Chartreuse, a unique French liqueur, adds an intriguing layer to any drink with its distinct herbal taste. With its origins rooted in monastic traditions, this vibrant green or yellow spirit has become a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Its complex flavors, derived from 130 different plants, make it a versatile ingredient for a variety of cocktails.
If you’re looking to elevate your cocktail game, exploring Chartreuse cocktails can provide an exciting and flavorful experience. From classic combinations to innovative creations, these drinks showcase the liqueur’s rich history and depth. Whether you prefer the green or yellow variety, there’s a Chartreuse cocktail perfect for your palate.
1) Last Word
The Last Word is a classic cocktail made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
This drink dates back to the Prohibition era. It was later revived in the early 2000s by bartender Murray Stenson at Zig Zag Café in Seattle.
To make the Last Word, combine equal parts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
You can garnish it with a brandied cherry or a twist of lime.
The Last Word is known for its balanced flavor. It combines herbal notes from the Chartreuse with the sweetness of maraschino liqueur and the tartness of lime juice.
2) Green Eyes
Green Eyes is a captivating cocktail that’s both refreshing and flavorful. It’s a delightful blend that uses gin, lime juice, Green Chartreuse, sugar syrup, and egg white.
The silky texture comes from the egg white, while the Green Chartreuse adds a herbal, bittersweet depth. Lime juice provides a bright, citrusy note, balanced perfectly by the sweetness of the sugar syrup.
This drink is visually striking with its vibrant green hue, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress. The combination of flavors will keep you coming back for more.
3) Bijou
The Bijou cocktail is a classic blend that dates back to the early 1900s. It is credited to bartender Harry Johnson, who featured the recipe in his Bartender’s Manual.
This cocktail’s name comes from the French word for “jewel,” referring to its vibrant, jewel-like colors.
To make a Bijou, you’ll need gin, sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
Start by adding 1.5 oz of gin, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and 0.75 oz of Green Chartreuse to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Add 1-2 dashes of orange bitters.
Stir the mixture for about 10-15 seconds or until well-chilled.
Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist or a Maraschino cherry for a touch of elegance.
The Bijou combines the herbal notes of gin and Chartreuse with the sweetness of vermouth, making it both complex and refreshing.
It’s a memorable cocktail that showcases the unique flavors of its ingredients.
4) Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous cocktail is a modern classic. It was created by Joaquín Simó during his time at Death & Co. in New York City. This drink has become popular for its unique and balanced flavor.
You make the Naked and Famous with equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice. Mezcal adds a smoky taste, while Aperol gives a bittersweet flavor. Yellow Chartreuse brings herbal notes, and lime juice adds a refreshing citrus kick.
To prepare this cocktail, fill a shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice. Shake until well-chilled. Then, strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. This drink is both simple to make and impressive to serve.
The Naked and Famous cocktail is great for both beginners and craft cocktail enthusiasts. The balance of flavors makes it approachable, yet sophisticated. Try it if you enjoy complex and intriguing drinks.
5) Chartreuse Swizzle
The Chartreuse Swizzle is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail. It features Green Chartreuse, an herbal liqueur from France, which serves as the main ingredient.
To make this drink, you’ll need Green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Velvet Falernum. Velvet Falernum adds a hint of sweetness and spice.
Start by pouring the Green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Velvet Falernum into a chilled glass. Fill two-thirds of the glass with crushed ice.
Swizzle the mixture with a swizzle stick or stir briskly with a bar spoon. Add more crushed ice to fill the glass.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lime wheel. Serve with a straw and enjoy your Chartreuse Swizzle.
This cocktail offers a blend of herbal, tropical, and citrus flavors. It’s a perfect drink for warm weather or anytime you want something light and flavorful.
6) Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées cocktail is a classic that brings together bold flavors. Created in the early 20th century, it offers a refined twist on the Sidecar.
You’ll need Cognac, Green Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and aromatic bitters. This mix gives the drink its unique taste.
To make it, combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well for 15-20 seconds, ensuring it’s well chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for a touch of elegance.
