This one is my invention and I’m damn proud of it. First, the name: I was calling it “Crazy Monk” due to the tequila / Benedictine combo. Then my friend Mauricio pointed out that there is a sort of cartoon character in Mexico named “El Monje Loco”, which is as close to a precise translation as they come. Perfect.
Tequila and Benedictine are magical together, but the ratio matters. Too much B, and you can’t taste the T, and vice-versa. I finally settled on a 2T:1B ratio. The recipe also calls for dry vermouth, but you can back off on that, as I know Will does. Finally, I put just a little more lime juice in tonight and it enhanced the south-of-the-border feel nicely, complementing the enchilada casserole we had for dinner.
Vamos!
- 2 oz tequila (I used anejo – life is short)
- 1 oz Benedictine
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz Amaro (Ramazzotti)
- a few drops to 1/4 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime peel garnish
Shake and serve up.
6Comments
January 28, 2013 at 12:05 am
Tried your recipe yesterday. I had to substitute Jager for the Amaro and six year old Sauza Reposado Hornitos for the anejo. Unfortunately, Amaro does not appear to be available in Summit County.
Nice results that suggest the right ingredients will create a nice cocktail. I will have to update the bar in Boulder with a trip to Hazel’s.
January 28, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Jager for Amaro – there’s a substitution I wouldn’t have thought of!
February 9, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Enjoying un El Monje Loco esta noche. Skimped on the vermouth as I always do – it’s there, just a little less of it and replaced the Amaro Ramazzotti with Amara Averno. Not a substantive difference with either change. Great drink!
February 10, 2013 at 4:15 pm
You might try Lillet to replace the vermouth and see how that comes out. A little quinine and that monk might really lose it!
February 27, 2015 at 1:45 am
Never mind the vermouth replacement. It needs to be there. Very happy with the full quota.
March 12, 2019 at 12:19 am
I found this site for the first time yesterday and tried your El Monje Loco. My wife summed it up this way: “That’s the best tequila drink I ever had.” Well done. Made it with Montenegro and then with Del Capo…both delicious.