Warm Up Your Winter with the Monte Carlo Cocktail | Thirsty Thursday E53

Looking for the ultimate “winter-coat” cocktail? Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday Episode 53! As we continue our January series on warming spirits, Rebecca takes you on a deep dive into The Monte Carlo—a sophisticated, herbal twist on the classic Old Fashioned that swaps sugar for the complex, honeyed notes of Bénédictine.

In this episode, we’re using the Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Rye, finished with toasted cherry wood, to create a drink that feels like a walk through a pine forest. From its mysterious 19th-century history to the “Alpine” dryness of the finish, this is the perfect pour for a cold January night.

🕰️ A Sip of History: What is Bénédictine?

The Monte Carlo is a “ghost” of cocktail history, first appearing in David Embury’s 1948 classic, The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks. It is often considered an “Improved Manhattan,” swapping vermouth for the legendary Bénédictine D.O.M.

Did you know?

• The Myth: While the bottle says “1510,” the liqueur was actually “rediscovered” in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand.
• D.O.M.: This stands for Deo Optimo Maximo (“To God, most good, most great”).
• The Flavor: It contains 27 herbs and spices, including saffron, hyssop, and fir cones—which is why it pairs so perfectly with our cardamom bitters to create that winter forest profile!

📜 The Monte Carlo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bardstown Straight Rye Whiskey (Origin Series)
• 0.5 oz Bénédictine D.O.M.
• 1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• 1 dash Cardamom Bitters (The secret to that winter vibe!)
• Garnish: Thick lemon twist

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir for approximately 20 seconds until chilled and diluted.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
4. Express lemon oils over the top and garnish.

🥃 Tasting Notes: The “Alpine” Experience

• The Nose: Bright lemon oils followed by a “baking spice” cloud of cardamom and cinnamon.
• The Attack: A rich, silky entry featuring toasted oak and a hint of cherry wood.
• The Mid-Palate: Weighted notes of clove, honey, and herbal tea.
• The Finish: A cooling, forest-like dryness with pine needles, black pepper, and mint.

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NOTE: The spirits and items in this review were purchased by us. We were not compensated by the producers for this review. Please drink responsibly.

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