Chartreuse cocktails offer a unique twist to your drink menu.
This bright green liqueur adds a complex herbal flavor to any mixed drink. It’s made from a secret blend of 130 herbs and plants, giving it a one-of-a-kind taste.
You can find many tasty recipes that use Chartreuse as a key ingredient.
From classic drinks to modern creations, there’s something for everyone.
These cocktails range from simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex concoctions. Whether you prefer sweet, sour, or strong drinks, you’ll discover a Chartreuse cocktail to suit your taste.
1. Last Word
The Last Word is a classic cocktail from Prohibition times.
It mixes gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice in equal parts.
This drink has a balanced sweet and sour taste. The herbal notes of Chartreuse blend with the gin’s botanicals. Maraschino adds sweetness, while lime brings tartness.
To make it, shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. You can garnish with a cherry if you like.
The Last Word fell out of popularity after World War II. But it made a comeback in recent years. Bartenders rediscovered this forgotten gem and brought it back to menus.
2. Bijou
The Bijou is a classic cocktail that shines like a jewel. It blends gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. Orange bitters add a zesty touch.
Harry Johnson created this drink in the late 1800s. The name “Bijou” means jewel in French. Each ingredient represents a precious stone – gin for diamond, vermouth for ruby, and Chartreuse for emerald.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. Try 1.5 oz gin, 0.75 oz sweet vermouth, and 0.5 oz green Chartreuse. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.
This cocktail offers complex herbal flavors. It’s strong and sophisticated, perfect for sipping slowly.
3. Green Ghost
The Green Ghost is a classic cocktail from the 1930s. It combines gin, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice for a refreshing drink.
You’ll need 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of Green Chartreuse, and 1/2 ounce of lime juice. Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. The drink has a lovely green color from the Chartreuse.
This simple recipe lets the herbal flavors of Chartreuse shine. The lime adds brightness and balances the strong spirits. Try a Green Ghost for a unique gin cocktail with a touch of history.
4. The Final Ward
The Final Ward is a twist on the classic Last Word cocktail. It swaps gin for rye whiskey, creating a bolder flavor profile.
To make this drink, you’ll need equal parts rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The spiciness of the rye whiskey balances nicely with the herbal notes of Chartreuse. The maraschino adds sweetness, while lemon juice brings brightness.
You can garnish your Final Ward with a lemon twist or cherry. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy whiskey-based drinks with complex flavors.
5. Chartreuse Smash
The Chartreuse Smash is a refreshing cocktail that showcases the herbal flavors of Chartreuse. You’ll love its bright, citrusy notes mixed with the complex taste of the liqueur.
To make this drink, you’ll need green Chartreuse, fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Start by muddling the mint with sugar and lemon juice in a shaker.
Add the Chartreuse and ice, then shake well. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings.
Its balance of sweet, bitter, and herbal flavors makes it a unique and enjoyable drink.
6. The Alaska Cocktail
The Alaska Cocktail is a simple yet powerful drink. You’ll need gin, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters to make it.
Mix these ingredients in a glass with ice. Stir for about 30 seconds until it’s cold.
Pour the drink into a chilled glass. The Alaska Cocktail has a strong, herbal taste from the yellow Chartreuse.
You might like this drink if you enjoy martinis. It’s a good choice when you want something with a savory flavor.
7. Esprit de June
Esprit de June is a unique liqueur made from grape vine flowers. It has a light, floral taste that works well in cocktails. You can use it to add a delicate touch to drinks.
Try mixing Esprit de June with tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar for a twist on a margarita. Or keep it simple by serving it over ice with a lemon slice.
This liqueur pairs nicely with Chartreuse in cocktails too.
Experiment with combining them along with other spirits and citrus juices. The floral notes of Esprit de June complement Chartreuse’s herbal flavors.
8. Chartreuse Mule
The Chartreuse Mule is a clever twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps out vodka for green Chartreuse, creating a unique and flavorful drink.
To make this cocktail, you’ll need green Chartreuse, lime juice, and ginger beer.
Fill a glass with ice, then add the Chartreuse and lime juice. Top it off with ginger beer for a fizzy kick.
This drink combines the herbal complexity of Chartreuse with the spicy bite of ginger beer. The lime adds a bright, citrusy note that ties everything together.
It’s a refreshing choice for summer sipping or anytime you want something a little different.
9. Chartreuse Martini
The Chartreuse Martini is a twist on the classic cocktail. It combines gin with yellow Chartreuse for a unique flavor profile.
To make one, mix gin and yellow Chartreuse in a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake, then strain into a chilled martini glass.
You can add a dash of orange bitters for extra depth. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive if desired.
This drink works best with a London dry gin to balance the herbal Chartreuse. The result is crisp, bold, and slightly sweet.
10. Herbaceous Chartini
The Herbaceous Chartini is a tasty mix of gin and green Chartreuse. It’s a strong drink with a fresh, plant-like taste.
To make it, you’ll need gin, green Chartreuse, and dry vermouth. Shake these with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
You can add a twist of lemon peel to give it a bright, citrusy smell.
This drink is perfect for sipping slowly and enjoying the complex flavors.
The Herbaceous Chartini is great for people who like bold, unique cocktails. It’s a good choice for a special night out or a fancy party at home.
