by Steven Doyle
This started as a social media post and decided it was too important not to share it with every Crave reader.
Green and Yellow Chartreuse has been made by Carthusian monks since 1737 according to instructions set out in a manuscript given to them by François Annibal d’Estrées in 1605. It was named after the monks’ Grande Chartreuse monastery, located in the Chartreuse Mountains north of Grenoble. Today the liqueur is produced in their distillery in nearby Aiguenoire.
Chartreuse is composed of distilled alcohol aged with 130 herbs, plants, and flowers and is super delicious- and super powerful. It is between 69-138 proof. Consider this tasty jet fuel.
The monks announced in January 2023 that Chartreuse would be produced and sold on an allocation-only basis in order for them to “protect their monastic life and devote their time to solitude and prayer.” This obviously limits supplies and raises prices dramatically.
On its own, the Chartreuse flavor evolves depending on its temperature. Serve it neat as a mellow after-dinner digestif, or on the rocks for a crisp, invigorating pick-me-up. Some bartenders even keep their bottles in the freezer for maximum refreshment.
You may see it in cocktails such as the Tipperary, a combination of Irish Whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters, and a Twist.
The Green Ghost Cocktail is a classic cocktail made with Green Chartreuse, gin, and fresh lime juice. It has a unique herbal flavor from the Chartreuse and a dry, herbal flavor from the gin.
The Verdant Lady is a refreshing and herbaceous cocktail that showcases the unique flavor of green chartreuse and adds a bright green color and a lushness to the drink that is cut by the icy mint and tart lime, resulting in a well-balanced and complex flavor profile. The cocktail is a simple take on the classic gimlet, with gin as the base spirit. The name Verdant Lady perfectly captures the essence of the drink, with its bright green color and fresh garden herb notes. This cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the versatility of green chartreuse in cocktails.
A more complex flavored cocktail. that features the Green Chartreuse is an Irma La, and this recipe is printed below.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounce gin
- ½ ounce Green Chartreuse
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ½ ounce grapefruit juice
- ¾ teaspoon simple syrup
- 4 cucumber slices 1 reserved for garnish
Instructions
- Muddle 3 cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker.
- Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice.
- Double-strain into cocktail glass and garnish with remaining cucumber slice.
