Exploring the Best Chartreuse Cocktails: Green and Yellow Delights

March 23, 2023 by

Chartreuse is more than just a vibrant green or yellow liqueur—it’s a centuries-old secret passed down by Carthusian monks. In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of Chartreuse, from its origins in a French monastery to its role as a prized ingredient in modern cocktails. Whether you’re new to this legendary liqueur or a seasoned fan already, we’ll share some fun and delicious recipes to help you master Chartreuse cocktails at home. À votre santé!

A short history of Chartreuse

Illustration of a monk standing in front of table with herbal liqueur, with a nun to his left, and two more monks walking in a garden in the background

The fascinating history of Chartreuse begins in the 1200s with Carthusian monks in a French monastery. These monks, passionate about medicinal plants, worked with doctors to create therapeutic essences called eaux-de-vie. In 1605, they received a complex recipe for an elixir of “long life” from French diplomat François-Annibal d’Estrées.

After over 100 years of refining the formula, the first green Chartreuse liqueur was created in 1764. Today, the secret recipe is known only to two monks at any given time, and the liqueur is still produced in limited quantities. In 2021, the monks decided not to increase production, choosing to focus on their monastic life instead. So, savour every drop!

The difference between Yellow Chartreuse and Green Chartreuse

Chartreuse comes in two distinct varieties: Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse. Both were officially launched in 1840, but they offer very different experiences.

Green Chartreuse (Verte)

Green Chartreuse, or “Chartreuse Verte,” is famous for its vibrant green colour and bold flavour. Made from a blend of 130 plants, flowers, bark, roots, and spices, it delivers a potent, herbaceous taste. You’ll notice minty notes, pine sap, and zesty citrus on the palate, followed by a bittersweet tea finish. With an ABV of 55%, this spirit is intense and full of character.

Yellow Chartreuse

Yellow Chartreuse, or “Chartreuse Jaune,” stands out with its bright yellow colour and smooth, mellow flavour. It has a fresh, spicy aroma with hints of turmeric, citrus, and anise. Floral notes add a delicate touch to its overall taste. At 43% ABV, it’s a gentler, softer option compared to its green counterpart.

Read next: What is ABV anyway?

Green Chartreuse cocktails

Bold and herbaceous, Green Chartreuse adds a vibrant kick to any cocktail. Its intense flavour profile pairs beautifully with everything from citrus to herbal mixers, making it a must-try for adventurous drinkers.

1. Last Word

Arguably the most famous Chartreuse drink around, the Last Word cocktail is a true classic that will never go out of style. It is a beautifully balanced drink that walks a fine line between subtle sweetness and inviting tartness, underpinned by the captivating aroma of ripe cherries and bitter herbs. Refreshing and delicious!

Make it with: Bulldog Gin

2. Bijou

Bijou means ‘jewel,’ and this singular drink is a rare find indeed. This Prohibition-era cocktail combines 45 ml gin, 30 ml sweet vermouth, 20 ml Green Chartreuse, and two dashes of orange bitters. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry, if preferred.

Make it with: Cinzano Vermouth Rosso
Learn more: 15 Cocktails with Vermouth for Sophisticated Sipping

3. Love & Murder

If you’re keen on a truly intriguing cocktail, give the Love & Murder a go! This compelling clinker is built with Campari, Green Chartreuse, lime juice, sugar syrup, and just a touch of saline solution! Created by NY mixologist Nick Bennett, it’s beautifully balanced and delicious, and just far enough off the beaten track to make a splash while still being super simple to pour.

Make it with: Campari
Read next: Drink Like an Italian: 8 Campari Cocktails to Try

Yellow Chartreuse cocktails

Mellow and subtly spicy, Yellow Chartreuse brings a touch of warmth and complexity to cocktails. Its gentle sweetness and floral notes make it perfect for creating smooth, sophisticated drinks.

