Monterey Cocktail Recipe
Monterey Nutrition Facts
Calories:240
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:17g
Alcohol:27%
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 Monterey cocktail is a classic and elegant drink that has been enjoyed by many since the early 20th century. It is said to have originated in the beautiful coastal city of Monterey, California, where it quickly gained popularity among the high society.
- The drink is often associated with the famous Monterey Jazz Festival, which attracts jazz enthusiasts from around the world.
- The cocktail is also popular among golfers, as the city is home to the renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
- The Monterey cocktail is a favorite among those who appreciate a well-balanced and sophisticated drink.
How Monterey Tastes?
The Monterey cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. Its taste is characterized by the smooth and slightly sweet notes of bourbon, the tangy and refreshing taste of lemon juice, and the subtle bitterness of orange liqueur. The cocktail is both strong and smooth, with a lingering warmth from the bourbon.
Interesting facts about Monterey
- The Monterey cocktail is sometimes referred to as the 'Golfer's Delight' due to its popularity among golfers in the Monterey area.
- The drink is often served in a chilled martini glass, which adds to its elegance and sophistication.
- The Monterey cocktail is sometimes garnished with a twist of lemon or orange peel, adding a touch of citrus aroma to the drink.
Ingredients
- Bourbon: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lemon juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Lemon or orange peel: 1 twist (for garnish)
Bourbon
Bourbon is the backbone of the cocktail, contributing richness and depth. Often featuring notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, it balances the zesty citrus elements. Using too much can overpower the drink, too little, and you may miss that soul-warming hug of good American whiskey.
Alex Green
Orange Liqueur
The orange liqueur brings sweetness and the brightness of citrus. It layers complexity without overpowering the bourbon. Without it, you'd lose that playful dance between sweet and sour. Grand Marnier could be an alternative, which would give the cocktail a brandy-like quality.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is crucial for balance—it cuts through sweetness with its tangy zing. The amount here ensures the drink isn't too tart or too sweet. Bottle lemon juice is a no-go; it lacks the bright punch of fresh juice.
Emma Rose
Simple Syrup
Just enough to soften the edges of the lemon juice, the simple syrup is the peacemaker between tart and sweet. If you omit it, the drink might lean towards being too sour. A honey syrup could be an alternative for a more floral sweetness.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice cools the drink and adds necessary dilution. Shaking with ice chills the cocktail rapidly and melts a small amount of water into it, harmonizing all the flavors. No ice means a warm and overly potent cocktail.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon or Orange Peel
This garnish is more than just eye candy—it adds a burst of aromatic oils to the top of the drink. The nose is half the taste, after all. Skipping the twist means missing out on that first fragrant greeting.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Monterey Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the bourbon, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are well combined and chilled.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange peel.
Pro Tips
- Bourbon: Use a high-quality bourbon for a smoother taste.
- Shaking: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for at least 10 seconds to properly mix and chill the ingredients.
- Garnish: Twist the lemon or orange peel over the glass to release its oils before dropping it in.
Perfect Pairings
Cheese Platter
A cheese platter with a mix of hard and soft cheeses complements the balanced richness of the Monterey cocktail.
Smoky Barbecue
Pair with smoky barbecue dishes like ribs or brisket to contrast the sweetness of the cocktail with bold, savory flavors.
Chocolate Desserts
For dessert, dark chocolate or chocolate orange truffles pair beautifully, echoing the citrus notes from the liqueur and the caramel notes from the bourbon.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Monterey
- Bourbon: Can be substituted with another type of whiskey or brandy.
- Orange Liqueur: Can be replaced with Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice can be used for a sweeter taste.
Explore all drinks starting with M here
And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Monterey
Substitute the bourbon with a smoky Scotch. This twist adds a layer of peaty complexity, making the cocktail a great match for chilly evenings or for those who love a smokier profile.
Ingredients:
- Smoky Scotch: 2 oz
- Orange Liqueur: 1 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz Instructions:
- Follow the original recipe, replacing bourbon with Scotch.
Spiced Monterey
Add a dash of Angostura bitters for depth, and a cinnamon stick as garnish. The result is a spicy warmth that will remind you of holiday seasons and cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients:
- Bourbon: 2 oz
- Orange Liqueur: 1 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz
- Angostura Bitters: a dash Instructions:
- Follow the original recipe, adding a dash of bitters with the other ingredients.
Herbal Monterey
Infuse the simple syrup with rosemary or thyme for a herbal note. This aromatic twist creates a more complex and savory cocktail that could easily pass as a modern classic at a garden party.
Ingredients:
- Bourbon: 2 oz
- Orange Liqueur: 1 oz
- Lemon Juice: 0.5 oz
- Herbal Simple Syrup: 0.5 oz Instructions:
- Infuse simple syrup with herbs, then follow the original recipe.
In case you forgot basics how to make Monterey
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!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Monterey
What occasions are best to serve the Monterey Cocktail at?
Due to its sophistication and elegant presentation, the Monterey Cocktail is perfect for formal events, cocktail parties, dinner parties, and even relaxed evenings at home.
Can the Monterey Cocktail be made in a batch for parties?
Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe for a larger group. Just be sure to keep proportions the same to maintain the balance of flavors.
How important is using a chilled glass for this cocktail?
Using a chilled glass is essential for maintaining the correct temperature of the cocktail and enhancing its flavors. It also adds to the elegant presentation of the cocktail.
What kind of food pairings work well with the Monterey Cocktail?
Given its balanced flavor profile, the Monterey pairs well with a variety of foods. You could complement its sour and sweet tones with rich, hearty dishes, or contrast them with spicy or salty foods.
Should this drink be stirred rather than shaken?
The Monterey cocktail should ideally be shaken, not stirred. This is because shaking allows the ingredients to not only mix but also chill rapidly, which is essential for the character of this cocktail.
More similar recipes to Monterey!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
French 75
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
Kir Royale
The Kir Royale is a delightful, elegant, and refreshing cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It has a rich, fruity taste from the crème de cassis, complemented by the crisp, effervescent bubbles of the Champagne or sparkling wine.
French Martini
The French Martini has a rich, velvety texture with a sweet and fruity taste. The combination of pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka creates a well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Japanese Slipper
The Japanese Slipper is a sweet and tangy cocktail with a fruity and refreshing taste. It has a smooth and velvety texture, with a hint of sourness from the lemon juice and a subtle sweetness from the Midori and Cointreau.
Cherry Bomb
The Cherry Bomb cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart drink with a strong cherry flavor. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a vibrant red color that is sure to catch the eye.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Sidecar
The Sidecar is a delightful mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors. The combination of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice creates a smooth and refreshing taste, with a hint of warmth from the cognac.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Blue Margarita
The Blue Margarita has a well-balanced taste, combining the tangy and sour flavors of lime and orange liqueur with the sweetness of blue curaçao. It is a strong and refreshing cocktail with a hint of tropical fruitiness.
Brandy Daisy
The Brandy Daisy is a well-balanced cocktail with a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The sweetness from the simple syrup and orange liqueur rounds out the flavors, creating a smooth and satisfying drink.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a complex and well-balanced cocktail, with a rich and bold taste. It has a bitter-sweet profile, with the bitterness of Campari complementing the sweetness of the vermouth. The whiskey adds warmth and depth, making it a perfect drink for sipping.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.