The Monte Cassino cocktail is a modern twist on the beloved Last Word, crafted by New York bartender Damon Dyerin 2010. Named after the historic Italian abbey linked to the Benedictine Order, this cocktail pays homage to the rich, herbal profiles of both Benedictine and yellow Chartreuse. By combining American rye whiskey, which adds a warm spice, and fresh lemon juice, this drink strikes a perfect balance of earthy, herbal, and citrus notes. With its vibrant yellow hue and complex taste, the Monte Cassino is a must-try for fans of botanical-forward cocktails.
Preparation: 5 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 Person
Preparation: 5 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 Person
3/4 oz (20 ml) American rye whiskey
3/4 oz (20 ml) Benedictine
3/4 oz (20 ml) Yellow Chartreuse
3/4 oz (20 ml) Fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Lemon twist
Martini Coupe
Shaken
Add the American rye whiskey, Benedictine, yellow Chartreuse, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled, about 10-15 seconds.
Fine-strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass to ensure a smooth texture.
Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing its oils over the drink for added aroma before placing it in the glass.
The Monte Cassino is a nod to the monastic origins of Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs. The cocktail’s name references Monte Cassino Abbey in Italy, where the Benedictine Order began, and its formula draws on the equal-parts template of the Last Word. Here, Dyer replaced gin with spicy American rye whiskey, while Benedictine brings a complex mix of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the soft, honeyed notes of yellow Chartreuse. Together with a squeeze of lemon juice, these ingredients create a beautifully balanced, botanical-forward drink.
Why It Works: The Monte Cassino is a harmonious blend of spice, herbal depth, and citrus brightness. Yellow Chartreuse is slightly mellower than its green counterpart, with notes of honey, saffron, and herbs, which pairs smoothly with the Benedictine liqueur’s blend of 27 herbs and spices. The fresh lemon juice adds a tart contrast to these rich flavors, while the American rye whiskey provides a robust, spicy backbone.
A Modern Classic for Cocktail Aficionados: Since its creation, the Monte Cassino has become a beloved choice for those who enjoy botanical-forward cocktails. With its sophisticated flavors and historical connections, it’s a fitting choice for aperitivo hour or a quiet night in, capturing the essence of a classic with a distinctly modern twist.
Did You Know? The creation of Benedictine is often credited to Dom Bernardo Vincelli, a 16th-century monk who experimented with herbs and spices. Its closely guarded recipe, known by only a few Carthusian monks, contains 130 botanicals, much like Chartreuse. The Monte Cassino cocktail’s combination of these two legendary liqueurs pays homage to centuries-old monastic traditions and flavors, resulting in a cocktail that feels both timeless and innovative.
The Monte Cassino is a nod to the monastic origins of Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueurs. The cocktail’s name references Monte Cassino Abbey in Italy, where the Benedictine Order began, and its formula draws on the equal-parts template of the Last Word. Here, Dyer replaced gin with spicy American rye whiskey, while Benedictine brings a complex mix of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the soft, honeyed notes of yellow Chartreuse. Together with a squeeze of lemon juice, these ingredients create a beautifully balanced, botanical-forward drink.
Why It Works: The Monte Cassino is a harmonious blend of spice, herbal depth, and citrus brightness. Yellow Chartreuse is slightly mellower than its green counterpart, with notes of honey, saffron, and herbs, which pairs smoothly with the Benedictine liqueur’s blend of 27 herbs and spices. The fresh lemon juice adds a tart contrast to these rich flavors, while the American rye whiskey provides a robust, spicy backbone.
A Modern Classic for Cocktail Aficionados: Since its creation, the Monte Cassino has become a beloved choice for those who enjoy botanical-forward cocktails. With its sophisticated flavors and historical connections, it’s a fitting choice for aperitivo hour or a quiet night in, capturing the essence of a classic with a distinctly modern twist.
Did You Know? The creation of Benedictine is often credited to Dom Bernardo Vincelli, a 16th-century monk who experimented with herbs and spices. Its closely guarded recipe, known by only a few Carthusian monks, contains 130 botanicals, much like Chartreuse. The Monte Cassino cocktail’s combination of these two legendary liqueurs pays homage to centuries-old monastic traditions and flavors, resulting in a cocktail that feels both timeless and innovative.
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