Guests were transported to Germany’s Black Forest as they weaved through the mystical story of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin at new WeHo hotspot, Coucou on Santa Monica Boulevard. Read on to catch a glimpse of the magic.
At the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and Nemo Street, guests were invited inside to experience Apartment 47 at the new WeHo hotspot, Coucou
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.
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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.
The star of the show, dispensed perfectly chilled from the Monkey Maschine, was Coucou’s Hot Shot
Created by Hayley Feldman, Coucou’s Apartment 47 signature cocktail, “Hot Shot,” is made with Monkey 47 Dry Gin, Dubonnet, simple syrup and lime juice, and topped with Fever Tree tonic water, yuzu and lime. The bittersweet, herbal and slightly nutty flavors of Dubonnet, the tanginess of Yuzu and the bright citrusy notes of lime come together to complement the delightful 47 botanicals present in Monkey 47. Reminiscent of the array of flowers and herbs found in Germany’s Black Forest, the Hot Shot brought a taste of magic to LA.
Hailing from Berlin, AMBERLUX lit up the patio at Coucou on Santa Monica Boulevard
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 the Black Forest, exactly where every handcrafted drop of Monkey 47 Schwarzwald dry gin is made. Bringing that Black Forest essence to Apartment 47 in Los Angeles, 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 Coucou.
Danny Harpaz, Director of PR at Fairmont Century Plaza enjoying Apartment 47 at Coucou on Santa Monica Boulevard
Partners Mike Manning and Nick Tocco watched as an on-site artist personalized their Monkey 47 Book of Spirits
Characters from the Black Forest guided us through Coucou 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 purple and yellow 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 Hot Shot cocktail.
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. Sweet, spice and everything nice, the German Gin-Gin Mule spotlights the botanicals that give Monkey 47 its fiery, complex aftertaste—cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, almond, ginger, Ceylon cinnamon, licorice and Acoros calamus. Made with lime juice, ginger beer and Monkey 47 dry gin, this cocktail had everyone talking. To bring that Black Forest essence to your own party, be sure to garnish your German Gin-Gin Mule with a nutmeg and cinnamon sugar dust rim.
Monkey 47’s Schwarzwald Scarf Stylist individually styled guests in bespoke purple and yellow silk scarves created solely for Los Angeles tastemakers in attendance
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. "What a fun and whimsical event,” said Modern Luxury guest Tori Wilson. “I love learning about the history of Monkey 47 and the Black Forest in Germany. One of my favorite parts of the evening was being styled with the Monkey 47 scarf—so fun! Oh and, of course, the cocktails were spectacular."
While you might not have experienced the real Apartment 47 at Coucou, 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 Philip Faraone
Photography by: Courtesy of Philip Faraone
