Get wild with our Monkey Business drink recipe! Made with coconut rum, white rum, coconut milk, anisette, and star anise, this tropical cocktail will transport you to a lush jungle paradise. Shake it up in a shaker with a strainer and serve in a highball glass with a garnish of star anise. Perfect for any beginning bartender looking to impress their guests.
Monkey Business Ingredients
- 2-1/2 oz coconut rum
- 1/2 oz white rum
- 3 oz Coconut Milk
- 1/2 oz anisette
- 3 Star Anise
- garnish Star Anise
Monkey Business Equipment
- shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
Monkey Business Recipe
- fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
- shake till perfectly chilled
- prepare Highball glass filled with crushed ice
- serve with a Star Anise as a garnish if desired
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.Monkey Business: A Tiki Classic
If you're a fan of tiki cocktails, then you've probably heard of Monkey Business. This drink has been around for quite some time and has become a favorite among many cocktail enthusiasts. In this article, we'll dive into the history of Monkey Business, its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.
Popularity
Monkey Business is a classic tiki cocktail that was first created in the 1950s. Its origins are not entirely clear, but it's believed to have originated in the United States. The drink is famous for its sweet and creamy taste, which is derived from its main ingredients: coconut rum, coconut milk, and anisette. The anisette gives it a unique licorice flavor, while the coconut milk adds a creamy texture that balances out the sweetness of the rum.
Geographically, Monkey Business is most popular in tiki bars around the United States. However, its popularity has spread around the world, and it's now a popular choice in many bars and restaurants. The drink's appearance is also noteworthy, as it has a light brown color and is garnished with three star anise.
Ingredient Roles
As mentioned earlier, the main ingredients in Monkey Business are coconut rum, white rum, coconut milk, anisette, and star anise. The coconut rum is the primary alcohol in the drink and provides a sweet and tropical flavor. The white rum adds a bit of kick and balances out the sweetness of the coconut rum.
Coconut milk is responsible for the drink's creamy texture and adds a subtle coconut flavor. Anisette is an anise-flavored liqueur that gives the drink its unique licorice flavor. The star anise is used as a garnish and adds a visual element to the drink.
How to Garnish
Garnishing is an essential part of any cocktail, and Monkey Business is no exception. The star anise used in this drink adds a unique visual element to the cocktail. To garnish, simply place three star anise on top of the drink. The anise will float on top and add a nice contrast to the light brown color of the drink.
Variations
There are many variations of Monkey Business, including virgin/mocktail versions, gluten-free versions, vegan versions, keto versions, and low-calorie versions. Here are some popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin or mocktail version of Monkey Business, simply omit the alcohol. You can still use coconut milk, anisette, and star anise to create a sweet, creamy, and flavorful drink.
Gluten-Free Version
Most of the ingredients in Monkey Business are gluten-free, except for the anisette. To make a gluten-free version, substitute the anisette with another anise-flavored liqueur that is gluten-free. One brand that is widely available in the United States is Pernod.
Vegan Version
Monkey Business is already vegan-friendly, as none of the ingredients used in the drink are derived from animals.
Keto Version
To make a keto version of Monkey Business, substitute the coconut milk with coconut cream. Coconut cream has a higher fat content and lower carb count than coconut milk, making it an excellent choice for those on a keto diet.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of Monkey Business, use light coconut milk and reduce the amount of coconut rum used in the drink. You can also omit the anisette to further reduce the calorie count.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making Monkey Business, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. One of the most significant mistakes is not using a shaker with a strainer. Monkey Business contains star anise, which can leave large pieces in the drink if not properly strained. Another mistake is using too much coconut milk, which can make the drink too thick and overpower the other flavors.
In conclusion, Monkey Business is a classic tiki cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its sweet and creamy taste, combined with its unique licorice flavor, has made it a favorite among many cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a virgin/mocktail version, gluten-free version, vegan version, keto version, or low-calorie version, there's a Monkey Business variation for everyone. Just remember to avoid common mistakes when making it, and enjoy this classic tiki cocktail!
If you are going to order Monkey Business in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Monkey Business can be served with different ingredients in different places.
