Brass Monkey Grilled Chicken
Posted: Friday, January 02, 2009
by Peter Alfieri
Buon Appetito Providence
This dish was inspired by the song and drink "Brass Monkey." I'm always inspired to create original recipes. This time I went a step further creating a dish with an established theme. I am very well aware that there are better themes and/or occasions. However, much like the consuming inspiration many artisans boast about; I too had a new found passion to put this idea to paper.
Does anyone remember the year 1987?? I do!! I was in junior high school, big hair was in for the gals and the mullet was in style for the guys (unfortunately). It was the year "Dirty Dancing" became a smash hit with Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. It was also the year the song "Brass Monkey" by the Beastie Boys made #87 on "The Billboard Hot 100." Well, that song will eternally remind me of the year 1987.
Recently, one day after listening to the song "Brass Monkey" I took it upon myself to research the drink (Brass Monkey) praised in the song. There are conflicting opinions regarding the drink. The popular theory refers to Brass Monkey as a cocktail consisting of equal parts of dark rum, vodka, and orange juice mixed together. The other theory refers to the ghetto-fabulous version where a person drinks a 40 ounce bottle of malt to the label and then adding orange juice or and orange flavored drink topping-off the bottle.
I experienced a driving force to get to the bottom of the reference in the song. After reading the lyrics to the song I can say with confidence that the song refers to the liquor containing cocktail consisting of dark rum, vodka, and orange juice. The lyrics state "Mixing in a cup" & "Pouring over ice." In my opinion the previously mentioned overtones refer to a liquor drink and not a carbonated malt beverage. After all, who mixes a carbonated malt beer in a cup and over ice?? Not me!
After completing my research I sought to create this recipe honoring both song and drink. Of course I started with a base consisting of equal parts of dark rum, vodka, and orange juice. Finally, after quite a bit of 'trial & error' I came up with the recipe you now see listed below. This original dish will surely impress family, friends, or guests with subtle flavors of orange and rum. Of course this meal wouldn't be complete without the accompanying drink (See drink recipe below).
Makes: 8 servings
Ingredients for Brass Monkey Grilled Chicken
1/3 cup of dark rum
1/3 cup of vodka
1/3 cup of orange juice (or juice from fresh orange)
1 zest of orange
1 1/2 tablespoons of chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
4 cloves of freshly crushed garlic
5 tablespoons of sesame oil
4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts - cut in half
Preparation of Brass Monkey Grilled Chicken
Combine dark rum, vodka, orange juice, zest of orange, chili powder, salt, garlic, and sesame oil in a large re-sealable bag.
Add chicken breasts to re-sealable bag and marinate at least 8 hours. Ideally 24 hours of marination produces the best results.
Remove chicken from bag and grill on medium to high heat until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Enjoy your meal!!!
Ingredients for the cocktail Brass Monkey
1 1/2 cup of dark rum
1 1/2 cup of vodka
1 1/2 cup of orange juice
ice
Preparation of the Brass Monkey cocktail
Combine dark rum, vodka, and orange juice in a pitcher. Stir mixture and pour over ice in a high-ball glass.
Serving size: 8
Enjoy your drink!
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I'm not a drinker but when I do sip I like clean, drinks that stand alone. I feel too many mixed lend itself to next day problems. Howevr, as a special one only drink it just may be fine?
Love the little story behind the recipe, You must be great to watch on TV!Keep them coming.
Wow Peter, this looks good!!! I am definately going to try this with my next chicken, it sounds absolutely yummy, and want better way to top it off, than with a brass monkey drink!!! I am definately going to try it, how creative this is.....I am going to become a fan....looking forward to more..!!!! Well done my friend.Thanks a bunch Gary! This dish also makes a great summer dish.Take care :)
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