Chartreuse, with its vibrant green or yellow hue and complex herbal profile, has become a staple in modern cocktail culture. This distinctive liqueur is made by Carthusian monks from a secret blend of 130 herbs and plants. It adds depth and character to any drink it touches.
Whether you’re already a fan or new to Chartreuse, these cocktails showcase the versatility of this unique spirit. From classics like The Last Word to creative modern interpretations, there’s something for everyone.
You’ll find that Chartreuse works wonderfully with a variety of base spirits including gin, rum, and whiskey. Its herbal complexity can stand up to strong flavors while also complementing more delicate ingredients like citrus and fruit. When mixed properly, Chartreuse cocktails offer a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, and herbaceous notes that create truly memorable drinking experiences.
1. The Last Word
The Last Word is a classic cocktail that perfectly balances sour, sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors. It combines equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
This pre-Prohibition era drink disappeared for decades before being rediscovered in the early 2000s. Now it’s considered one of the most perfectly balanced cocktails in the modern mixology world.
You can find many variations of the Last Word today. Some bartenders substitute the gin with tequila or peated Scotch whisky like Laphroaig or Ardbeg. Others add special touches like lavender sugar syrup or bitters.
The vibrant green color from the Chartreuse makes this cocktail as visually appealing as it is delicious.
2. Bijou
The Bijou is a jewel-like cocktail that beautifully showcases Chartreuse’s complex flavor profile. This classic drink combines equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth with a few dashes of orange bitters.
To make this elegant cocktail, mix 1 ounce each of gin, green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth with 2 dashes of orange bitters. Some variations adjust the ratios slightly, using more gin and less of the other ingredients.
Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass. You can garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherry for a finishing touch.
3. Champs-Elysees
The Champs-Elysees is a classic French cocktail named after the famous avenue in Paris. It combines cognac and Green Chartreuse, two quintessentially French ingredients.
This cocktail is essentially a brandy sour with an herbal twist. The recipe typically calls for cognac, Green Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, and a sweetener.
Some bartenders prefer using Genepy instead of Green Chartreuse for a milder flavor profile. Genepy has less intensity while still offering herbal notes.
The Champs-Elysees dates back to at least 1925, when it appeared in the book “Drinks Long and Short” by Nina Toye and AH Adair. Though classic, it remains somewhat underrated compared to other cocktails.
4. Greenpoint
The Greenpoint cocktail is a modern classic that draws inspiration from the Manhattan. It uses rye whiskey as its base spirit.
Unlike what some might think, the Greenpoint calls for yellow Chartreuse, not green. This gives it a milder, more honey-like sweetness.
The recipe combines 2 ounces of rye whiskey, 1/2 ounce yellow Chartreuse, and 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth. Finish with a dash each of Angostura and orange bitters.
This balanced cocktail is named after a neighborhood in Brooklyn. You’ll appreciate how the yellow Chartreuse complements the spicy notes of the rye whiskey.
5. Honeysuckle Julep
The Honeysuckle Julep is a refreshing summer cocktail that combines Old Tom gin with the sweet herbal notes of yellow Chartreuse.
This delightful drink starts with muddled peach slices and honey syrup in a julep tin or rocks glass. The peaches add a fruity sweetness that complements the complex flavors of Chartreuse.
After adding the gin, Chartreuse, and crushed ice, give it a good stir. Then pile on more crushed ice until it mounds over the top of the glass.
The result is a sophisticated twist on the classic julep that balances sweet, herbal, and fruit flavors perfectly.
6. Love & Murder
The Love & Murder cocktail brings together two strong spirits: Campari and green Chartreuse. This bold drink balances these intense flavors with fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need 1 ounce each of Campari and green Chartreuse, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well, and strain into a chilled glass.
Despite being relatively new in the cocktail world, the Love & Murder has gained popularity among those who appreciate complex flavor profiles. The drink’s vibrant color and balanced taste make it a standout choice for Chartreuse lovers.
