Monin syrups have become a staple ingredient for many bartenders and mixologists around the world. With their wide array of flavored syrups, Monin provides an easy way to add sweetness and flavor to cocktails, coffee drinks, Italian sodas, and more. But are Monin syrups actually worth using? Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Monin syrups.
The History of Monin
Monin syrups have been around for over 100 years. The company was founded in 1912 by Georges Monin in Bourges, France. Back then, Monin specialized in fruit syrups made from locally grown produce. The business stayed in the Monin family for three generations until it was acquired by distribution group Denobel in 1985.
In the 1990s, Monin began expanding internationally and introduced new flavored syrups to cater to the growing cocktail culture. The company opened offices in London, Tokyo, Shanghai and Dallas and now exports to over 160 countries worldwide. Today, Monin offers over 200 different flavored syrups and is considered one of the leading brands for bartenders and baristas.
The Pros of Using Monin Syrups
There are several advantages that Monin syrups offer compared to other cocktail syrups or homemade simple syrup:
- Huge variety of flavors – With over 200 options, Monin syrups come in pretty much any flavor you can imagine from basics like vanilla and hazelnut to unique options like rose, lavender, ginger and lychee. There’s a Monin syrup for every drink application.
- Consistency – Monin syrups offer consistent flavor and sweetness every time. You don’t have to worry about variations batch to batch like you would with homemade syrups.
- Convenience – The syrups are ready to use right away. You don’t have to spend time boiling sugar and water to make simple syrup from scratch.
- Quality ingredients – Monin uses natural flavors and cane sugar in their syrups. They avoid artificial sweeteners, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup.
- Versatile applications – Monin syrups can be used in cocktails, coffees, Italian sodas, lemonades, desserts and more. One syrup can serve many uses across the menu.
- Long shelf life – Unopened bottles have a shelf life of 2 to 3 years. Once opened, syrups last 4 to 6 months refrigerated.
Potential Downsides of Monin Syrups
However, there are a few potential cons to consider with Monin syrups as well:
- Added costs – Purchasing specialty syrups is more expensive than making basic simple syrup yourself. This added cost can cut into profit margins, especially for very high volume establishments.
- Bottleneck on busy nights – Only 1-2 ounces of syrup are used in most cocktails. Going through many bottles on a busy shift can create a bottleneck. Pre-batching syrups helps.
- Questionable “natural” claims – While Monin touts their “natural flavors”, these are still chemically created flavor compounds not derived directly from the source fruit or ingredient.
- Preservatives – Monin uses preservatives like potassium sorbate in their syrups which some customers prefer to avoid.
- Waste from partially used bottles – Once opened, syrups eventually lose quality from oxidation and may get wasted if not used up quickly enough.
- Shipping costs and packaging waste – Importing syrups produces more waste and carbon emissions than making locally.
Monin Syrup Reviews
Most professional bartenders and mixologists agree that Monin makes very high quality syrups that can elevate any cocktail. Here are some reviews from around the web:
“Monin syrups are staples behind any well-stocked bar. Their flavor accuracy and versatility just can’t be beaten. I use Monin in all my original cocktail recipes without hesitation.” – John, founder of EasyCocktailRecipes.com
“I’ve tried other brands but nothing compares to the real flavors you get from Monin. Their orgeat, ginger and elderflower syrups truly take my tiki drinks to the next level.” – Johnathan, bartender in San Francisco
“Monin is consistently the best tasting and most reliable cocktail syrup brand. Their passion fruit and blackberry syrups make killer margaritas.” – Eliza, bar manager in Dallas
“Sure, Monin syrups cost a bit more than homemade, but for me the flavors are well worth it. Time saved is money earned, and Monin delivers profits with their quality and range.” – Jamie, restaurant owner in Portland
When it comes to flavor complexity and accuracy, most professional bartenders say Monin can’t be beat. They are regarded as the gold standard in the industry.
How Monin Syrups Are Made
Monin takes pride in the care and craftsmanship that goes into each of their syrups. Here is an overview of their production process:
- Sourcing of ingredients – Monin uses pure cane sugar and natural flavor compounds. The flavors are derived from real fruit, nuts, spices, herbs and other plant materials.
- Mixing – Ingredients are precisely measured and mixed in industrial mixing vats per each syrup recipe.
- Bottling – Syrups are bottled in facilities in France, Switzerland and the US. Bottles are capped, labeled and packaged.
- Quality control – Samples from each batch are tested to ensure accurate flavor, sugar levels and absence of defects. Batches not meeting standards are discarded.
- Storage – Filled bottles are kept in climate controlled warehouses before shipping to maintain freshness.
- Transportation – Monin syrups are shipped to over 160 countries. Climate controlled transport protects syrup quality.
In addition to these steps for physical production, Monin invests heavily in research and development. Their lab team is constantly evaluating new flavor trends and testing new syrup concepts. Only the best creations make it to full production.
Tips for Using Monin Syrups
To get the most out of your Monin syrups, follow these best practices:
- Store properly – Keep syrup bottles refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness. The cold also helps syrups pour and measure out easier.
- Use quickly – Try to use up syrups within 3-4 months after opening. Check bottles for any mold development.
- Measure precisely – Use jiggers or measuring cups to ensure accurate syrup portions. Too much can throw off the drink balance.
- Try before tweaking – Taste a new syrup on its own before adding to drinks. Get a sense of the intensity and sweetness.
