10 Iconic Chartreuse co*cktail Recipes (2024)

Chartreuse is a liqueur that has stood the test of time since 1605. That’s far longer than any co*cktail fad. In an era of rapid content creation and expedited consumption, it’s worth noting the things that endure. Whether they are liqueurs and spirits or books that required countless hours of the author’s time.

The books that I discovered these recipes in are:

• Shake. Stir. Sip. by Kara Newman
• 3-Ingredient co*cktails by Robert Simonson
• The Art of the Shim: Low-Alcohol co*cktails to Keep You Level by Dinah Sanders
• The co*cktail Chronicles: Navigating the co*cktail Renaissance with Jigger, Shaker & Glass by Paul Clarke
• The Joy of Mixology by Gary Regan

PS – Don’t miss my other article that features 5 Green Chartreuse co*cktails for the True Enthusiast. And, if you’re really into Chartreuse, the official coffee table book released by the distillery is a must-have. The Proof podcast also has an excellent episode dedicated to Chartreuse—Chartreuse: The Drink That Wouldn’t Die.

Cheers!

1. Disco Ball (A Shot)

While I am uncertain of how this drink obtained its name, I am certain that it is as delicious as it is expensive. I don’t even enjoy shots, but I’ll shoot this.

2. La Ciudad

Ginger liqueur takes me back to the early years of when I was first discovering co*cktails. During the era when bartenders were falling in love with St. Germaine, I was over-using Domaine De Canton. However, I never mixed it with tequila. This co*cktail is certainly on the sweet side, and I think it could benefit from being topped with some club soda.

3. The Final Word

Riffs on The Last Word are endless, and I’m okay with that. Creator of The Final Word, Phil Ward, has established a name for himself by creating many modern classics, as well through the time he’s spent at establishments like Pegu Club and Death & Company.

4. Alaska

The use of Old Tom gin places this co*cktail on the sweeter end of the spectrum, but that’s no reason to disregard it. This one is beautiful because it’s so simple.

5. Spring Green

“Shims” are defined as low-alcohol co*cktails., and most of them feature vermouth or sherry as the base spirit. The category of drinks as a whole is certainly worth exploring, especially the co*cktails that are sherry forward. The nutty notes that it contributes is something unique to the category.

6. Champs Elysees

This is one of those co*cktails that, despite it’s deliciousness, rarely is top of mind when I’m making or ordering a co*cktail.

7. Pago Pago

Green Chartreuse and pineapple is a match made in heaven. This tiki co*cktail is a must try for every tiki or Green Chartreuse enthusiast.

8. Diamondback

The Diamondback is worth noting, but it’s not a personal favorite. Perhaps I need to experiment more with the rye and applejack, but I often find this drink too sweet. However, these Riedel rocks glasses are a new favorite!

9. Coin Toss

Another recipe by Phil Ward. Play around with different rum choices on this one and find the variant you like most.

10. Chartreuse Swizzle

The grand finale of Chartreuse co*cktails, the Chartreuse Swizzle. Again, we have that epic combination of Green Chartreuse with pineapple. Swizzles are flexible with their recipe, and I’ve also made this with a tropical mango juice blend. You’ll want to use a tall and narrow Collins glass on this one. The crushed or pellet-style ice is also key to making the outside of the glass frost up after you “swizzle” it. For that authentic touch, make it with a swizzle stick. I prefer the wooden ones, but they do come in metal.