This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate complex herbal notes. The Green Chartreuse is the key, providing a distinctive flavor that sets it apart.
7) Tuxedo No. 2
The Tuxedo No. 2 is a refined, classic cocktail. It’s a perfect drink for those who appreciate the elegance of pre-Prohibition cocktails. This drink presents a beautiful balance of flavors that will delight your palate.
You start by rinsing a chilled coupe glass with absinthe, then discarding the excess. This adds a subtle, aromatic hint to your drink. Next, in a mixing glass filled with ice, combine gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and orange bitters.
Stir the mixture for about 15 seconds until chilled. Strain the stirred ingredients into your prepared coupe glass. To finish, garnish your Tuxedo No. 2 with a twist of lemon peel. This adds a fresh citrus aroma.
The Tuxedo No. 2 fell out of favor for many years but has seen a revival in recent times. This cocktail stands out with its unique combination of ingredients and its sophisticated presentation. Peeling a lemon twist can be a delightful finishing touch to make the drink look as good as it tastes.
8) Purgatory
Purgatory is an intriguing cocktail that balances complexity and simplicity.
You need gin, green Chartreuse, and dry vermouth to make it. Together, they create a unique blend that is both strong and herbal.
Start by mixing equal parts of each ingredient in a shaker with ice. Shake it well until it’s very cold.
Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist to add a bit of citrus aroma.
The Purgatory cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate well-balanced drinks. The flavors of gin and Chartreuse complement each other, while the dry vermouth ties everything together.
9) Diamondback
The Diamondback is a bold cocktail with a strong punch. It is made with rye whiskey, applejack, and Yellow Chartreuse. The combination creates a robust and herbaceous experience.
To make a Diamondback, mix 1 jigger of rye whiskey, ½ jigger of applejack, and ½ jigger of Yellow Chartreuse. Shake the ingredients with ice until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass filled with cracked ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of freshness.
This drink packs a hefty ABV, making it an ideal choice for starting your weekend or capping off a long day. Enjoy its rich flavors and unmistakable strength responsibly.
10) Chartreuse Smash
The Chartreuse Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse with fresh mint and citrus.
Begin by muddling 10-15 mint leaves with two sugar cubes and 1 oz of lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
Next, add 2 oz of green Chartreuse to the shaker.
Shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds until well mixed.
Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a sprig of mint to enhance the drink’s fresh aroma.
The result is a balanced, herbaceous drink with a hint of sweetness and a burst of minty freshness.
11) Final Word
The Final Word cocktail is a modern variation of the classic Last Word. Instead of using gin, this cocktail swaps in rye whiskey. This gives the drink a richer and spicier taste.
To make the Final Word, you’ll need equal parts straight rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.
Shake these ingredients with ice until well-chilled. Then strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
The green Chartreuse and Maraschino liqueur add complex herbal and cherry notes. The lemon juice balances these flavors with a burst of citrus.
This cocktail offers a refreshing twist on a Prohibition-era classic. It’s perfect for whiskey lovers looking for something a bit different.
12) Greenpoint
The Greenpoint cocktail is a well-balanced, timeless drink. It’s named after the Greenpoint neighborhood in Brooklyn. This cocktail blends rye whiskey with Yellow Chartreuse and sweet vermouth, delivering a harmonious mix of flavors.
To make a Greenpoint, you need 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 0.5 ounces of Yellow Chartreuse, 0.5 ounces of sweet vermouth, a dash of Angostura bitters, and a dash of orange bitters. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
Then, strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail or coupe glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon or orange to enhance the aroma. The result is an inviting drink that showcases the herbal notes of Chartreuse with the spicy warmth of rye whiskey.
13) The Alaska
The Alaska cocktail is a simple and elegant drink. It features three main ingredients: gin, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters.
To make The Alaska, start by chilling a coupe or martini glass. You do this by placing the glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
Next, mix the gin, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters in a mixing glass. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir for 20-30 seconds until the drink is well chilled.