7. Alaska
The Alaska cocktail is a simple yet elegant drink that combines gin, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters. This classic cocktail showcases the herbal complexity of Chartreuse while letting the gin shine through.
To make an Alaska, mix 1.5 ounces of dry gin with 0.5 ounces of yellow Chartreuse and add 2 dashes of orange bitters. Stir these ingredients with ice until well-chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Finish with a lemon peel for a touch of citrus aroma that complements the herbal notes perfectly.
The Alaska has recently seen a revival in popularity, with many craft cocktail bars featuring this sophisticated drink on their menus.
8. Trato Hecho
The Trato Hecho is a straightforward twist on the classic Last Word cocktail. It follows the same equal-parts formula that makes the original so balanced and approachable.
This cocktail combines equal measures of spirit, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. The result is a perfectly balanced drink with the herbal punch of Chartreuse complementing the tart lime and sweet maraschino.
You can make this at home with minimal fuss. Simply shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. The vibrant green color makes it as appealing to look at as it is to drink.
9. Scarlet Glow
The Scarlet Glow is a vibrant cocktail created by bartender and distiller Allen Katz. It gets its beautiful ruby color from hibiscus tea syrup.
This refreshing drink combines 2 ounces of pisco with 1/2 ounce of yellow Chartreuse. The mixture is enhanced with 3/4 ounce of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and 1/2 ounce of hibiscus tea syrup.
To make the hibiscus tea syrup, you’ll need equal parts sugar and water infused with hibiscus tea. Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a glass for a bright and flavorful drinking experience.
10. Tipperary
The Tipperary is a classic cocktail with Irish roots that showcases the herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse. To make this elegant drink, you’ll need Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, Green Chartreuse, and a few dashes of Angostura bitters.
The standard recipe calls for 1 1/2 ounces of Irish whiskey, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 1/2 ounce of Green Chartreuse. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to round out the flavor profile.
Stir all ingredients with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist to add a bright citrus aroma.
11. Chartreuse Swizzle
The Chartreuse Swizzle is a tropical cocktail that showcases green Chartreuse as its star ingredient. This refreshing drink combines the herbal liqueur with bright, fruity flavors.
The recipe typically calls for 1½ ounces of green Chartreuse, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, ¾ ounce of lime juice, and ½ ounce of falernum. These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and herbaceous notes.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need to fill a Collins glass with crushed ice, add all ingredients, and swizzle until the glass frosts. Garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel for a picture-perfect presentation.
12. Piña Verde
The Piña Verde is a creative twist on the classic Piña Colada, replacing traditional rum with Green Chartreuse. This substitution creates a uniquely herbal take on the tropical favorite.
The cocktail combines Green Chartreuse with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and lime juice. The sweet tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut help balance the bold, herbaceous notes of the Chartreuse.
You’ll find this drink refreshing yet complex. The name translates to “Green Pineapple,” perfectly describing its flavor profile and appearance.
This modern classic was created by bartender Erick Castro and has gained popularity for its unexpected but delicious flavor combination.
13. Mojito with Chartreuse
A Chartreuse Mojito puts a French twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. Instead of rum, this refreshing drink uses Green Chartreuse as its base spirit.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need Green Chartreuse, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and sparkling water. The typical ratio is 1½ ounces of Chartreuse, 1 ounce of lime juice, and ½ ounce of simple syrup.
Start by muddling mint leaves with sugar in a highball glass. Add the Chartreuse and lime juice, then fill the glass with ice. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with more mint.
This herbal variation maintains the refreshing quality of a traditional mojito while adding complex botanical flavors.
14. Orange Cinnamon Margarita
The Orange Cinnamon Margarita offers a cozy twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for fall gatherings. This seasonal variation combines fresh orange juice with warming cinnamon notes.
To make this flavorful drink, squeeze the juice from one orange and combine it with 3 ounces of cinnamon orange syrup and 3 ounces of tequila in a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. You can rim the glass with cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. This cocktail balances the bright citrus flavors with comforting spice notes.
