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Green Chartreuse

Green Chartreuse is a vibrant herbal liqueur made from a secret blend of over 130 botanicals, resulting in a complex and distinct flavor. It is commonly used in cocktails and mixology, adding herbal and floral notes to drinks. Often served as a digestif, Green Chartreuse adds a touch of elegance and depth to classic cocktails like the Last Word and the Bijou, or can be used as a base for creative and modern concoctions. Its versatility and bold character make it a staple in any well-stocked bar or for those looking to elevate their cocktail game.
Check out the detailed information on Green Chartreuse
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Spirit > Green Chartreuse
Origin
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France
Invented
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. 1737
Strength
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55%

With Green Chartreuse you can make

Champs-Élysées

Non‑alcoholic

Tailspin

Non‑alcoholic

Closing Argument

Non‑alcoholic

View the top 10 Green Chartreuse cocktails
View all Green Chartreuse cocktails
View all you can make

About Green Chartreuse

Green Chartreuse is a distinctive French liqueur made by the Carthusian Monks since the 1740s, based on a stronger recipe dating back to 1605. This herbal liqueur owes its unique color and flavor to the secret mixture of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, which are macerated in a high-proof spirit before being distilled and aged in oak casks. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, known only to two monks at a time, who are responsible for its production in Voiron, France.

At 55% ABV (110 proof), Green Chartreuse stands out for its intense herbal, floral, and spicy flavors, making it a bold choice for cocktails. It is particularly noted for its vibrantly natural green color, which it derives from the chlorophyll in the ingredients. Green Chartreuse plays a key role in classic cocktails such as the Last Word—a prohibition-era cocktail that balances its potent flavors with gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice—and the Bijou, a drink that showcases its compatibility with gin and sweet vermouth. Its complex flavor profile also makes it an intriguing addition in small quantities to new and experimental cocktail creations, offering a layer of depth that enhances the overall drinking experience.

Q&A

ORIGINS_HISTORY

Who originally created Green Chartreuse and why?

Green Chartreuse was originally created by the Carthusian Monks in the 1740s, based on an ancient recipe given to them in 1605. It was developed as a medicinal elixir, leveraging the supposed health benefits of the 130 herbs, plants, and flowers in its recipe. Over time, its use evolved from medicinal purposes to a widely enjoyed digestif and cocktail ingredient.

INGREDIENT_SPECIFICS

Why is Green Chartreuse so expensive?

Green Chartreuse's high price is due to its labor-intensive production process, the secret blend of 130 botanicals, and the meticulous care taken in its maceration, distillation, and aging in oak casks. Additionally, the entire process is managed by a very limited number of Carthusian Monks, maintaining its exclusive and handcrafted nature.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

Can Green Chartreuse be made at home?

Due to its complex blend of over 130 secret botanicals and the specific maceration, distillation, and aging process controlled exclusively by Carthusian Monks, replicating Green Chartreuse at home is not feasible. The precise ingredients and their proportions are a closely guarded secret, making home production impossible.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

What are some cocktails that showcase Green Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is a key ingredient in classic cocktails like the Last Word and the Bijou. The Last Word combines Green Chartreuse with gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, while the Bijou blends it with gin and sweet vermouth. It's also fantastic in experimental cocktails, adding complexity and herbal notes.

NON_ALCOHOLIC_VARIATIONS

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Green Chartreuse in cocktails?

While there is no direct non-alcoholic substitute that captures the full complexity of Green Chartreuse, herbal non-alcoholic spirits or herbal teas can be used to mimic its botanical profile in mocktails. Ingredients like basil, mint, or thyme syrup may offer a herbal note, but achieving the same depth and nuance without alcohol is challenging.

Ingredients like Green Chartreuse

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