ALL ABOUT CHARTREUSE:
Its history, value, and recipe unpacked
When we say Chartreuse, we could link it into a shade between green and yellow, but in the liquor’s dictionary, it is a gorgeous French drink in green or yellow versions with various tastes and alcohol content.
This beverage came with a historical journey when Carthusian monks had started distilling Chartreus in the mountains of Voiron guarded with a secret recipe back in the 1700s. Its name was derived from the monks’ monastery in the Chartreuse mountains, the Grande Chartreuse. What made this drink extra special is that it is composed of distilled alcohol mixed with 130 kinds of herbs, flowers, and plants, making it tastier inside the bottle as years pass by. Have you ever wondered how this tastes?
Chartreuse has a very strong and distinguished flavor. It has some sweetness to it added with some spicy and pungent taste. The herbs are also very evident from the flavor. When serving, you can try to serve it straight and cold, but usually, Chartreuse is enjoyed at room temperature.
This spirit is also popular in many classic cocktails. A little goes a long way. Due to its strong, intense, and concentrated taste you only need a small amount to get big flavor. Eddie Riddell, a bartender from Portland emphasized that when used in small amounts, Chartreuse can increase complexity and add a little sweetness to counter a bitter or acidic element in a drink. Or, try Chartreuse with some hot chocolate on your next ski trip.
Chartreuse Value and Price
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Chartreuse Green Liqueur | 700 ml | $40 | 110 |
Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur | 700 ml | $38 | 80 |
Chartreuse Green V.E.P. | 1 L | $125 | 108 |
Chartreuse Yellow V.E.P | 1 L | $115 | 84 |
Chartreuse prices vary according to their bottle size and alcohol proof. Usually, Chartreus Green Liquer in 700ml with a 110-unit alcohol proof would range to $40 per bottle while the same beverage in yellow liquer with lesser alcohol unit of 80 is about $38. A 1-liter Chartreuse Green V.E.P with a 108 units of alcohol costs a dazzling $125 while the Yellow V.E.P Chartreuse still in 1 liter with 84-unit alcohol costs $115.
Other Liqueurs by Comparison
Jägermeister
When compared to other similar liquors, we can say that Chartreuse is considerably more expensive. For instance, a 70 proof 1.75 liter of Jägermeister costs $32 on average, while the 1 liter is about $28. A 750 ml bottle will run you about $23.
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Jägermeister | 1.75 ml | $32 | 70 |
1.75 ml | $28 | 70 | |
750 ml | $23 | 70 |
Disaronno
Disaronno is also somewhat cheaper when compared to Chartreuse. The 1.75 L bottle with 56-unit alcohol proof has an average cost of $50, while smaller bottles of 1 liter are about $38 and $30 for its 750ml bottle.
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Disaronno | 1.75 ml | $50 | 56 |
1 L | $38 | 56 | |
750 ml | $30 | 56 |
St. Germaine
On the other hand, a floral liquor called St. Germain has a sublime taste of wild, handpicked elderflowers. A 750 ml bottle will cost you approximately $37 and $22 for the smaller 375ml bottle. While we're talking about elderflower liqueurs, a very similar yet even cheaper alternative to St. Germaine is St. Elder. It has a slightly richer and more syrupy mouthfeel with a more intense elderflower flavor. Some bartenders prefer the more concentrated flavor when mixing cocktails because it dilutes the drink less.
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
St. Germaine | 750 ml | $37 | 40 |
375 ml | $22 | 40 | |
St. Elder | 750 ml | $23 | 40 |
375 ml | $15 | 40 |
Cointreau
Cointreau, a French, orange liqueur, is also less expensive than Chartreuse with an average cost of $40 per 1 liter bottle, $36 per 750ml bottle and around $34 for a 700ml of bottle.
Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
Cointreau | 1 L | $40 | 80 |
750 ml | $36 | 80 | |
700 ml | $34 | 80 |
CHARTREUSE ALTERNATIVES
Chartreuse is a very rare liquor that comes at an expensive price. Since it is rare, there are only a few which could be considered as a substitute to this drink. For green Chartreuse, Genepy from Dolin is the closest to when compared to other liquors. It would range from around $30 to $35 per 750ml of bottle.
For Yellow Chartreuse, Strega would be a good alternative. With its sugary sweet taste that turns into a bitter shot from the herbal component, this bottle costs around $36 for 750mls.
CHARTREUSE MIXOLOGY
Although Chartreuse is an expensive liquor, there are actually a ton of recipes that call for it. Because of its complex flavors, it compliments a wide variety of liquors. Grab a bottle and try these recipes or experiment on your own today!
Chartreuse is a very romantic and versatile spirit that can be used in so many different ways. If you're looking for a spicy drink, try infusing Chartreuse with Thai chilies, and add white whiskey, pear syrup, and ginger liquor.
If instead you're craving something tropical and sweet, a Watermelon-Basil Cocktail is just the perfect blend. This juicy cocktail has sweetness from watermelon yet at the same time, some herbal freshness from basil and Chartreuse. The astringent kick from the tequila balances it out.
In general, we cannot deny the heavy value of Chartreuse when compared to other liqueurs. Its rarity, its elegant and bold taste, and its versatility make this spirit well worth the price.
Chartreuse is rich in history and is a great reflection of traditions of the past. Used in many classic cocktails Chartreuse is gaining more and more popularity especially amongst millennials. Always remember that a good drink comes with a good company! Cheers!