Chartreuse is a French liqueur that is made by Carthusian monks in the Grande Chartreuse monastery located in the Chartreuse Mountains in southeastern France. It is a green or yellow herbal liqueur that has a long and storied history, dating back to the 17th century.
The recipe for Chartreuse is a closely guarded secret, known only to two monks at any given time. The recipe is said to contain over 130 different herbs and botanicals, and the exact combination and proportion of these ingredients are what gives Chartreuse its unique flavour.
The liqueur is named after the Chartreuse Mountains, which were named after the Carthusian monks who founded the Grande Chartreuse monastery in 1084. The name “chartreuse” has since come to refer to any greenish-yellow colour.
There are two primary varieties of Chartreuse: green and yellow. Green Chartreuse is the original and more famous of the two, with a higher alcohol content of 55% ABV. It has a complex and powerful flavour, with notes of herbs, spices, and flowers. Yellow Chartreuse is slightly sweeter and mellow, with a lower alcohol content of 40% ABV. It has a more citrusy and floral flavour profile, with hints of honey and vanilla.
Chartreuse can be enjoyed on its own as a digestif, or as an ingredient in cocktails. Some popular cocktails that feature Chartreuse include the Last Word, the Champs-Élysées, and the Bijou.
The Carthusian monks have produced Chartreuse since the 1700s, and its production has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. The process begins with the maceration of the various herbs and botanicals in a high-proof neutral spirit. The resulting mixture is distilled, and the distillate is then aged in oak barrels for several years. The final product is a complex and flavourful liqueur that is prized by connoisseurs around the world.
Chartreuse has a rich history and has been enjoyed by many notable figures throughout the centuries. In the 18th century, it was a favourite of King Louis XV of France, who granted the Carthusian monks the exclusive right to produce the liqueur. It was also reportedly a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was said to have carried a bottle of it with him on his campaigns.
Chartreuse has also been the subject of many legends and myths. One such myth is that the recipe for Chartreuse was given to the Carthusian monks by an angel in a dream. Another myth is that the recipe was discovered by the monks in a secret manuscript hidden in a wall of the monastery.
Cocktails made with Chartreuse
Chartreuse is a versatile liqueur that can be used in a variety of cocktails. Here are some popular cocktails made with Chartreuse:
The Last Word: This classic cocktail was popularized during Prohibition and features equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Bijou: This gin-based cocktail includes sweet vermouth, green Chartreuse, and orange bitters. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Champs-Élysées: This French cocktail includes cognac, green Chartreuse, lemon juice, sugar, and bitters. Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Naked and Famous: This modern cocktail includes mezcal, Aperol, lime juice, and yellow Chartreuse. Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Alaska: This classic cocktail includes gin, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Greenpoint: This whiskey-based cocktail includes rye whiskey, yellow Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Diamondback: This whiskey-based cocktail includes rye whiskey, apple brandy, and green Chartreuse. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Widow’s Kiss: This brandy-based cocktail includes apple brandy, yellow Chartreuse, Benedictine, and Angostura bitters. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Tipperary: This Irish whiskey-based cocktail includes Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse. Stir all the ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass.
The Chartreuse Swizzle: This refreshing cocktail includes green Chartreuse, lime juice, pineapple juice, and Angostura bitters. Stir all the ingredients with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.
These are just a few examples of the many cocktails that can be made with Chartreuse. Its unique flavour profile can add depth and complexity to a wide range of cocktails, making it a favourite ingredient among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