Once the drink is cold, strain it into your chilled glass. To finish, express the oil of a lemon twist over the drink and use the twist as a garnish.
The Alaska cocktail is known for its balanced and smooth flavor, thanks to the combination of botanicals in the gin and the herbal qualities of the Chartreuse.
It’s a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. The drink first appeared in the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book.
This cocktail is a great choice for those who enjoy a drink that’s both strong and aromatic. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the flavor of gin paired with the unique taste of Chartreuse.
14) Yellow Parrot
The Yellow Parrot cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the early 20th century. It was created by Harry MacElhone, a famous bartender known for his craft.
This cocktail is made with gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and apricot brandy. These three ingredients create a unique balance of flavors.
To make a Yellow Parrot, combine 1.5 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of Yellow Chartreuse, and 0.75 oz of apricot brandy in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for a minute.
Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. Optionally, you can add a twist of lemon for garnish. This simple yet flavorful drink is perfect for any occasion.
The Yellow Parrot is appreciated for its smooth and herbal taste. The apricot brandy adds a fruity note, while the Yellow Chartreuse provides a touch of sweetness.
15) Chartreuse Daiquiri
The Chartreuse Daiquiri brings a unique twist to a classic cocktail. It uses green Chartreuse, giving it a vibrant color and distinct herbal flavor. This combination creates a refreshing and bold drink.
To make a Chartreuse Daiquiri, mix 1 ounce of rhum agricole, 1 ounce of green Chartreuse, and 1 ounce of lime juice. Add ¾ ounce of honey water to balance the flavors.
Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass. The result is a cocktail that’s sweet, zesty, and full of herbal notes.
The Chartreuse Daiquiri is perfect for cocktail enthusiasts looking for something different. It’s both easy to make and delicious to drink.
History of Chartreuse in Cocktails
Chartreuse has a fascinating history in the world of cocktails. Its origins date back centuries, and its unique herbal profile has made it a favorite among bartenders and mixologists.
Origins of Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks in the Chartreuse Mountains. The recipe, which dates back to 1605, includes 130 herbs and plants. Initially, it was intended as a medicinal elixir.
By the 18th century, the monks refined the recipe into the green and yellow versions we know today. Green Chartreuse is more potent, while yellow is smoother and sweeter. Despite the secrecy surrounding its exact formula, Chartreuse’s distinct taste made it a sought-after ingredient.
Chartreuse and Mixology
Chartreuse began appearing in cocktails in the early 20th century. One of the earliest cocktails is the Bijou, dating back to the 1890s. This drink consists of gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse.
In modern times, Chartreuse has maintained its appeal. Iconic cocktails like the Last Word and the Chartreuse Swizzle highlight its versatility. The Last Word, for instance, blends gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice in perfect harmony.
Bartenders appreciate Chartreuse for its complex profile. Its herbal notes complement a wide range of spirits, making it a staple in craft cocktails.
Flavor Profile of Chartreuse
Chartreuse is known for its unique and complex flavor profile. Made by Carthusian monks, it includes over 130 different herbs, plants, and flowers.
You will find two main types: Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse.
Green Chartreuse is stronger and spicier. It has a bold taste with flavors such as:
- Herbal
- Peppery
- Spicy
- Bitter
Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter. It offers a softer flavor profile with notes like:
- Sweet
- Gentle herbal
- Floral
- Milder spices
Key Flavors
- Herbal: Both Green and Yellow Chartreuse have strong herbal notes but vary in intensity.
- Spicy: Green Chartreuse gives a sharp and spicy kick, while Yellow is more delicate.
- Sweetness: Yellow Chartreuse has an evident sweetness, which balances its herbal characteristics.
- Floral: Subtle floral undertones make Yellow Chartreuse gentle and inviting.
Pairing Notes
Chartreuse pairs well with:
- Gin: Enhances botanical qualities.
- Whiskey: Complements the complexity and depth.
- Citrus: Balances the intense herbal and spicy notes.
Explore these flavors in cocktails to experience the full range of what Chartreuse has to offer.
