Can I substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is more potent and herbal than yellow. If you use it, the drink will be noticeably bolder and more intense. Stick to yellow for the classic, balanced flavor.

What rye whiskey works best for the Monte Cassino?

A mid-range rye with enough spice and body—such as Rittenhouse, Bulleit, or Old Forester Rye—works beautifully. Avoid overly mellow or sweet ryes, as the liqueurs already provide plenty of sweetness.

Do I need to double strain this cocktail?

Double straining is optional but recommended for a silky-smooth drink, especially if your lemon juice has pulp or your shaker produces small ice shards.

How should I serve the Monte Cassino?

Serve it straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, and always garnish with a lemon twist to enhance the aromatic experience.

Monte Cassino

Name: Monte Cassino
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 0.75 oz Rye whiskey; 0.75 oz Benedictine; 0.75 oz Yellow Chartreuse; 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice

The Monte Cassino is a sophisticated, herbal-forward cocktail that beautifully balances the rich flavors of rye whiskey with the honeyed warmth of Benedictine, the floral notes of Yellow Chartreuse, and the brightness of fresh lemon juice. Named after the historic Italian abbey, this drink is a modern classic, perfect for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts who love a complex yet approachable tipple.

5 minutesMedium1 serving

Featured

Ingredients

1 serving

Rye whiskey
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Choose a quality rye for depth of flavor
Benedictine
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Adds honeyed herbal sweetness
Yellow Chartreuse
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Provides floral and herbal complexity
Fresh lemon juice
25 ml (0.75 oz)
Always use fresh-squeezed for brightness

Tools Needed

Cocktail shaker
Hawthorne strainer
Jigger
Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Coupe or Nick & Nora glass

Instructions

Add rye whiskey, Benedictine, Yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Optionally, double strain for an extra smooth texture.
Garnish with a fresh lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim or in the glass.

Why You'll Love This Cocktail

Beautiful balance of herbal, citrus, and whiskey flavors
Offers a unique twist on the Last Word template
Delivers a complex yet approachable profile
Showcases two legendary herbal liqueurs: Benedictine and Yellow Chartreuse
Perfect for impressing guests or savoring solo

History & Origin

The Monte Cassino was created in 2010 by bartender Damon Dyer for the 2010 Chartreuse Sweet 16 Cocktail Competition in New York City. Inspired by the classic Last Word, it substitutes rye whiskey for gin and Benedictine for maraschino, nodding to the Benedictine monks of the Monte Cassino Abbey in Italy. Its blend of herbal liqueurs and American rye captures both old-world mystique and new-world spirit, quickly earning it a place among modern classics at cocktail bars worldwide.

Garnish

A fresh lemon twist, which adds a burst of citrus aroma and highlights the drink’s bright notes.

Nutrition Info

Approximately 170 calories per serving. Contains alcohol, sugars from liqueurs, and vitamin C from lemon juice. Enjoy responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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