Monaco cocktail

Ingredients

• 125 ml (12.5 cl)blonde lager
• 125 ml (12.5 cl)lemonade
• 10–20 ml (1–2 cl)grenadine syrup

Instructions

1. 1

   Add the grenadine

   Pour the grenadine syrup into the bottom of a glass.

2. 2

   Pour in the lager

   Tilt the glass slightly and add the blonde lager gently to limit foam.

3. 3

   Top with lemonade

   Top up the glass with the lemonade.

4. 4

   Stir gently

   Stir carefully to combine the drink while keeping as much fizz as possible.

What is a Monaco cocktail?

The Monaco is a French beer cocktail that combines blonde lager with lemonade and grenadine. Its name is associated with Monaco, though the drink is a familiar choice in French cafés and bars.

This simple version balances the lager’s bitterness with sweet, citrusy lemonade and a touch of fruity syrup. Adding the grenadine first gives the drink its characteristic rosy colour.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 135 calories, 1g protein, 18g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates come from the lemonade and grenadine, while the lager contributes a smaller amount; the drink contains very little protein or fat. Enjoy it alongside a savoury snack or meal with vegetables and a source of protein to make a more balanced occasion.

Choosing the ingredients

Blonde lager: Choose a light, crisp beer rather than a strongly bitter or heavily flavoured one, so it blends easily with the lemonade.

Lemonade: A sparkling, sweetened lemonade gives the cocktail its citrus note and extra bubbles. Its sweetness varies by brand, so the syrup amount can be adjusted within the recipe’s range.

Grenadine: Use 10 ml for a less sweet drink or up to 20 ml for a fruitier, sweeter finish.

Pour gently to control the foam

Lager can foam quickly when it hits the bottom of a glass. Tilt the glass and pour the beer slowly down its side, as directed, rather than pouring from a height.

Add the lemonade after the lager and stir with a light touch. A vigorous stir can flatten the drink.

Keep the bubbles lively

Use chilled lager and lemonade, and mix the cocktail just before serving. Cold ingredients help keep the drink refreshing and reduce the need for ice, which can dilute it.

Stir only enough to distribute the grenadine through the drink. The finished cocktail should look evenly coloured while retaining a lively fizz.

Adjust the sweetness

The lemonade and grenadine both contribute sweetness, so the balance depends partly on the products you use. Start with 10 ml of grenadine if your lemonade is already sweet.

For a more pronounced fruity flavour, use up to 20 ml. Keep the beer and lemonade amounts unchanged for the recipe’s intended proportions.

Serve it with

Serve the Monaco straight after mixing, while it is cold and fizzy. It pairs well with simple savoury snacks such as salted crisps, olives or a cheese board.

For a more substantial spread, offer it alongside a salad or a savoury tart; the citrus and bubbles suit both light and richer bites.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the lager and lemonade before mixing.
• Pour the lager down the side of a tilted glass to keep foam under control.
• Begin with 10 ml of grenadine and add more only if you want a sweeter drink.
• Use a gentle stir so the drink combines without losing too many bubbles.
• Mix just before serving for the best fizz.

Variations

• Less sweet: Use 10 ml of grenadine and a less-sweet lemonade.
• More fruity: Use 20 ml of grenadine for a stronger syrup flavour.
• Alcohol-free: Replace the lager with a non-alcoholic blonde beer.
• Citrus twist: Add a thin slice of lemon as a garnish.
• Extra cold: Serve in a chilled glass and mix immediately before drinking.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Pouring too quickly: The lager may foam over; tilt the glass and pour slowly.
• Adding too much syrup: The drink can become cloying; start with 10 ml and taste.
• Stirring vigorously: This knocks out the fizz; stir gently just until combined.
• Mixing too early: The cocktail loses its sparkle while standing; prepare it just before serving.
• Using warm ingredients: The drink will be less refreshing; chill the lager and lemonade first.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately, as its carbonation fades once mixed. Do not store leftovers for later; keep the unopened ingredients chilled according to their labels.

Frequently asked questions