The Flying Monkey drink is a fun and fruity cocktail that’s perfect for parties and casual get-togethers. With its vibrant flavors and eye-catching color, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. This drink combines tropical juices with a kick of rum, creating a refreshing taste that transports us straight to a sunny beach.
Originating from vibrant bar scenes, the Flying Monkey has gained popularity for its playful name and delicious blend of ingredients. Whether you’re mixing up a round for friends or just treating yourself, this recipe is simple to follow and guarantees a tasty result every time. Let’s dive into how to craft this delightful drink and impress your guests with a tropical twist.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Flying Monkey drink, we carefully combine a few essential ingredients that balance tropical sweetness with a spirited kick. Here’s what you will need to bring this vibrant cocktail to life.
Alcoholic Ingredients
We rely on quality spirits to give the Flying Monkey its signature boldness and smooth finish. Here are the alcoholic components:
- 1 oz Banana Liqueur – adds a rich, tropical banana flavor
- 1 oz Coconut Rum – infuses a smooth coconut aroma and taste
- 1 oz Spiced Rum – provides warmth and depth with subtle spice notes
Mixer Ingredients
The mixers create the fruity and refreshing base that makes the Flying Monkey so popular and easy to drink. Use fresh or high-quality juices for best results.
- 2 oz Pineapple Juice – delivers sweet tropical fruitiness and brightness
- 1 oz Orange Juice – adds citrusy zest and balances sweetness
- Splash of Grenadine – gives a hint of pomegranate sweetness and a vibrant color
Garnish Ingredients
Garnishes not only enhance the drink’s visual appeal but also complement the tropical flavors.
- Pineapple Wedge – classic tropical garnish that highlights the pineapple juice
- Maraschino Cherry – adds a pop of color and subtle fruity sweetness
- Fresh Mint Sprig (optional) – provides an invigorating aroma and a fresh finish
| Ingredient Category | Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic Ingredients | Banana Liqueur | 1 oz |
| Coconut Rum | 1 oz | |
| Spiced Rum | 1 oz | |
| Mixer Ingredients | Pineapple Juice | 2 oz |
| Orange Juice | 1 oz | |
| Grenadine (splash) | Splash | |
| Garnish Ingredients | Pineapple Wedge | 1 wedge |
| Maraschino Cherry | 1 cherry | |
| Fresh Mint Sprig (optional) | 1 sprig |
Equipment Needed
To craft the perfect Flying Monkey drink, having the right equipment on hand streamlines the process and ensures consistency in every glass. Here’s what we need:
- Cocktail Shaker: A shaker with a built-in strainer helps us mix and chill the ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring Jigger: Precision matters, especially in balancing the 1 oz Banana Liqueur, 1 oz Coconut Rum, and 1 oz Spiced Rum. A jigger guarantees exact pours.
- Highball Glass or Large Cocktail Glass: We serve the Flying Monkey in a glass that showcases its tropical colors and allows enough space for ice and garnishes.
- Bar Spoon: Useful for layering the splash of Grenadine or gently stirring if preferred.
- Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice: Essential for chilling the drink without diluting the flavors too quickly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To slice the pineapple wedge garnish and prepare the maraschino cherry if needed.
- Cocktail Picks: For neatly securing the garnish, adding a professional finishing touch.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Shaker | Mix and chill ingredients | With built-in strainer is ideal |
| Measuring Jigger | Accurate measurement of spirits and juices | Typically 1 oz and 0.5 oz increments |
| Highball Glass | Serve the cocktail | Allows for ice and garnish placement |
| Bar Spoon | Stir and layer ingredients | Long handle for easy mixing |
| Ice Cubes or Crushed Ice | Chill the cocktail | Crushed ice cools faster, cubes last longer |
| Knife and Cutting Board | Prepare garnishes | Clean and sharp knife required |
| Cocktail Picks | Secure garnish | Adds aesthetic appeal and convenience |
Using these tools along with our carefully selected ingredients guarantees we deliver an authentic, refreshing Flying Monkey experience every time we mix this vibrant tropical cocktail.
Prep Work
Before we start mixing our Flying Monkey Drink, preparing everything in advance ensures a smooth and efficient process. Proper prep sets the stage for the perfect blend of flavors and a visually striking presentation.
