Green Chartreuse
Intensely herbal French liqueur made by Carthusian monks since 1840.
Green Chartreuse is an intensely herbal, naturally green liqueur produced by the Carthusian order of monks from a recipe of 130 botanicals — the only two monks who know the full formula refuse to write it down. At 55% ABV, Green Chartreuse is louder than most liqueurs, which is why the Last Word (equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, lime) works so beautifully: the Chartreuse demands equal-parts billing. Yellow Chartreuse is softer, sweeter, and lower proof.
History
The recipe was given to the Carthusian order in 1605 as 'an Elixir of Long Life.' Commercial production at 55% ABV began in 1840. The monastery has been expelled from France twice; the current production is in Voiron.
Common uses
Last Word, Bijou, Chartreuse Swizzle.
Cocktails that use Green Chartreuse
- Last Word — Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino, and lime — complex and assertive
Substitutes
- Yellow Chartreuse — Sweeter and lower proof — shifts the balance noticeably.