Monkey Gland

Monkey Gland is a cocktail that originated in the 1920s in Paris, France. It is named after a controversial medical treatment of the same name that was popular during its time of creation. The cocktail is known for its unique combination of ingredients, which includes gin, orange juice, grenadine, and absinthe.

History

The Monkey Gland cocktail was first created by Harry MacElhone, a well-known bartender and owner of Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The drink was named after the monkey gland treatment, a procedure developed by Serge Voronoff, a Russian-French surgeon. Voronoff's treatment involved grafting monkey testicle tissue onto the testicles of men, with the belief that it could rejuvenate the recipient's health and vitality. Despite the controversy and eventual discrediting of Voronoff's procedure, the cocktail named after it has remained a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts.

Preparation

To prepare a Monkey Gland, the following ingredients are required:

• 1 1/2 ounces of gin
• 1 1/2 ounces of fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon of grenadine
• 1 teaspoon of absinthe

The ingredients are combined in a cocktail shaker with ice and shaken until well chilled. The mixture is then strained into a chilled cocktail glass. Traditionally, the glass is first rinsed with absinthe to enhance the cocktail's flavor.

Variations

There are several variations of the Monkey Gland cocktail. Some bartenders substitute the absinthe with Pernod, while others add a dash of bitters for extra complexity. In some cases, the gin is replaced with vodka to create a smoother drink.

In popular culture

The Monkey Gland cocktail has been featured in various forms of media, including books and films, often as a symbol of the Roaring Twenties and the era's spirit of experimentation and indulgence.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Cocktail garnish
• Cocktail glass