Chilling Glasses
To keep the Flying Monkey refreshingly cold longer, we always chill our glasses beforehand. Here’s how we do it:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place glasses in freezer | 15 to 20 minutes prior |
| 2 | Alternatively fill with ice | Let sit for 5 minutes, then discard ice |
| 3 | Dry glasses thoroughly | Prevents dilution of the drink |
Chilling your glasses maintains the cocktail’s crisp temperature and enhances every sip.
Preparing Garnishes
Garnishes elevate the Flying Monkey Drink both in aroma and presentation. We prepare these fresh and neatly:
- Pineapple Wedge: Cut a small wedge from a ripe pineapple, removing the skin but leaving the core intact for easy handling.
- Maraschino Cherry: Drain excess syrup and set aside.
- Fresh Mint Sprig (optional): Rinse and pat dry gently to preserve vibrant color and aroma.
We thread the pineapple wedge and cherry onto a cocktail pick. Adding the mint sprig last provides a fresh herbal note contrasting the drink’s tropical sweetness. Having the garnishes ready before mixing speeds up assembly and ensures the drink shines on every level.
Instructions
Follow these precise steps to create the perfect Flying Monkey cocktail every time. We ensure a vibrant taste and an eye-catching presentation with ease.
Mixing the Drink
- Measure and gather all ingredients based on our recipe for accuracy.
- Add 1 oz Banana Liqueur, 1 oz Coconut Rum, and 1 oz Spiced Rum into the cocktail shaker.
- Pour in 2 oz Pineapple Juice and 1 oz Orange Juice to introduce tropical sweetness and citrus zest.
- Add a splash of Grenadine for a beautiful color gradient and subtle sweetness.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes or crushed ice to chill the mix perfectly.
Shaking or Stirring
We recommend shaking the Flying Monkey for an optimal blend and frosty finish:
- Secure the cocktail shaker lid tightly.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- This technique emulsifies the ingredients, evenly balancing flavors and chilling the cocktail.
If preferred, stirring works for a gentler blend:
- Use a bar spoon to stir the mixture in the shaker for 30 seconds until well mixed and chilled.
- Avoid over-diluting by stirring gently without shaking.
Pouring and Serving
To complete the drink’s presentation:
- Strain the cocktail into a pre-chilled highball or large cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and optionally a fresh mint sprig for aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the full vibrant zest and fruity aromas.
| Step | Action | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing | Combine measured ingredients and ice | – |
| Shaking | Shake vigorously | 15-20 seconds |
| Stirring (option) | Stir gently with bar spoon | 30 seconds |
| Pouring | Strain into chilled glass with fresh ice | Immediate after shaking |
| Garnishing | Add pineapple wedge, cherry, mint | Immediately before serving |
Serving Suggestions
To maximize the enjoyment of the Flying Monkey drink, we recommend the following serving tips that elevate both the experience and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Always serve the Flying Monkey right after preparation to ensure the drink remains ice-cold and the tropical flavors stay vibrant.
- Use a Frosted Glass: Present the cocktail in a frosted highball or large cocktail glass. Chilling the glass beforehand enhances the refreshing sensation and keeps the drink cooler for longer.
- Garnish with Intention:
- Place the pineapple wedge on the glass rim to add a sweet aroma.
- Spear the maraschino cherry with a cocktail pick for an attractive pop of color.
- Add an optional fresh mint sprig for an aromatic lift and a touch of green vibrance.
- Pair with Light Snacks: The tropical sweetness pairs wonderfully with snacks like:
- Coconut shrimp
- Pineapple salsa with chips
- Light cheese platters
- Create a Themed Presentation: For parties, consider tropical décor like palm leaves or tiki umbrellas to complement the Flying Monkey’s exotic flair.
| Serving Element | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frosted Glass | Enhances chill and presentation | Chill in freezer 10-15 mins |
| Pineapple Wedge | Adds sweetness and aroma | Fresh and vibrant |
| Maraschino Cherry | Color contrast and visual appeal | Use cocktail pick |
| Mint Sprig (Optional) | Aroma and fresh look | Gently slap to release scent |
“The key to a perfect Flying Monkey experience lies not just in mixing but in how we present and enjoy every sip.”
