The Green Ghost is a classic cocktail dating back to the 1930s. It features gin, Green Chartreuse liquor, and fresh lime juice. Chartreuse is a unique herbal liquor and good chartreuse cocktail recipes are hard to come by. But this drink is a winner and doesn't require a mixiology degree to make.
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Green Chartreuse is a great liqueur for creating green cocktails that aren't minty or overly sweet melon flavored. This cocktail is popular around Halloween because of its name and St. Patrick's day because of its color.
Either way, the Green Ghost cocktail is a high-end cocktail that is simple to make. Don't have chartreuse on hand? Then try our vodka margarita or our cucumber gin and tonic instead!
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Why This Recipe Works
First off, this cocktail is full of simple ingredients. While chartreuse is a special liqueur to have on hand, it is truly the star of the show.
Unlike many classic cocktails, this Chartreuse cocktail isn't overly sweet. With its herbal flavor and refreshing citrus notes, it can be served before or after dinner.
When paired with a dry gin, a liquor also known for herbal flavors, it is a match made in heaven.
While the Last Word cocktail tends to get all the press when it comes to Chartreuse cocktails the Green Ghost is easier to make at home.
Chartreuse History
I don't typically do storytelling on my recipes posts. However, the history of this liqueur is exceptionally fascinating. Chartreuse has been made by French Carthusian Monks since 1737.
Originally sold as an elixir for good health, the monks have continued to distill their concoction despite having been evicted from their home high in French Alps several times over the centuries.
However, they have been distilling continually at their home monastery in France since the 1920s. The current recipe of Green Chartreuse was first produced in 1852.
The monks are still the owners and makers of this unique liqueur. At any one time, only 2 to 3 monks are aware of the recipe and make the infusion which contains over 130 herbs and flowers.
The Green Ghost cocktail first appeared in 1930 and is considered a prohibition cocktail.
🧾Ingredients
You only need 3 ingredients to make this cocktail. Green Chartreuse, gin, and fresh lime juice.
Note that there are 2 types of Chartreuse. The green one used in this cocktail is higher in alcohol than the yellow version. The green version has stronger herbal flavors and is much less sweet.
See the recipe card for quantities.
💭 What Gin Should be Used
While there is no good substitute for Chartreuse you have a lot of range when choosing the right gin for your cocktail. A dry gin is best. Popular brands would be Bombay Saphire, Tanqueray, and Beefeater.
But also consider lesser know buy still widely available varieties like Hendricks, Hayoman's, or The Botanist. Or even a locally distilled gin from your hometown.
Avoid back-sweetened gins or anything that is cask aged. These are great options for other drinks but their flavors will conflict with the heavily herbal notes of the Chartreuse.
⏲️How to Make a Green Ghost
This classic cocktail is shaken (not stirred!) in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and served up. To start fill your cocktail shaker with ice. Add the Chartreuse, gin, and lime juice. Note this recipe makes 2 cocktails.
Place the top on your shaker and shake vigorously. When the outside of the shaker begins to frost over it is ready. Strain the cocktail into your glass and serve up.
A garnish is not required but I like a fresh flower or a dehydrated lime as a topper.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
To serve, you can use a martini glass, a nick and nora glass, or coupe glass. Don't have any of those? Consider using a champagne glass as a substitute.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
💬Frequently Asked Questions
Green Chartreuse is an herbal flavored liqueur made from over 130 types of plants. It is produced by French monks and makes a great addition to cocktails. Or can be served chilled as a digestif.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.
📖 Recipe
Green Ghost Cocktail
Equipment
- 2 Coupe Glass or martini glass
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Gin preferably dry or citrus based
- 1 ounce Green Chartreuse Liqueur
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add gin, Chartreuse, and lime juice. Shake until well chilled.4 ounces Gin, 1 ounce Green Chartreuse Liqueur, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Strain into cocktail glasses and serve.
Notes
- As the servings state, this recipe makes TWO cocktails.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail you can add a small splash of simple syrup
John says
Great cocktail but no one in their ‘right mind’ puts 4 ounces of gin in a cocktail unless you’re intending to get snookered. No professional bartender or mixologist would make a drink with this much gin…
Jen Wooster says
As the recipe card and the post both state it is for TWO cocktails, not one. Oh geez could you imagine? I made a second note on the recipe since it seems to be confusing people. Appreciate the feedback!
Sheryl says
The recipe states that it makes two cocktails John.
Gloria says
John, I like your use of the word “snookered”.
I’m very excited to try this recipe. Since it’s just me and my cats, I may be getting as you say snookered tonight. Great adventures await, -ciao
Edmund says
I would think that you would want to halve this. 4oz of gin is a lot for one cocktail.
Jen Wooster says
The recipe makes two cocktails per the recipe card. Thanks.
Elmo says
I would argue the Last Word is just as easy to make. You don't even need a specific measuring device since it's all equal parts: Green Chartreuse, fresh Lime, Gin and Luxardo Maraschino. Shaken and strained, that's it!
All that being said, the marriage of Chartreuse and Lime in any cocktail is nothing short of magic. Cheers!
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for checking out our recipe!