For an interesting variation, try adding a small amount of Chartreuse to enhance the herbal complexity.
15. Lychee Lime Cooler
The Lychee Lime Cooler is a refreshing cocktail that showcases green Chartreuse in a tropical setting. This drink combines the herbal complexity of Chartreuse with sweet lychee and tart lime.
To make this cooler, you’ll need 1 oz green Chartreuse, 2 oz lychee liqueur, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and a splash of soda water. Shake all ingredients except soda with ice and strain into a tall glass.
Garnish with fresh lychee fruit and a lime wheel. The floral notes of lychee complement the botanical profile of Chartreuse perfectly, while lime adds necessary brightness.
This cocktail works best during warm weather but can brighten any occasion year-round.
16. Cosmo-Cranberry Ginger
The Cosmo-Cranberry Ginger cocktail adds a spicy twist to the classic Cosmopolitan. This drink combines vodka with cranberry juice and ginger liqueur for a zesty flavor profile.
You can enhance this cocktail with fresh ginger syrup for an extra kick. The bright red color makes it visually appealing for special occasions.
For garnish, try adding fresh cranberries, a lime wedge, or mint leaves. This drink is refreshing and tart, with the ginger providing a warming counterbalance to the cranberry’s acidity.
This variation works well year-round but especially shines during holiday gatherings when cranberries are in season.
17. Mix Fruit Sangria
Chartreuse adds a unique herbal touch to traditional sangria recipes. Mix it with your favorite wine, fresh fruits, and a splash of brandy for a refreshing drink.
You can use either green or yellow Chartreuse, depending on your flavor preference. Green offers more intense herbal notes, while yellow brings a milder, sweeter profile.
Add seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and berries to your sangria mixture. For extra flavor, let the fruits soak in the liquid for at least two hours before serving.
Finish with a splash of seltzer water for a light, bubbly texture that makes this cocktail perfect for warm weather gatherings.
18. Spicy Guava Margarita
The Spicy Guava Margarita offers a delightful twist on the classic cocktail with the addition of Green Chartreuse. This vibrant drink combines the herbal complexity of Chartreuse with tropical guava nectar and a kick of heat.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need tequila (preferably añejo), guava nectar, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, Green Chartreuse, and jalapeño slices for heat. The Chartreuse adds a unique herbal dimension that complements the sweetness of guava.
Combine all ingredients with ice, shake well, and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeño slices according to your preference.
19. Watermelon Lemongrass Spritz
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of watermelon with the citrusy notes of lemongrass for a perfect summer drink. Green Chartreuse adds its unique herbal complexity to this spritz variation.
To make this drink, muddle fresh watermelon chunks with a lemongrass simple syrup. Add .75 ounce of Green Chartreuse and shake with ice.
Strain the mixture into a wine glass filled with ice. Top with chilled Prosecco or champagne for that essential spritz fizz.
Garnish with a watermelon slice and lemongrass stalk for presentation. The vibrant pink color makes this cocktail as visually appealing as it is delicious.
20. Yellow Chartreuse and Honey Julep
The Yellow Chartreuse and Honey Julep combines sweet yellow Chartreuse with golden honey syrup for a refreshing summer drink. This cocktail builds on the classic julep formula but adds herbal complexity.
You’ll need yellow Chartreuse, honey syrup, mint leaves, and your choice of spirit. Gin works well, especially a citrus-forward variety like Roku.
Muddle fresh mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup. Add 1/2 oz yellow Chartreuse, 1/2 oz honey syrup, and 1.5 oz gin. Fill with crushed ice, stir gently, and garnish with a mint sprig.
For extra summer flavor, try muddling fresh peaches with the mint as mentioned in the Honeysuckle Julep variation.
21. Charely Noble
The Charely Noble combines gin and Chartreuse for a sophisticated flavor profile. This elegant cocktail pairs dry gin with a hint of Green Chartreuse that adds its distinctive herbal complexity.
