When The Beastie Boys song “Brass Monkey” was released in 1986, the song title left many people asking the question, what exactly is “Brass Monkey“?

Just so you know, The Beasties are not rapping about an actual monkey made from brass…

The Beasties are rapping about a cocktail consisting of rum, vodka and orange juice. More then likely MCA, Ad-Rock & Mike D were rapping specifically about Heublein’s “Brass Monkey“, a drink who’s sales increased dramatically after the release of the song.

Here’s an advertisement for “Brass Monkey”…

An alternative version of “Brass Monkey” is a 40-ounce bottle of malt liquor that has been consumed to the top of the label and then filled with orange juice.

Heublein’s “Brass Monkey” premixed drinks were discontinued for a while after the company was sold but after several years of absence from the market the “Brass Monkey” premixed cocktail was re-released as The Club Brass Monkey.

Old School.