Chartreuse cocktails offer a unique and exciting way to enjoy this herbal liqueur. The bright green or yellow spirit adds depth and complexity to drinks, creating unforgettable flavor combinations.
Whether you prefer classic recipes or modern twists, there’s a Chartreuse cocktail for every taste.
Exploring Chartreuse cocktails can expand your drinks repertoire and impress your guests. From simple two-ingredient mixes to more elaborate concoctions, these drinks showcase the versatility of Chartreuse.
You’ll find options ranging from refreshing and citrusy to rich and spirit-forward, perfect for sipping year-round.
1. Green Ghost
The Green Ghost is a simple yet elegant cocktail that showcases Chartreuse’s unique flavors. You’ll love its refreshing blend of gin, green Chartreuse, and lime juice.
To make this drink, mix 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of green Chartreuse, and 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
The Green Ghost offers a perfect balance of herbal notes from the Chartreuse and the botanical essence of gin. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that ties everything together.
You can garnish your Green Ghost with a lime twist or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of flair.
2. Bijou Cocktail
The Bijou Cocktail is a classic drink that sparkles like a jewel. Its name means “jewel” in French, fitting for its gem-like appearance.
This cocktail mixes gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. You’ll also add a dash of orange bitters for extra flavor.
To make a Bijou, combine 1.5 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of sweet vermouth, and 0.75 ounces of green Chartreuse in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well to chill the drink.
Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist for a nice finishing touch.
The Bijou offers a complex taste. You’ll notice herbal notes from the Chartreuse mixed with the sweetness of the vermouth and the crisp gin.
3. Chartreuse Swizzle
The Chartreuse Swizzle is a modern classic cocktail that packs a flavorful punch. You’ll need green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Velvet Falernum to make this drink.
To prepare, pour the ingredients into a chilled glass filled two-thirds with crushed ice. Swizzle or churn the mixture with a bar spoon. Top off with more crushed ice and swizzle again.
This cocktail is best served in a tall, narrow Collins glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and some freshly grated nutmeg for extra flair.
The Chartreuse Swizzle combines the herbal notes of Chartreuse with tropical flavors, creating a refreshing and unique drink you’ll love.
4. Last Word
The Last Word is a classic cocktail that showcases Chartreuse beautifully. This drink combines gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice in equal parts.
To make a Last Word, add 3/4 ounce each of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Shake well for 10-15 seconds until chilled.
Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. For a fancy touch, you can garnish with a brandied cherry or lime twist.
The Last Word offers a perfect balance of herbal, sweet, and tart flavors that will impress your taste buds.
5. Chanticleer
The Chanticleer is a bold and flavorful Chartreuse cocktail that will wake up your taste buds. This drink combines green Chartreuse with gin and fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick.
To make a Chanticleer, you’ll need equal parts gin and green Chartreuse, along with a splash of lemon juice. Shake these ingredients well with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The herbal notes of the Chartreuse blend beautifully with the botanicals in the gin. The lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy element that balances the strong spirits.
Try garnishing your Chanticleer with a lemon twist for an extra burst of aroma. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a warm evening or as an after-dinner drink.
6. Purgatory
The Purgatory is a bold cocktail that showcases Green Chartreuse’s unique flavor. This drink combines rye whiskey, Green Chartreuse, and Bénédictine liqueur.
To make a Purgatory, mix 1.5 oz rye whiskey, 0.5 oz Green Chartreuse, and 0.5 oz Bénédictine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The Purgatory offers a complex blend of herbal and spicy notes. You’ll taste the rye’s warmth balanced by the sweetness of Bénédictine and the herbal kick of Chartreuse.
This cocktail is perfect for sipping slowly and savoring each flavor. It’s a great choice when you want something strong and sophisticated.
7. Final Ward
The Final Ward is a tasty twist on the classic Last Word cocktail. It swaps gin for rye whiskey, creating a bolder flavor profile.
To make a Final Ward, you’ll need equal parts rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
This cocktail balances the spicy notes of rye with the herbal complexity of Chartreuse. The maraschino adds sweetness, while lemon juice brings brightness. It’s a perfect choice for whiskey lovers looking to explore Chartreuse cocktails.
8. Tailspin
The Tailspin is a bold twist on the classic Bijou cocktail. It combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Green Chartreuse in equal parts.
The key difference is the addition of a dash of Campari instead of orange bitters. This gives the Tailspin a unique bitter-sweet edge.
You’ll find the Tailspin has a complex flavor profile. The herbal notes from the Chartreuse blend with the botanicals in the gin and the sweetness of the vermouth.
Try pairing this cocktail with aged cheeses or savory appetizers. The Tailspin’s balanced flavors make it a versatile choice for many occasions.
9. Imperial Royale
The Imperial Royale is a fancy twist on the classic Kir Royale. It combines green Chartreuse with champagne for a bubbly, herbal delight.
To make this cocktail, pour a small amount of green Chartreuse into a chilled champagne flute. Top it off with cold champagne or sparkling wine.
The result is a light, effervescent drink with subtle herbal notes. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to feel a bit fancy.
You can garnish the Imperial Royale with a lemon twist for an extra touch of elegance.
10. Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous is a modern twist on the classic Last Word cocktail. It swaps gin for smoky mezcal and green Chartreuse for its yellow counterpart.
This bold drink combines mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and fresh lime juice in equal parts.
To make one, add 3/4 ounce each of mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
The Naked and Famous offers a unique taste experience. You’ll enjoy the smoky notes from the mezcal, herbal hints from the Chartreuse, and citrusy brightness from the lime juice.
11. Alaska Cocktail
The Alaska Cocktail is a simple yet elegant drink. It combines gin with yellow Chartreuse and a dash of orange bitters.
To make it, you’ll need to chill a coupe or martini glass first. Mix gin and yellow Chartreuse in a mixing glass with ice. Add a dash of orange bitters and stir well.
Strain the mixture into your chilled glass. The result is a smooth, herbal cocktail with a golden hue. It’s perfect for sipping on a cool evening.
12. Diamondback
The Diamondback is a strong cocktail that packs a punch. It combines rye whiskey, applejack, and Yellow Chartreuse for a complex flavor profile.
This drink originated at the Lord Baltimore Hotel in Maryland. It’s named after the diamondback terrapin, the University of Maryland’s mascot.
To make a Diamondback, mix 2 parts rye whiskey with 1 part each of applejack and Yellow Chartreuse. Stir well with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Diamondback offers a bold taste with spicy, fruity, and herbal notes. It’s best enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or to kick off your weekend.
13. Tuxedo #2
The Tuxedo #2 is a sophisticated gin-based cocktail. It combines gin, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and absinthe.
Green Chartreuse plays a key role in this drink, adding its unique herbal flavor. The cocktail has a complex taste profile that balances sweetness and bitterness.
To make a Tuxedo #2, stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy strong, spirit-forward drinks. It’s a great choice when you want to impress guests with your mixology skills.
14. Chartreuse Smash
The Chartreuse Smash is a refreshing cocktail that showcases the herbal flavors of green Chartreuse. You’ll need green Chartreuse, mint leaves, sugar cubes, and lemon juice to make this drink.
To prepare, muddle mint leaves with sugar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Add green Chartreuse and shake vigorously with ice for about 30 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
This cocktail is perfect for warm weather and offers a cool, minty twist on the classic Chartreuse flavor profile.
15. The Lumiere
The Lumiere is a bright and refreshing Chartreuse cocktail. It combines gin, green Chartreuse, and elderflower liqueur for a balanced blend of flavors.
To make a Lumiere, mix 1.5 oz gin, 0.5 oz green Chartreuse, and 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur in a shaker with ice. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for tartness. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
The herbal notes of Chartreuse complement the floral elderflower and botanical gin beautifully. This drink is perfect for sipping on warm afternoons or as an elegant aperitif before dinner.
History of Chartreuse in Cocktails
Chartreuse has a long and interesting history in the world of cocktails. This unique liqueur has evolved from a medicinal elixir to a key ingredient in many popular drinks.
Origin of Chartreuse
Chartreuse was first created by Carthusian monks in France in the 1700s. They made it as a medicine using a secret blend of over 130 herbs and plants.
The monks kept the recipe hidden for years. In 1840, they perfected two versions: green Chartreuse at 55% alcohol and yellow Chartreuse at 40%.
At first, people drank Chartreuse straight as a digestif. Bartenders soon started using it in cocktails because of its complex flavor.
Chartreuse in Modern Mixology
Chartreuse became popular in cocktails during the early 1900s. Bartenders liked its strong herbal taste and bright color.
The Last Word cocktail, created in the 1920s, helped make Chartreuse famous. It mixes gin, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and green Chartreuse.
Today, mixologists use Chartreuse in many drinks. The Champs-Élysées combines cognac, lemon juice, and yellow Chartreuse.
The Bijou is another classic. It mixes gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse with orange bitters.
Chartreuse adds depth to both old and new cocktails. Its unique flavor makes it a favorite among drink makers and fans alike.
Flavor Profile of Chartreuse
Chartreuse has a complex and distinctive taste. Its unique blend of herbs and botanicals creates a flavor unlike any other liqueur.
Herbal and Botanical Notes
Chartreuse offers a rich mix of herbal flavors. You’ll notice hints of mint, thyme, and fennel. These mix with floral notes like lavender and honey. The taste is both sweet and spicy.
Green Chartreuse is stronger and more intense. It has a bold, peppery kick. Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter. It has more honey and saffron notes.
Both types have a long-lasting finish. The flavors linger on your tongue, revealing new tastes as they fade.
Pairing Chartreuse with Other Ingredients
Chartreuse works well with many flavors. Its herbal notes complement gin and whiskey. Meanwhile, the sweetness pairs nicely with citrus fruits like lemon and lime.
Try mixing Chartreuse with:
- Gin for a herbal punch
- Whiskey for warmth and depth
- Lemon juice for a tart contrast
- Pineapple for a tropical twist
In cocktails, use Chartreuse sparingly. Its strong taste can easily overpower other ingredients. Start with small amounts and adjust to your taste.
Chartreuse also pairs well with chocolate and coffee in desserts. Its complex flavor adds depth to sweet treats.