There’s something special about the Monk’s Dream cocktail-it’s light, a little herbal, a little citrusy, and always refreshing. It’s the kind of drink that feels thoughtful without being fussy. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress guests or wind down a long day. Let’s walk through how to make it at home and how to make it your own.
Monk's Dream
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Snifter (or an old-fashioned glass works too)
Ingredients
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) honey syrup (see tip below)
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) herbal liqueur (like Chartreuse or Benedictine)
– Ginger beer, to top (about 3-4 oz / 90-120 ml, depending on glass size)
– Ice (for serving)
How to Make It
- Chill your glass. Pop your snifter or old-fashioned glass in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep. A cold glass keeps everything crisp and refreshing.
- Mix the base. In the chilled glass, pour in the herbal liqueur, lemon juice, and honey syrup.
- Add ice. Fill the glass about halfway with ice. This cools the drink without watering it down too fast.
- Top with ginger beer. Pour ginger beer over the mixture until the glass is nearly full. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything without losing the bubbles.
Serve it right away and enjoy the light fizz, sweet citrus, and warming herbal notes.
Tips & Tricks
– Honey syrup tip: Mix equal parts honey and warm water until smooth. It’s easier to blend into drinks than straight honey.
– Fresh lemon juice only. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.
– Not too fizzy: Stir gently after adding ginger beer to keep the carbonation from disappearing.
– Choosing your liqueur: Chartreuse is bold and complex, while Benedictine is softer and a bit sweeter. Try both and see which you like better.
Make-Ahead Notes
– You can prep the honey syrup and lemon juice up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge.
– Don’t mix the cocktail fully ahead of time-ginger beer loses its fizz. But you can line up the ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh. If you have leftover honey syrup, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Lemon juice is best the same day but can last a day or two when stored airtight.
Serving Suggestions
Monk’s Dream makes a lovely after-dinner drink, but it’s flexible enough to enjoy anytime. Here are a few pairings that work beautifully:
With Spiced Nuts
The cocktail’s gentle sweetness balances the heat and salt of spiced nuts. Great for happy hour or light snacking.
With Soft Cheese
Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair well with the drink’s citrus and herbal notes.
With Grilled Veggies
Charred zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers bring out the ginger and lemon in the cocktail.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch-there’s something about the balance that makes it easy to sip and hard to forget.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Simple Substitutions
– Honey syrup: Try maple syrup for a warmer, woodsy flavor.
– Herbal liqueur: Use an amaro for a more bitter, complex twist.
– Ginger beer: Ginger ale works in a pinch-it’s sweeter and milder.
Monk’s Dream Variations
Monk’s Orchard
Add a splash of apple brandy for a cozy, autumn feel. Mix it in with the base ingredients before topping with ginger beer.
Monk’s Sunset
Pour a little pomegranate juice over the top for a layered “sunset” look and a fruity pop.
Monk’s Tropical Dream
Swap ginger beer for coconut water and serve over crushed ice. It’s lighter, refreshing, and perfect for warm weather.
Non-Alcoholic Version (Virgin Monk’s Dream)
Skip the herbal liqueur and mix:
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) honey syrup
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) lemon juice
– Top with ginger ale instead of ginger beer
It’s bright, fizzy, and just as enjoyable without the booze.
Common Questions
Is Monk’s Dream a dessert cocktail?
Yes, it can be! Its soft sweetness and herbal depth make it a lovely after-dinner option.
What makes it different from other herbal cocktails?
The mix of honey, lemon, and ginger beer gives it a lighter, more refreshing profile than heavier herbal drinks.
Can I serve it year-round?
Absolutely. It’s light enough for summer and cozy enough for fall and winter. Just adjust your garnish or pairing.
What if I don’t have ginger beer?
Use ginger ale for a milder version. It’s less spicy but still tasty.
Can I make a big batch for a party?
Yes-just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Mix everything except the ginger beer ahead of time, then top each glass with it when serving.
Are there non-alcoholic herbal substitutes?
You can try an herbal syrup or infusion (like chamomile or rosemary tea concentrate) for a similar vibe.
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Whether you’re winding down after dinner or kicking off a weekend gathering, Monk’s Dream fits the moment. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and full of character. Try it once, and it just might become one of your favorites too.
