Chartreuse, the legendary herbal liqueur, is a masterpiece crafted by Carthusian monks in the French Alps. Known for its vibrant colours, Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse, this liqueur has been celebrated for centuries for its complex flavour and mysterious recipe, which includes 130 carefully guarded herbs, plants, and flowers.
Green Chartreuse is bold and herbal, with a higher ABV of 55%, while Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter, with an ABV of 40%. Both varieties are aged in oak casks to develop their signature profiles. With origins dating back to 1605, Chartreuse represents a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and monastic dedication.
Chartreuse belongs to the illustrious family of herbal liqueurs, alongside names like Bénédictine and Drambuie, and it is celebrated for its versatility in cocktails and its role as a digestif. This liqueur’s unique production process, involving distillation and maceration, highlights the natural vibrancy of its ingredients.
Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a highlight in classic cocktails like the Last Word or the Bijou, Chartreuse’s enigmatic allure continues to captivate drinkers and bartenders worldwide.
Chartreuse traces its origins to 1605, when the Carthusian monks of France received an ancient manuscript detailing the formula for an elixir of long life. By 1737, the monks had perfected the recipe and began producing the herbal liqueur known today as Green Chartreuse.
Yellow Chartreuse followed in 1838, offering a milder and sweeter counterpart to the bold Green variety. The monks’ meticulous dedication to preserving the recipe’s secrecy has contributed to Chartreuse’s enduring mystique.
The production of Chartreuse has faced challenges over the centuries, including the monks’ expulsion from France in 1903, which temporarily relocated production to Spain. Despite these obstacles, the monks returned to France and re-established their distillery in Voiron.
Throughout the 20th century, Chartreuse gained global acclaim, becoming a favourite among mixologists and connoisseurs. Its iconic status has been reinforced by its vibrant colours and its reputation as one of the world’s most complex and natural liqueurs.
Chartreuse has transcended its monastic origins to become a beloved liqueur worldwide. In Europe, it is often enjoyed as a digestif, while in the United States, it has gained prominence in the craft cocktail movement.
Its unique flavour profile pairs well with a variety of spirits, making it a versatile ingredient in cocktails. The distinctive green and yellow hues of Chartreuse also lend visual appeal to any drink or dessert it enhances.
In recent times, Chartreuse has experienced a resurgence in popularity, driven by the craft cocktail renaissance. Bartenders around the globe have rediscovered its depth and versatility, featuring it in signature cocktails and creative new recipes.
Limited-edition releases, such as VEP Chartreuse (Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé), have further cemented its status as a luxury liqueur for collectors and enthusiasts. Chartreuse’s continued association with natural ingredients and artisanal production keeps it relevant in a market increasingly focused on authenticity and quality.
Chartreuse’s herbal depth makes it a standout ingredient in numerous cocktails, both classic and contemporary:
The Last Word
Green Chartreuse, Gin, Lime Juice, and Maraschino liqueur shaken for a tangy classic.
Bijou
Green Chartreuse, Gin, and Sweet Vermouth for a jewel-toned delight.
Chartreuse Swizzle
Green Chartreuse, Pineapple juice, Lime, and Falernum for a tropical twist.
Yellow Jacket
Yellow Chartreuse, Bourbon, Lemon Juice, and Honey syrup for a smooth cocktail.
Green Chaud
Green Chartreuse combined with hot Chocolate for a warming treat.
Monte Cassino
Yellow Chartreuse, Benedictine, Rye Whiskey, and Lemon Juice for a layered classic.
Herbaceous Sour
Green Chartreuse, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, and Egg White for a creamy delight.
Chartreuse Tonic
Yellow Chartreuse, Tonic Water, and a twist of Lemon for a refreshing highball.
From its sacred origins in the French Alps to its global acclaim, Chartreuse remains an unparalleled testament to the art of liqueur-making.
With its vibrant colours, complex flavours, and rich history, Chartreuse continues to inspire drinkers and mixologists around the world. Whether sipped neat, enjoyed in a cocktail, or savoured as a digestif, Chartreuse offers a truly unique experience.
Chartreuse is a French herbal liqueur made by Carthusian monks using a secret recipe of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers, creating a complex and aromatic flavor.
Chartreuse has a sweet, herbal flavor with hints of spice, citrus, and floral notes, offering a complex and layered taste experience.
Chartreuse can be served neat, on the rocks, or as an ingredient in cocktails like the Last Word. It can also be sipped as a digestif.
Chartreuse is versatile and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, in cocktails, or as a soothing after-dinner drink.
Chartreuse does not require refrigeration but can be chilled before serving to enhance its flavors.
Chartreuse is made from 130 herbs, flowers, and botanicals, blended and distilled according to a secret recipe known only to two monks.
An opened bottle of Chartreuse can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place, as its flavors are stable over time.
Yes, Chartreuse is traditionally consumed as a digestif due to its complex and herbal profile, which can aid digestion.
Chartreuse is a historic liqueur with deep roots in French monastic traditions, celebrated for its unique recipe and cultural heritage.
