Guests were transported to Germany’s Black Forest as they weaved through the mystical story of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin at The Carlyle. Read on to catch a glimpse of the magic that happened at this New York City icon.
Nikki Haskell (@bignikbh) and Bert Saville (Sr. Brand Manager for Monkey 47) arrived dressed for some Monkey Business.
In the mystical depths of Germany's enchanting Black Forest, where ancient tales, marvelous mountains and luxurious offerings collide, lies the magical realm of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin. Born from the alchemy of tradition and innovation, this elegant gin is a symphony of 47 handpicked botanicals, such as the lingonberry—a Black Forest staple. The Black Forest, or Schwarzwald in German, is home to over a third of these essential ingredients, including natural spring water and particularly aromatic berry and fruit varieties. Along with the iconic dry gin distillery, dubbed “The Wild Monkey,” the Black Forest is also known for its sumptuous spas, Michelin-starred restaurants and opulent cuckoo clocks—crafted in the region since the 1700s. Each sip of a Monkey 47 cocktail invites drinks connoisseurs to explore the history, allure and magic of their 47 carefully selected botanicals.
Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin is crafted in Germany’s Black Forest. Photo courtesy of Monkey 47.
Partnering with Modern Luxury, Monkey 47 is inviting select cities across the nation to step into its lavish world—"Das Wunderzimmer" (The Wonder Room) in Apartment 47—where the enigmatic beauty of the Black Forest meets the elegance of contemporary mixology to forge an enthralling night of discovery. Read on to embark on a journey through time and taste, where each bespoke Monkey 47 cocktail is a sip of magic from the heart of the Black Forest.
What We Tasted
The Carlyle’s signature Monkey 47 cocktail, the Lord Covington, was housed in the Monkey Maschine.
Created by mixologist Dimitrios Michalopoulos, The Carlyle’s Apartment 47 signature cocktail, the "Lord Covington,” is inspired by the refined character of the same name from the Madeleine series. Crafted with Monkey 47 gin and Crème de Violette, it captures his sophistication and Parisian elegance. Cold French Verveine adds a refreshing spice, while an acidic solution and homemade vanilla syrup bring balance and sweetness. With each sip, we were transported to a world of charm and timeless grace. Cheers to Lord Covington!
What We Heard
Black Forest fashion was a vibe while AMBERLUX delivered a playful soundtrack for Apartment 47 at The Carlyle.
As we sipped, we listened to the magical musical makings of Amberlux, a live DJ who embodies the essence of Das Wunderzimmer in Apartment 47. Born and raised in Germany, Amberlux spent his summers in Schwarzwald, exactly where every handcrafted drop of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin is made. Bringing that Black Forest essence to Apartment 47 in Manhattan, Amberlux transforms the unique story of the city into vibrant, live sets. Want to experience it for yourself? Visit the Apartment 47 x Amberlux website to download the live set from The Carlyle.
What We Saw
Guests Lauren Stone and Gina Volturno watched as an artist customized a Monkey 47 Book of Spirits for them, which details the story and legend of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin.
Characters from the Black Forest guided us through The Carlyle to explore the mystical world of Apartment 47. Upon entering, we watched as an artist meticulously customized the Monkey 47 Book of Spirits for guests to take home; then, a Schwarzwald Scarf Stylist styled us with tropical, monkey-adorned green silk neck scarves, reminiscent of the Black Forest botanicals present in the gin. Finally, we arrived at the Monkey Maschine, a cocktail machine resembling an old-school buggy, where we got to taste the custom-crafted Lord Covington cocktail.
What We’ll Be Drinking All Summer
The botanical bar served up three different cocktails highlighting different groupings of Monkey 47’s botanicals.
At the Botanical Bar, we found our perfect summer cocktail inspiration. Crafted by Julian Langestraat, Monkey 47's Global Brand Ambassador, each cocktail highlights a different grouping of Monkey 47’s 47 botanicals. The Juicy Martini beautifully elevates Monkey 47’s tangy citrus notes—bitter orange, lemon balm and seeds of the native Angelica Archangelica. Made with Lillet Blanc, Dolin Blanc and Monkey 47, this cocktail is approachable enough to serve at a summer soiree. To really bring that Black Forest magic to your own party, pour into a chilled coupe and garnish with a manicured orange twist–delicious.
What We Felt
Guests were wowed by the magical details throughout Apartment 47 at The Carlyle.
Between mingling, visiting the Schwarzwald Scarf Stylist, enjoying Amberlux’s set and sipping Monkey 47 cocktails, it’s safe to say guests were enchanted by Apartment 47. “As soon as you walk up the flower-covered stairs, there’s a wow factor,” says Modern Luxury attendee Gina Volturno. “Every detail was perfect—from the German Gin-Gin Mule’s cinnamon-sugar rim to the intricate décor.
While you might not have experienced the real Apartment 47 at The Carlyle, you, too, can summon the magical realm of Monkey 47 in your own home. Recreate one of the event’s signature cocktails, access Amberlux’s playlist and watch your space (and tastebuds) transform.
Photos courtesy of Marco Sagliocco
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