Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
Ever stumble upon a drink so refreshingly unique that it feels like you’ve unlocked a secret level of mixology? This intriguing blend of Green Chartreuse, pineapple, and lime will transport your taste buds to an exotic, mint-garnished paradise that you never knew you needed.
A Chartreuse Swizzle is bold and beautiful, with the exotic and vibrant nature I so love in a cocktail. Green Chartreuse has such a mix of flavors, from the herbal, grassy, and bitter notes that make it so distinct, to the wonderful flavors of tropical fruit that you find in the Chartreuse family.
It blends perfectly with the sweet, juicy nature of freshly extracted pineapple juice. When you add to that the zesty nature of freshly squeezed lime juice—that’s a tropical tour de force.
Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe Ingredients
- Green Chartreuse: A herbal liqueur with 130 botanicals, adds complexity and depth.
- Pineapple juice: Fresh, tropical sweetness, a source of vitamins A and C.
- Lime juice: Bright tartness with vitamin C, balances sweetness, adds freshness.
- Falernum: Spicy, nutty, and sweet, contains notes of ginger, lime, and cloves.
- Mint sprig: Aromatic garnish, adds freshness, visually appealing.
- Grated nutmeg: Warm, spicy aroma, enhances complexity, garnish with flair.
Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 1/2 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz falernum
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
How to Make this Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
1. A tall glass should be filled with crushed ice, which is to be packed tightly.
2. Pour 1 1/2 oz of Green Chartreuse into the glass.
3. Add 1 oz of pineapple juice.
4. Include 3/4 of an ounce of lime juice, which should be freshly squeezed.
5. Incorporate 1/2 oz of falernum.
6. With a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, mix the ingredients together very well until the outside of the glass feels cold and has condensation on it.
7. Add more crushed ice to the top so that it slightly mounds above the rim of the glass.
8. Carefully mix the drink one last time to verify that all constituents are united.
9. Top with a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish.
10. Top with a few gratings of nutmeg.
Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Tall glass
2. Jigger or measuring cup
3. Citrus juicer (for lime juice)
4. Swizzle stick or bar spoon
5. Grater (for nutmeg)
FAQ
- What is Green Chartreuse?An unusual herbal liqueur, Green Chartreuse, is made by Carthusian monks in France. It is known for its distinctive green color and for having a flavor profile that is many times more complex than that of more common liqueurs.
- Can I use canned pineapple juice instead of fresh?Canned pineapple juice is acceptable, but for the best flavor, you should use fresh juice.
- What is falernum and can I make it at home?A sweet syrup or liqueur typically flavored with lime, almond, and spices, Falernum can be either constructed at home or procured in a preassembled state.
- Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?Even though we like the particular flavor that lime juice gives this cocktail, you can, in a pinch, use lemon juice. Just know that if you do, the cocktail will taste a little different than if it had been made with lime.
- How important is the crushed ice in the preparation?The texture and cooling effect of a swizzle cocktail stem from one very important source: crushed ice. Without it, you might as well be swizzling with a glass of warm water and a not-so-cool straw.
- Is the grated nutmeg garnish necessary?Although the grated nutmeg is not absolutely necessary, it contributes a wonderfully fragrant and spicy aspect to the drink.
- Can this drink be made in advance?The full depth of flavors and texture comes through best when it’s prepared fresh, especially when the ice is crushed.
Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe Substitutions and Variations
You can use Yellow Chartreuse instead of Green Chartreuse for a slightly less intense herbal flavor.
Substitute mango juice for a tropical twist if you’re out of pineapple juice.
For freshly squeezed lime juice, you can use lemon juice as an alternative; however, it will have a different taste.
When falernum is not available, you can swap in orgeat syrup to add a nutty sweetness, or you can try a simple syrup with a hint of ginger or clove for a spiced flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Chill Your Glassware Before assembling your cocktail, place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes. This ensures your drink stays colder for longer and enhances the refreshing experience.
2. Use Quality Crushed Ice For the best texture, consider using ice crushed from quality clear ice rather than pre-bagged ice. This will give your drink a cleaner taste and appearance.
3. Fresh Lime Juice is Key Always use freshly squeezed lime juice. Pre-bottled juice can alter the flavor profile of your cocktail, and fresh juice offers brightness and a true citrus flavor.
4. Smack the Mint Sprig Before garnishing with the mint sprig, gently slap it between your hands. This releases its aromatic oils, enhancing the drink’s aroma.
5. Balance with Nutmeg Be cautious not to overdo the nutmeg garnish. A light dusting is sufficient to add a subtle spice that complements the tropical flavors without overwhelming them.
Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
My favorite Chartreuse Swizzle Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Tall glass
2. Jigger or measuring cup
3. Citrus juicer (for lime juice)
4. Swizzle stick or bar spoon
5. Grater (for nutmeg)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 oz falernum
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig for garnish
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
1. A tall glass should be filled with crushed ice, which is to be packed tightly.
2. Pour 1 1/2 oz of Green Chartreuse into the glass.
3. Add 1 oz of pineapple juice.
4. Include 3/4 of an ounce of lime juice, which should be freshly squeezed.
5. Incorporate 1/2 oz of falernum.
6. With a swizzle stick or a bar spoon, mix the ingredients together very well until the outside of the glass feels cold and has condensation on it.
7. Add more crushed ice to the top so that it slightly mounds above the rim of the glass.
8. Carefully mix the drink one last time to verify that all constituents are united.
9. Top with a sprig of fresh mint as a garnish.
10. Top with a few gratings of nutmeg.