To make this drink, mix two parts gin with one part dry vermouth. Add a quarter ounce of Green Chartreuse (though Yellow Chartreuse works well too) and a dash of orange bitters.
Stir all ingredients with ice until properly chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist. The citrus oils from the twist complement the herbal notes of the Chartreuse perfectly.
This balanced cocktail showcases the versatility of Chartreuse while maintaining the classic structure of a martini-style drink.
History and Origins of Chartreuse
Chartreuse liqueur traces back to the early 17th century with a mysterious manuscript and has evolved from a medicinal elixir to a beloved ingredient in modern mixology. The distinct green and yellow varieties each have their own character, created through careful blending of herbs and plants.
Creation by Carthusian Monks
The story of Chartreuse begins in 1605 when a mysterious manuscript containing a recipe for an “Elixir of Long Life” was given to the Carthusian monks. These monks, from a 900-year-old order, established at the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps, worked to decode the complex formula.
By 1737, they perfected the Elixir Végétal de la Grande Chartreuse, initially created for medicinal purposes. The formula remains a closely guarded secret, known only to two monks at any time.
In 1764, the monks developed a milder version that became what we know today as Green Chartreuse. Yellow Chartreuse, a sweeter and less potent variant, followed later. Both liqueurs contain a blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers.
Despite facing challenges during the French Revolution when the monks were expelled from France, they managed to preserve their secret recipe.
Evolution in Cocktail Culture
Chartreuse transitioned from a medicinal elixir to a cocktail staple in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its complex herbal profile made it a favorite among bartenders looking to add depth to their creations.
One of the most famous Chartreuse cocktails, “The Last Word,” emerged during the Prohibition era. This equal-parts mixture of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice showcases the versatility of the liqueur.
Modern mixologists continue to embrace Chartreuse for its unique flavor profile. The vibrant green color (derived from chlorophyll) and complex taste make it stand out in both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Despite its popularity in fancy cocktail bars worldwide, the Carthusian monks remain focused on tradition rather than trends. They continue to produce Chartreuse using the same methods and recipe they have for centuries.
Flavor Profile and Characteristics
Chartreuse liqueurs offer complex flavor profiles that make them versatile yet distinctive ingredients in cocktails. Their unique botanical compositions create signature tastes that can transform ordinary drinks into extraordinary experiences.
Green Chartreuse vs. Yellow Chartreuse
Green Chartreuse delivers a bold, intense flavor experience with 55% alcohol content. It presents a powerful herbal profile with notes of mint, thyme, and anise dominating the palate. This variety has a pronounced spicy character that adds complexity to cocktails like The Last Word.
Yellow Chartreuse, at 40% alcohol content, offers a gentler, sweeter approach. Its flavor profile highlights honey, saffron, and citrus notes with a milder herbal character. This makes it more approachable for beginners while still providing distinctive character to drinks like the Champs-Elysees.
The color difference isn’t just aesthetic—it signals the significant taste variation between these two expressions. When substituting one for the other in cocktails, remember that Green Chartreuse will provide more intensity and herbal punch.
Key Ingredients and Botanical Notes
Chartreuse contains an impressive 130 herbs, plants, and flowers in its secret recipe. Only two Carthusian monks know the complete formula at any given time. They maintain centuries of tradition.
Key botanical elements include:
- Melissa herb (lemon balm): Adds citrus notes
- Hyssop: Contributes minty, slightly bitter qualities
- Angelica root: Provides earthy, aromatic depth
- Cardamom: Adds warm spice notes
The maceration process allows these botanicals to infuse their essences into the spirit gradually. This extraction method helps develop Chartreuse’s layered complexity.
You’ll notice that cocktails featuring Chartreuse often include complementary ingredients that either highlight or balance its herbal nature.
Citrus juices like lime work particularly well. They provide acidity against Chartreuse’s sweet herbal profile.
