The Monte Cassino: A Modern Classic for Whiskey Lovers
If you’re a fan of the Last Word but prefer the spicy kick of rye over gin, let me introduce you to your new favorite drink: The Monte Cassino.
Named after the historic abbey in Italy, this cocktail is a masterclass in balance. It manages to be boozy, herbal, sweet and tart all at once. It’s the kind of drink that makes you look like a pro behind the bar, even though it’s remarkably simple to pull off.
Why It Works
The beauty of the Monte Cassino lies in the interplay between the spicy rye and the two heavy-hitting herbal liqueurs: Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse. While Green Chartreuse is often the star of the show in other drinks, the Yellow variety is softer and more honeyed, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the Benedictine and the brightness of fresh lemon.
The Verdict: The Monte Cassino is sophisticated, spirit-forward and surprisingly refreshing. It’s the perfect “transition” cocktail for when you want something more complex than a Whiskey Sour but brighter than an Old Fashioned.
Ingredients for The Monte Cassino
- 1 1/2 oz American rye whiskey, I used Willett Family Estate
- 3/4 oz Benedictine
- 3/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
- 3/4 oz lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- Lemon twist for garnish
How to make The Monte Cassino
- Chill Your Glass. Place a coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for 5 minutes (or fill it with ice and water while you prep).
- Combine. Add the rye whiskey, Benedictine, Yellow Chartreuse and fresh lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
- Add Ice. Fill the shaker with plenty of ice.
- Shake. Shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels frost-cold.
- Strain. Double-strain into your chilled glass to ensure no ice shards or lemon pulp make it into the final drink.
- Garnish. Express a lemon twist over the surface of the drink, rub it along the rim and drop it in.
Make the best Monte Cassino (pro-tips)
The Rye Matters: Since rye is the base, don’t hide it. A spicy, high-rye mashbill helps cut through the sweetness of the Benedictine. I used Willett Family Estate but Rittenhouse is a good option.
Don’t Substitute the Chartreuse: There really isn’t a perfect 1:1 sub for Yellow Chartreuse. Believe me, I’ve tried. If you can’t find it, wait until you can. It’s the soul of this drink.
The “Double Strain”: Always use a fine-mesh strainer for citrus-forward drinks. It gives the cocktail that perfectly smooth, crystalline look that defines a high-end craft cocktail.
one foodie 