smoky side of the abbey.
The Citrus Monk
Ingredients: Add an extra 0.25oz of lemon juice and garnish with a sprig of thyme. Recipe: Incorporate the additional lemon juice into the shaker, then garnish with thyme. Description: This twist sharpens the cocktail's citrus notes and adds a fragrant note – for when life gives you lemons, and you’re friends with a mixologist monk.
The Monk’s Coffee Break
Ingredients: Use 0.5oz coffee liqueur instead of simple syrup. Recipe: Follow the original method, substituting the simple syrup for coffee liqueur. Description: This twist gives you a hint of roasted heaven, a divine intervention for when spirits need lifting and prayers are best served shaken.
In case you forgot basics how to make Monk's Dream
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Monk's Dream
What other cocktails are inspired by jazz musicians?
There are several cocktails inspired by jazz musicians such as the 'Charles Mingus Martini,' the 'Dizzy Gillespie Manhattan,' and the 'Billie Holiday Old Fashioned.'
What is the best time to serve the Monk's Dream cocktail?
The Monk's Dream cocktail can be enjoyed any time of the day, however, it is most commonly served as an aperitif before dinner due to its complex flavors.
What are some good snacks to pair with the Monk's Dream cocktail?
Simple, light snacks such as cheese and crackers or vegetables would complement this cocktail well. It also pairs nicely with seafood dishes like oysters or shrimps.
Is the Monk's Dream cocktail appropriate for all seasons?
Yes, the Monk's Dream cocktail can be enjoyed in all seasons, but its unique blend of herbal and citrus flavors makes it especially refreshing in spring and summer.
What makes Green Chartreuse a special ingredient?
Green Chartreuse is a unique French liqueur made by the Carthusian Monks since 1740. It's known for its distinct green color and complex, herbal flavor which adds a unique touch to any cocktail.
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