If you think whisky is only for sipping neat, it’s time to shake things up. Monkey Shoulder — the smooth, rich, and versatile blended malt Scotch — is made for mixing. Its mellow vanilla, spice, and citrus notes make it perfect for creative cocktails you can whip up right in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a cocktail newbie or an at-home bartender, here are five easy Monkey Shoulder cocktail recipes that will impress your guests (and your taste buds).
1. Ginger Monkey
A refreshing, no-fuss cocktail with a spicy kick.
You’ll Need:
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50ml Monkey Shoulder
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120ml ginger ale
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Orange wedge, to garnish
Instructions:
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Fill a highball glass with ice.
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Add Monkey Shoulder.
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Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
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Garnish with an orange wedge.
Why it works: The ginger ale’s spice pairs beautifully with Monkey Shoulder’s smooth, malty sweetness.
2. Lazy Old Fashioned
All the depth of a classic Old Fashioned, but quicker to make.
You’ll Need:
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50ml Monkey Shoulder
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15ml sugar syrup
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2 dashes Angostura bitters
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Orange zest, to garnish
Instructions:
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Add Monkey Shoulder, sugar syrup, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
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Stir until well chilled.
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Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
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Garnish with an expressed orange zest.
Pro tip: Make it “lazy” by building directly in the glass — less fuss, same flavor.
3. Monkey Jam Sour
A fruity, tangy twist on the whisky sour.
You’ll Need:
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50ml Monkey Shoulder
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20ml fresh lemon juice
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20ml sugar syrup
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1 heaped teaspoon fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
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Ice
Instructions:
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Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
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Shake hard until well chilled.
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Strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
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Garnish with a slice of fruit matching your jam.
Why it works: The jam adds sweetness, color, and a fun homemade feel.
4. Monkey & Apple
Simple, crisp, and perfect for any time.
You’ll Need:
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50ml Monkey Shoulder
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120ml cloudy apple juice
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Ice
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Apple slice, to garnish
Instructions:
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Fill a highball glass with ice.
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Add Monkey Shoulder and top with apple juice.
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Stir gently and garnish with an apple slice.
Why it works: The apple’s freshness lifts the whisky’s vanilla and spice notes.
Your At-Home Bar, Upgraded
The best part about these recipes? You can make them all with one bottle of Monkey Shoulder and a few simple mixers.
Special Offer: Get our Monkey Shoulder Gift Set or bundle it with mixers to try every cocktail in this list. Available now on Minuman.com with fast delivery straight to your door.
Related Article: The Story Behind Monkey Shoulder: Meet the Monkey