By following these serving suggestions, we ensure every Flying Monkey is a visually stunning and flavor-packed tropical delight.
Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy a seamless Flying Monkey Drink experience, a bit of make-ahead preparation can save us time and ensure each cocktail is consistently refreshing and flavorful. Here are our go-to tips for prepping in advance:
- Pre-mix the Base Liquids: Combine the Banana Liqueur, Coconut Rum, and Spiced Rum in a clean container. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step lets the flavors marry well without diluting the cocktail with ice too soon.
- Chill Your Juices: Keep the Pineapple Juice and Orange Juice chilled separately in the fridge. This avoids any temperature drops when mixing, maintaining that crisp and icy sensation in every glass.
- Prepare Grenadine Ahead: Measure out the splash of Grenadine in small bottles or containers, ready to use for quick pouring right before serving.
- Pre-cut Garnishes: Slice pineapple wedges, rinse mint sprigs, and drain maraschino cherries. Store each garnish type in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness while saving garnish prep time.
- Freeze Glasses: Place highball or cocktail glasses in the freezer about 15-20 minutes before serving to keep the drink icy and visually appealing.
Here is a simple timeline we follow before guests arrive:
| Time Before Serving | Task |
|---|---|
| 24 Hours | Mix rums & liqueurs (base) |
| 2 Hours | Chill juices and grenadine |
| 1 Hour | Prepare and store garnishes |
| 20 Minutes | Freeze glasses |
By organizing these make-ahead steps, we guarantee a smooth serving flow. When it’s time to mix, we simply shake the pre-mixed base with chilled juices and ice for 15-20 seconds, strain, garnish, and serve immediately for maximum freshness and flavor impact.
Conclusion
The Flying Monkey is more than just a cocktail—it’s a vibrant experience that brings tropical flavors and fun to any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little preparation, we can easily create this refreshing drink that’s sure to impress.
Whether we’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual evening, the Flying Monkey offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. By following the simple steps and serving tips, we can make every sip a delightful escape to the tropics. Cheers to mastering this crowd-pleaser and adding a splash of island flair to our gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Flying Monkey drink?
The Flying Monkey is a tropical cocktail made with Banana Liqueur, Coconut Rum, Spiced Rum, pineapple and orange juices, plus grenadine. It’s fruity, refreshing, and perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
What ingredients are needed to make a Flying Monkey?
You’ll need 1 oz each of Banana Liqueur, Coconut Rum, and Spiced Rum; 2 oz pineapple juice; 1 oz orange juice; and a splash of grenadine. Garnishes include a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, and optional fresh mint.
What equipment is required to prepare a Flying Monkey?
Essential tools include a cocktail shaker, measuring jigger, highball or large cocktail glass, bar spoon, ice, knife, cutting board, and cocktail picks for garnishing.
How do I prepare garnishes for the Flying Monkey?
Cut a fresh pineapple wedge, drain maraschino cherries, and rinse mint sprigs if using. Having garnishes ready enhances presentation and flavor.
What’s the best way to mix the Flying Monkey cocktail?
Measure ingredients accurately, shake them vigorously with ice for 15-20 seconds, then strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish and serve immediately.
Can I prepare parts of the Flying Monkey in advance?
Yes, you can pre-mix the rum and liqueur base and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Chill juices and grenadine beforehand and pre-cut garnishes for quick assembly.
How should I serve the Flying Monkey for the best experience?
Serve right after mixing in a chilled or frosted glass. Garnish with pineapple, cherry, and mint. Pair it with light snacks and use tropical décor for an added festive vibe.
What snacks pair well with the Flying Monkey cocktail?
Light, tropical-inspired snacks like coconut shrimp or pineapple salsa complement the fruity, vibrant flavors of the Flying Monkey perfectly.
Can the Flying Monkey be stirred instead of shaken?
Yes, stirring is an option for a gentler mix, but shaking is recommended for a frosty, well-blended cocktail.
Why should I chill the glass before serving the Flying Monkey?
Chilling the glass keeps the cocktail ice-cold longer, preserving its refreshing taste and enhancing the drinking experience.