The Velvet Monkey

The Velvet Monkey

Rich, nutty, slightly tropical, with gentle sweetness and spice. Think: peanut butter truffle meets tiki bar sophistication.

Ingredients (for 1 cocktail)

  • 1½ oz aged rum (preferably Jamaican or Demerara — depth and spice)

  • ¾ oz peanut butter–coconut fat-wash bourbon* (see below)

  • ½ oz crème de banane (adds lush fruit, balances saltiness)

  • ½ oz lime juice (freshly squeezed)

  • ¼ oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

  • 1 bar spoon cream of coconut (for texture)

2 dashes chocolate bitters

Instructions

  1. Shake hard with ice for 15 seconds.

  2. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Garnish: dust of grated nutmeg + a tiny piece of toasted coconut or a banana chip.

Optional Fat-Wash Bourbon Step (worth it!)

  1. Melt 1 tablespoon peanut butter with 1 teaspoon coconut oil until smooth.

  2. Combine with ½ cup bourbon in a jar. Stir and let sit for 1–2 hours at room temp.

Freeze until fat solidifies, then strain through cheesecloth or paper filter.
→ You’ll get a silky, aromatic bourbon with subtle nutty-coconut tones.