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Discussing Monte Carlos

Difford's Guide · 2023-05-09T09:51:50+00:00

The honeyed botanical notes of Bénédictine combine brilliantly with añejo tequila to amplify pleasing earthy notes in the agave. A brilliantly simple...

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Adrian Timms

10th October at 22:54

The Drambuie version is worth at try.
First of all, the Benedictine version is ACE.
Given Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has an idiotic stance on Benedictine - they supply a pre-mixed B&B but not the real thing - I thought I would test a Drambuie variant as an alternative. I happened to have both on hand, so I did a side-by-side comparison.
As expected the, the Benedictine version had more flavor "edge" and was the better of the two.
The Drambuie version was more approachable for the drinker of of Bourbon and/or Scotch. However, it seemed mild in comparison.
In the end, both were good, but the Benedictine version had a more subtle balance of complementary flavors.

Doug James

23rd May at 02:06

This is quite special indeed. The honey notes of the Benedictine pairs so well with the expressed lemon peel garnish. The agave notes stand out beautifully as well. I added 2 drops of saline and a heavy dash of peach bitters. Absolutely delicious!

Chris Dimal

27th May 2025 at 15:33

Made a heretical take on this drink by doing a split base with brandy and Reposado Tequila, with 4 drops of Angostura. Was actually pretty good, though the brandy detracted from the Tequila. Can't imagine how good it is with a true Anejo Tequila.

Gabrielle14

31st March 2025 at 01:33

This drink is lovely and herbaceous. The Benedictine really adds another layer and it’s great!

Gabrielle14

28th March 2025 at 13:16

Looking forward to making this. Do you recommend the traditional Dom Benedictine or B&B? What difference would each make to the cocktail? Thanks.

Simon Difford

28th March 2025 at 13:43

Best with D.O.M. as the B&B will impart too much brandy and will produce a more spirit-forward, drier cocktail.

Matt

10th December 2024 at 05:08

I used a 3:1 ratio (inspired by Anders Erickson ratio on the Monte Carlo) - I think it is better because it dials down the tequila dominance a bit, and makes the additional flavor notes of Benedictine a bit more prominent. Excellent!

Peter M

26th July 2024 at 04:45

Dang. This is better than expected, considering the simplicity. I used Patron Anejo. The tequila is certainly dominant, but the Benedictine + lemon take the edge off and complement it *very* well. A very nice nightcap option that's not a usual suspect.