- Start with small quantities – Buy small 375ml bottles first to test new flavors instead of committing to large 1 liter bottles.
Following these tips will help make Monin syrups a foolproof cocktail upgrade in your bar.
How Long Do Monin Syrups Last?
The shelf life of Monin syrups depends on whether the bottle is opened or unopened:
- Unopened – 2 to 3 years from the production date on the label. Kept sealed in a cool, dry storage area.
- Opened – 4 to 6 months refrigerated. Transfers to smaller bottles help minimize air exposure.
Signs that a syrup may be expired and needs replacing:
- Flat, muted aroma and flavor
- Crystalized sugar on the sides or bottom of bottle
- Discoloration
- Mold development
With proper storage, Monin syrups can retain their quality and flavor for quite a while. But syrups past their prime should be discarded to maintain drink standards.
Are Monin Syrups Better Than Homemade?
This is a frequent question that many bartenders wrestle with. Let’s compare the pros and cons:
Benefits of Monin Syrups
- Huge variety of consistent flavors
- Convenient and fast
- Predictable sweetness and quality
- Long shelf life
- Natural flavors and sugar
Benefits of Homemade Syrups
- Fresher flavor from raw ingredients
- Custom flavors and sweetness
- Lower cost
- More environmentally friendly
- No preservatives
Ultimately it’s a matter of personal preference and finding the right balance for your needs. Many bartenders use a blend of Monin syrups for convenience supplemented with homemade syrups for popular flavors like vanilla, honey and Demerara sugar.
Popular Monin Syrup Drink Recipes
Monin syrups liven up all kinds of drinks. Here are recipes for popular cocktails, coffees and Italian sodas using Monin:
Cocktails
Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
- 1 oz (30ml) vodka
- 1 oz (30ml) Monin lavender syrup
- 2 oz (60ml) lemon juice
- 3 oz (90ml) soda water
- Lemon wedge garnish
Add vodka, lavender syrup and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until chilled. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with lemon wedge.
Spiced Cranberry Mule
- 1.5 oz (45ml) spiced rum
- 0.5 oz (15ml) Monin ginger syrup
- 0.75 oz (20ml) lime juice
- 4 oz (120ml) cranberry juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ginger beer to top
- Lime wheel garnish
Build rum, ginger syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice and bitters in a copper mug filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and garnish with lime.
Coffees
Hazelnut Iced Coffee
- Single shot espresso
- 4-6 oz cold milk
- 1 oz Monin hazelnut syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
Brew espresso shot and let cool slightly. In a glass filled with ice, add hazelnut syrup then milk. Stir to combine then pour cooled espresso on top. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.
Caramel Macchiato
- Single shot espresso
- 1 oz Monin caramel syrup
- 6-8 oz steamed milk
- Caramel drizzle (optional)
Make caramel drizzle by heating Monin caramel syrup until runny. Add caramel syrup to bottom of glass, then add espresso shot on top. Pour steamed milk gently over espresso. Top with more drizzled caramel if desired.
Italian Sodas
Raspberry Italian Soda
- 1 oz Monin raspberry syrup
- 2-3 oz cold club soda
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
Add raspberry syrup to a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and gently stir to combine. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Vanilla Cream Italian Soda
- 1 oz Monin vanilla syrup
- 2 oz cold milk
- 2-3 oz cold club soda
- Whipped cream
Add vanilla syrup and milk to a glass filled with ice and stir to blend. Top with club soda and finish with a dollop of whipped cream.
Where to Buy Monin Syrups
Monin syrups are sold through foodservice distributors all over the world. Commercial buyers like restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries can purchase Monin through their regular distributor. Consumer bottles are also available at many retail locations:
- Liquor stores
- Gourmet food shops
- Coffee supply stores
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Sur La Table
- Williams-Sonoma
- Online retailers like Amazon
Buying through distributors provides the most affordable pricing and widest selection for businesses. But individual retail bottles work great for home bartenders.
How Much Do Monin Syrups Cost?
Pricing for Monin syrups varies by bottle size and source. Some typical costs are:
Bottle Size | Typical Price |
---|---|
750ml Commercial Bottle | $13 – $17 |
1 Liter Commercial Bottle | $18 – $25 |
70ml Single-Serving Bottle | $2.50 – $3.50 |
375ml Retail Bottle | $8 – $12 |
Prices are a few dollars lower when purchasing through restaurant supply distributors versus individual retail shops. But the retail bottles can be more cost effective for lower volume usage.
Does Monin make their own syrups?
Yes, Monin handles all their own syrup production and does not outsource manufacturing. They have production facilities in Bourges, France as well as in Switzerland, Canada and the United States. This allows them to oversee quality control throughout the entire process from raw ingredients to bottled final products.
Conclusion
Monin syrups have earned their sterling reputation among both professional and home bartenders. While pricier than DIY homemade syrups, Monin’s focus on quality natural ingredients and flavor consistency makes them a trustworthy cocktail upgrade. Their incredible range of flavors adds creativity and customization to any drink menu.
However, more affordable pricing, lower waste and a smaller carbon footprint make the case for supplementing with homemade syrups using fresh local ingredients where possible. Many bartenders strike a balance using Monin for specialty flavors and homemade for basic syrups used in larger quantities.
Overall, Monin syrups deliver delicious results and unlock countless drink ideas. Just take care to store bottles properly and use within the expiry window for the best flavor. Monin has secured their place as a go-to cocktail syrup brand by perfecting both variety and quality over their 100+ year history.