11. Green Chaud
Green Chaud is a warm, comforting drink that blends hot chocolate with Green Chartreuse. This cozy cocktail is perfect for cold winter days or après-ski relaxation.
To make Green Chaud, you’ll need whole milk, dark chocolate, sugar, and Green Chartreuse.
Heat the milk, chocolate, and sugar until smooth. Pour the hot chocolate into a mug and add a shot of Green Chartreuse.
The herbal notes of Chartreuse complement the rich chocolate beautifully. You can garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows if desired.
Green Chaud is a simple yet indulgent treat that will warm you up from the inside out.
12. Champs-Élysées
The Champs-Élysées is a classic cocktail that combines cognac and Green Chartreuse. It’s a twist on the Sidecar, featuring a mix of brandy, herbal liqueur, and citrus.
To make this drink, you’ll need cognac, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and simple syrup. A dash of bitters adds depth to the flavor profile.
This cocktail originated in the early 20th century and gained popularity in Europe. Its name comes from the famous Parisian avenue.
The Champs-Élysées offers a balance of rich, herbal, and tart flavors. It’s a great choice if you enjoy complex drinks with a touch of sweetness.
13. Terrible Love
Terrible Love is a unique cocktail that showcases Chartreuse in an unexpected way. This drink combines mezcal, Suze, and St-Germain with a dash of orange bitters.
The smoky mezcal provides a bold base, while Suze adds herbal complexity. St-Germain elderflower liqueur brings a touch of sweetness to balance the strong flavors.
To make this cocktail, stir all ingredients with ice and strain over a large ice cube. Garnish with a grapefruit twist to add a bright, citrusy aroma.
Terrible Love offers a complex flavor profile that you’ll find both intriguing and enjoyable. It’s a perfect choice for those who appreciate bold, sophisticated drinks.
14. Dante’s In Fizz
Dante’s In Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that showcases the herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse. This drink combines the liqueur with tequila, kümmel, and lime juice for a balanced flavor profile.
To make it, shake 1.5 oz tequila, 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse, 0.5 oz kümmel, and 0.75 oz lime juice with ice. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water for a fizzy finish.
The drink offers a unique blend of herbal, citrus, and caraway notes. You’ll taste the distinct flavors of Chartreuse alongside the earthy tequila and spicy kümmel.
It’s a complex yet approachable cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
15. Bee’s Kiss with Chartreuse
The Bee’s Kiss with Chartreuse puts a twist on a classic rum cocktail. You’ll mix white rum, cream, honey, and a splash of Yellow Chartreuse.
Yellow Chartreuse adds herbal notes to this smooth drink. Its mild sweetness complements the honey without overpowering it.
To make this cocktail, shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. You can garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a small honeycomb piece.
This creamy cocktail works well as an after-dinner treat. The Chartreuse gives it an extra layer of flavor that sets it apart from the original Bee’s Kiss.
16. Chartreuse Swizzle
The Chartreuse Swizzle is a modern classic cocktail created by Marco Dionysos in 2003. It puts a twist on the traditional Caribbean Rum Swizzle by using green Chartreuse as the base spirit.
To make this drink, you’ll need green Chartreuse, falernum liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Mix these ingredients in a tall glass with crushed ice and swizzle to combine.
The herbal notes of Chartreuse blend surprisingly well with the tropical flavors of pineapple and the spices in falernum. This creates a unique and refreshing drink that’s perfect for warm weather.
History and Origins of Chartreuse
Chartreuse has a rich history dating back to the early 1600s. The story begins with a secret manuscript given to Carthusian monks in 1605. This manuscript contained a complex recipe for an “elixir of long life” using 130 herbs and plants.
The monks spent years studying and refining the recipe. In 1737, they created the first version of Green Chartreuse. Yellow Chartreuse, a milder and sweeter variety, followed in 1838.
The liqueur gets its name from the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps. This is where the monks perfected the recipe and began production. Only two monks know the full recipe at any given time.
Chartreuse has faced challenges over the years. The monks were expelled from France in 1903, moving production to Spain and later back to France. Despite this upheaval, they preserved the secret recipe.
Today, Chartreuse remains popular in cocktails and as a digestif. The monks still produce it using traditional methods. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.
Unique Characteristics of Chartreuse
Chartreuse stands out for its bold taste and eye-catching colors. This liqueur packs a punch with its complex flavor and vibrant appearance.
Flavor Profile
Chartreuse has a strong, herbal taste that’s hard to miss. It’s made with 130 different plants and herbs. This mix gives it a one-of-a-kind flavor.
You’ll notice hints of mint, sage, and licorice. The taste is sweet at first, then changes to spicy and peppery.
Some people say it tastes like Christmas in a glass. Others find it too strong at first but grow to like it.
Chartreuse works well in cocktails. It adds depth and interest to drinks. You can also sip it on its own or over ice.
Color Variations
Chartreuse comes in two main colors: green and yellow.
The green version is more famous. It’s bright and stands out in any drink. The color is so unique it has its own name – chartreuse green.
Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter. It has a golden color that’s pretty but less striking than the green.
Both types add visual appeal to cocktails.
The color comes from the herbs used to make the liqueur. No artificial colors are added.
This natural coloring adds to Chartreuse’s charm and appeal.