The Monk On A Motorbike
Benedictine, Cointreau, Lemon
The sidecar is a well-known cocktail based in Cognac. The legend of its naming has to do with a military man on a motorcycle. Bartender James Hanly is responsible this particular variation. It's an unlikely substitution of Benedictine for Cognac. Now Benedictine and brandy go famously together, but I would never have considered swapping one for the other.
It works though, and very well! The herbaceous notes of the Benedictine dance on the lemon and add complexity and depth; while the lemon and Cointreau enliven the liquor. Served in a sugar-rimmed glass, it's a delight.
As the Benedictine Liqueur was originally made by the monks of that order, and the drink is a rather simple derivation of a sidecar, we have dubbed James' cocktail Monk on a Motorbike. I was able to find several pictures of such a thing online; however, it seems most monks who actually ride on motorbikes are Tibetan. If you can find a picture of a European monk (or ideally a Benedictine monk) on a motorbike, please do forward it to me.
Friday, we will pour Monks on Motorbikes for \$9. We will pass hors d'oeuvres until 9 PM. The most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. I hope you can join us.