Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic14.8% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrus
- 1 1/2 ozLight RumBase
- 3 ozGrapefruit JuiceCitrus
- 1 dashBittersModifier
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Pour all of the ingredients into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes.
- Stir well.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Monkey Wrench?
- The Monkey Wrench is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.8%. A standard serving contains approximately 137 calories.
- What does a Monkey Wrench taste like?
- Monkey Wrench has a flavour profile featuring Bitter, Grapefruit, Vanilla, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Monkey Wrench?
- Monkey Wrench pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Monkey Wrench?
- The Monkey Wrench has an ABV of approximately 14.8%. That's approximately 1.12 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 137 calories, 6.2g sugar, 8.2g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Monkey Wrench typically served?
- Monkey Wrench is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Monkey Wrench?
- If you enjoy Monkey Wrench, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Monkey Wrench at home?
- Yes. The Monkey Wrench uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Monkey Wrench with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.