Shake up your taste buds with a refreshing and fruity Mexican Monkey drink! This tequila-based cocktail features banana liqueur, sweet and sour mix, juicy blackberries, and fresh banana slices, garnished to perfection. Impress your guests with this easy-to-make recipe using a kitchen strainer and a metal straw or bar spoon. Perfect for those looking to start their bartending journey!

Mexican Monkey Ingredients

Mexican Monkey Equipment

kitchen strainer - dispose of fruit pieces
metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
muddler - don't give up when you don't have one, wooden spoon will save you
knife - to prepare garnish slice

Mexican Monkey Recipe

mix ingredients together
serve in Rocks glass almost full with ice cubes
use the Banana, Blackberry as garnish

Recommend: serve in Rocks glass

It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.

The Mexican Monkey: A Refreshing and Fruity Cocktail

Are you looking for a cocktail that is both refreshing and fruity? Look no further than the Mexican Monkey, a delicious and easy-to-make drink that is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we will dive into the history and origins of the Mexican Monkey, the role of its ingredients, how to properly garnish it, and several variations you can try at home. We will also discuss common mistakes when making this cocktail, so you can avoid them and create the perfect Mexican Monkey every time.

Popularity

The Mexican Monkey is a relatively new cocktail that has gained popularity in recent years. It is famous for its fruity and refreshing taste, and its vibrant appearance, thanks to the use of blackberries and banana slices as garnish. The cocktail originated in Mexico, where tequila is the most popular spirit. Its popularity has since spread globally, and it is now a favorite in bars and restaurants worldwide.

Ingredient Roles

The Mexican Monkey is a simple cocktail that requires only a few ingredients. The tequila is the star of the show, providing the base for the drink. The banana liqueur adds a fruity sweetness that complements the tequila. The sweet and sour mix balances the flavors, while the blackberries add a pop of color and flavor. The banana slices serve as a beautiful garnish.

How to Garnish

Garnishing a cocktail is an important step that can elevate its appearance and taste. To garnish the Mexican Monkey, start by slicing a banana into thin rounds. Place two rounds of banana on the rim of the glass, and drop 10 blackberries into the drink. This will add color and flavor to the cocktail. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use a metal straw or a teaspoon to stir the drink properly. A pro tip is to use a bar spoon to stir the cocktail, as it can help blend the flavors better.

Variations

The Mexican Monkey is a versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some variations you can try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version: If you want to skip the alcohol, you can make a virgin version of the Mexican Monkey by omitting the tequila and using a non-alcoholic banana syrup instead of banana liqueur.
Gluten-Free Version: The Mexican Monkey is already gluten-free, as none of its ingredients contain gluten. However, if you want to make sure your drink is safe for people with gluten allergies, use a certified gluten-free tequila, such as Tres Agaves.
Vegan Version: The Mexican Monkey is vegan-friendly, as none of its ingredients come from animal sources. However, some banana liqueurs may contain honey, so make sure to read the label before buying.
Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly Mexican Monkey, you can use a sugar-free sweet and sour mix and a low-carb banana liqueur, such as the one made by Amoretti. You can also skip the banana slices if you want to reduce the carb count further.
Low-Calorie Version: The Mexican Monkey is a relatively low-calorie cocktail, as it contains only around 150 calories per serving. However, if you want to reduce the calorie count even more, you can use a low-calorie sweet and sour mix, such as the one made by Master of Mixes.
More Variations: You can experiment with different fruits and flavors to create your own version of the Mexican Monkey. For example, you can use raspberries instead of blackberries, or add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Common Mistakes when Making

Making a Mexican Monkey is easy, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are some of them:

Not muddling properly: Muddling the blackberries is essential to release their flavor and color. Make sure to use a muddler or a wooden spoon to crush them gently, without overdoing it.
Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can make or break your cocktail. Use a high-quality tequila and banana liqueur, and fresh blackberries and bananas for the best taste.
Over-garnishing: While garnishing is important, you don't want to overdo it and make the drink look cluttered. Stick to two banana slices and ten blackberries, and remove any fruit pieces that may get in the way of sipping the drink.
Not using the right glassware: The Mexican Monkey should be served in a rocks glass, which is a short and wide glass that allows for easy sipping. Using the wrong glassware can affect the drink's taste and appearance.

In conclusion, the Mexican Monkey is a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail that is sure to impress your guests. With its fruity and refreshing taste and vibrant appearance, it is perfect for any occasion. By following the tips and variations outlined in this article, you can customize the drink to suit your preferences and create a unique version of your own. So, grab your shaker and get ready to make the perfect Mexican Monkey!

If you are going to order Mexican Monkey in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Mexican Monkey can be served with different ingredients in different places.

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