4. Yellow Jacket

This rich and honey-tinged sipper is a complete treat. To make a Yellow Jacket, pour 60 ml tequila, 30 ml elderflower liqueur, 20 ml Yellow Chartreuse, and a dash of orange bitters into a mixing glass. Fill about two-thirds full with ice cubes and stir vigorously until well combined. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Reposado
Also see: 13 Tasty Elderflower Cocktails You’ll Adore

5. Honeysuckle Julep

The Mint Julep will always be a classic, and this floral riff on the original also makes for some seriously smooth sipping. Muddle 2 white peach slices and 15 ml honey syrup in a Julep cup or rocks glass. Add 10 ml Yellow Chartreuse, 60 ml Bulldog Gin, crushed ice, and stir. Add more crushed ice to mound over top. Garnish with honeysuckle or other sweet, fragrant flower and a thin slice of lemon.

You might also like: 12 Honey Syrup Cocktails that Zzzing with Sweetness

6. Champs-Élysées

The taste of summertime in Paris in a glass! To make a Champs-Élysées cocktail, combine 30 ml brandy, 15 ml Yellow Chartreuse, 15 ml lemon juice, half a teaspoon of sugar syrup, and a dash of bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shaker well and strain into a chilled serving glass. Garnish with a strip of lemon zest to serve.

Combining or switching Green & Yellow Chartreuse

Switching Green and Yellow Chartreuse in cocktails can transform the drink entirely. If you substitute one for the other, expect a shift in flavour, strength, and overall balance. For instance, replacing Yellow with Green Chartreuse in a Champs-Élysées will give you a sharper, more robust cocktail. On the flip side, using Yellow instead of Green in a Last Word might result in a mellower drink.

Certain existing cocktails also combine the two. For instance, the Episcopal calls for 45 ml of Green Chartreuse, and 20 ml of Yellow Chartreuse to be stirred with ice, and fine-strained into a serving glass over fresh ice. This is an excellent way to enjoy the interplay between the two liqueurs.

Experimenting with Chartreuse in your cocktails opens up a world of rich, herbal flavours that can elevate your drink game. Whether you’re using Green or Yellow Chartreuse, or combining both, you’ll discover new dimensions in classic recipes or create your unique drinks. So go ahead, try something new, and remember to tag us when your favourite cocktail recipes on Instagram. Sign up for our newsletter for more inspiration, and visit the Campari, Cinzano, Bulldog Gin, SKYY Vodka, and Wild Turkey websites for more amazing recipes.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur made from a blend of over 130 different herbs, plants, and flowers, and it has a complex and unique flavour profile. While some people may detect liquorice notes in Chartreuse, it is not a dominant flavour in the liqueur.

Yellow Chartreuse is a sought-after spirit with a limited production, restricted distribution, and high demand due to its unique taste. In January 2023, a press release from the order explained that the Carthusian monks chose not to increase production volumes for Chartreuse liqueurs in 2021. They are instead focusing on safeguarding their monastic life and dedicating time to solitude and prayer.

Green Chartreuse boasts an intense, herbaceous, peppery aroma that captivates the senses. Minty notes, pine sap, and zesty citrus fruits are foremost of the palate, with a bittersweet tea finish that lingers on the tongue. Yellow Chartreuse has a fresh, spicy aroma that invigorates the senses. Its structure is gentle and mellow, with hints of turmeric, citrus, and anise on the palate. Floral notes complement the flavour, providing a vast tasting experience.

Yes, you can substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow Chartreuse in cocktails, but expect a noticeable difference in flavour and potency. Green Chartreuse is more robust and herbal, with a higher ABV (55%), making it a bolder choice. Yellow Chartreuse, on the other hand, is milder and sweeter with a 43% ABV. When substituting, consider using a smaller amount of Green Chartreuse to balance the flavours, or be prepared for a stronger, more intense cocktail.

Some classic cocktails featuring Chartreuse include the Last Word, which combines Green Chartreuse with gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice for a zesty, balanced drink. The Bijou is another favorite, blending gin with Green Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth, for a rich, herbal experience.