Monte Carlo

Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass topped with ice. Stir to chill.

Suggested Whiskey Choices

Because the Monte Carlo is spirit-forward and minimal-ingredient, your rye choice really shows. Aim for ryes with enough proof and character to stand up to the Benedictine.

Any of these will work beautifully:

• Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond (100 proof) – Big spice, great structure, and budget-friendly.
• Old Forester Rye (100 proof) – Peppery, a little herbal, and fantastic in stirred cocktails.
• Wild Turkey 101 Rye – Bold, warm, and very friendly with Angostura bitters.
• Bulleit Rye (90 proof) – Clean, citrusy spice profile; easy to find almost anywhere.
• Sazerac Rye (90 proof) – Classic, slightly softer rye that still has enough backbone.
• High West Double Rye! – Lively, spicy, and blends nicely with Benedictine’s herbal sweetness.

If you prefer a softer, more approachable sip, lean toward Bulleit or Sazerac. If you want more punch and spice, reach for Rittenhouse, Old Forester, or Wild Turkey.

Step 2: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass.

Equipment & Glassware

To get that bar-quality result at home:

• Mixing glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer (fine mesh optional, but not necessary here)
• Rocks glass (ideally with thick, weighty walls)
• Large-format ice cube mold

Step 3: Garnish with a dried orange slice.

A dried orange slice works great when it comes to both the cocktail’s taste and aesthetics. It gives the drink an elegant pop while also highlighting the notes found in each sip. But you can definitely play around with the garnish options if you’re looking for something a little different.

I recommend choosing one garnish to guide the mood of the drink:

• Expressed lemon twist – Brightens the nose and adds a subtle lift to the herbal notes.
• Expressed orange twist – Leans into baking spice and warmth for a cozier, Old Fashioned-style vibe.
• Luxardo-style cherry (optional) – Adds a touch of visual drama and a sweet, nostalgic final bite.

Pro Tips

• Chill your glass: Pop your rocks glass in the freezer for 10–15 minutes before building the drink for a crisper, longer-lasting chill.
• Watch your dilution: If the drink tastes too sharp, stir a bit longer next time. If it feels too soft, shorten your stir by 5–8 seconds.
• Bitters dial: One dash of Angostura keeps things elegant and smooth; a second dash will deepen the spice and amplify the Old Fashioned energy.
• Garnish presence: Express your citrus twist over the glass, then either discard or drop it in. Keeping the peel in the drink will slowly add more citrus oils over time.

Food Pairings

• A small cheese and charcuterie board (think aged cheddar, Gouda, or Comté; prosciutto or speck).
• Salted, roasted nuts (especially almonds or pecans).
• Dark chocolate desserts—tarts, flourless chocolate cake, or dark chocolate bark with sea salt.

The cocktail’s herbal sweetness and spice stand up beautifully to rich, savory snacks and bittersweet chocolate.