Green Ghost- Chartreuse co*cktail Recipe (2024)

The Green Ghost is a classic co*cktail dating back to the 1930s. It features gin, Green Chartreuse liquor, and fresh lime juice. Chartreuse is a unique herbal liquor and good chartreuse co*cktail 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 co*cktails that aren't minty or overly sweet melon flavored. This co*cktail is popular around Halloween because of its name and St. Patrick's day because of its color.

Either way, the Green Ghost co*cktail is a high-end co*cktail that is simple to make. Don't have chartreuse on hand? Then try our vodka margarita or our cucumber gin and tonic instead!

Why This Recipe Works

First off, this co*cktail 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 co*cktails, this Chartreuse co*cktail 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 co*cktail tends to get all the press when it comes to Chartreuse co*cktails the Green Ghost is easier to make at home.

Chartreuse History

I don't typically do storytelling on my recipe 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 co*cktail first appeared in 1930 and is considered a prohibition co*cktail.

🧾Ingredient Notes

You only need 3 ingredients to make this co*cktail. Green Chartreuse, gin, and fresh lime juice.

Note that there are 2 types of Chartreuse. The green one used in this co*cktail is higher in alcohol than the yellow version. The green version has stronger herbal flavors and is much less sweet.

See Also

30+ Traditional French RecipesGrapefruit Crush Recipe (4 ingredients!) - Eat the GainsCranberry Gimlet Recipe5 Mid Century Modern co*cktail Recipes for the Holidays

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 co*cktail. A dry gin is best. Popular brands would be Bombay Saphire, Tanqueray, and Beefeater.

But also consider lesser-known but 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 co*cktail is shaken (not stirred!) in an ice-filled co*cktail shaker and served up. To start fill your co*cktail shaker with ice. Add the Chartreuse, gin, and lime juice. Note this recipe makes 2 co*cktails.

Place the top on your shaker and shake vigorously. When the outside of the shaker begins to frost over it is ready. Strain the co*cktail into your glass and serve up.

A garnish is not required but I like a fresh flower or a dehydrated lime as a topper.

More Easy co*cktail Recipes

💬Frequently Asked Questions

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📖 Recipe Card