Old Monk

In our blog so far, we have covered a ubiquitous ingredient and a very sophisticated one. This one is neither of those, in every possible way. So if you were expecting to hear about an exotic ingredient that you could add to you bar to be the envy of all your friends, this post is probably not for you. Instead, we are going to be talking about some cheap, shitty booze (not Natty Ice or Franzia or Steel Reserve mind you, we’re not that bad); so say hello to Old Monk!

This is a dark rum from India, and no that is a not a typo. It comes in a bottle that looks like it contains moonshine that barely passed some government inspection. As if that isn’t enough, drink this neat and it will burn more than a shot of fire ants. However, a shot of fire ants wouldn’t leave you with the warm taste of caramel and butterscotch a shot of Old Monk will.

It's not much to look at but that's why we were
taught never to judge a booze by its bottle.

It’s only because of this subtle sweet aftertaste that we’re even bothering to talk about this rum. And boy, if you can get rid of that burn does this rum help make an amazing drink. First, in honor of what countless people in the subcontinent drink, here is a twist on the classic Cuba Libre (presented in slightly different manner from our usual cocktail recipes).

Monk on Coke

Take a tall glass and fill it with some ice, as much Old Monk as you feel like drinking and the rest with Coca-Cola. Add a lime twist for garnish. Enjoy.

Why use Old Monk instead of any other rum? This rum adds a hint of vanilla and butterscotch to the Coke making it taste like a grown-up version of vanilla Coca-Cola. Not bad for something that also gets you tipsy.

While a perfectly legitimate use of Old Monk, the cocktail we really prefer it in is our version of the Dark and Stormy inspired by the way Drink, the bar in Boston we recently raved out, makes it. If, like us, you want a Dark and Stormy with a much sharper ginger flavor, try this:

Dark and Stormy

1.5oz Old Monk

3.5oz Goya Ginger Beer

Fill a highball glass a third of the way with ice. Add all the ingredients and garnish with a wedge of lime (if you absolutely must have a garnish).
 

The Goya ginger beer is much sharper and more gingery than the more traditional Gosling’s ginger beer; this complements the butterscotch sweetness of the Old Monk resulting in a truly enjoyable drink.

So, the next time the monsoon (or a thunderstorm for those of you who don’t conveniently live near monsoon prone regions) rolls around, mix yourself one of these and watch the rain.

Cheers!

A&B