Introductory Hook: The Collins cocktail is one of the world’s oldest most popular cocktail. As much as we love the classic Tom Collins, there’s another twist on this refreshing favorite that many people don’t know about—the Chartreuse Collins. If you’ve never heard of it, then you’re in for a treat. Based on the rich, herbal flavors of Green Chartreuse, this lively, herbal variation on the Tom Collins adds the refreshing elements of the classic cocktail. It’s a drink that not only is very different in flavor but also has the power to take the typical Collins up a notch.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the Chartreuse Collins. From the history and the magic of Green Chartreuse through how we can make this drink at home, we’ll show you the way. Mix all ingredients, and stir with the ice, until thoroughly chilled (10 to 15 seconds); strain into a cold glass, or serve in the shaker to avoid dilution if you are a cocktail enthusiast the Chartreuse Collins will get you through those warm evenings or special occasions.
What is a Chartreuse Collins?
At its heart, a Chartreuse Collins is a riff on the classic Tom Collins. The Tom Collins is a London dry gin-based cocktail featuring lemon juice, sugar and soda water, so simple, so refreshing and so very popular. But by substituting gin for Green Chartreuse, we add a luscious herbal complexity to the cocktail.
Green Chartreuse is a herbal liqueur that has been produced in France by Carthusian monks for centuries. It’s made of a secret recipe of 130 different herbs, spices and plants, and is known for its bright green color and complex, bold taste. The Chartreuse Collins takes all of this and mixes it with the refreshing, effervescent quality of a Collins cocktail.
A Cocktail with a History
The Collins family of drinks has a storied lineage, and it starts with the Tom Collins. There are several different stories about its origins, but the most popular theory is that the drink was invented in the 1800s by a bartender named John Collins at Limmer’s Old House in London. The drink quickly became a popular order in bars worldwide, and many iterations of the Collins followed, including the Gin Collins, the Vodka Collins and even the Whiskey Collins.
But in recent years, the Chartreuse Collins has come up as a delightful but relatively less heard variation and has been garnering some attention for its distinct flavors. What sets this cocktail apart is the herbal Green Chartreuse along the bright, citrusy zing of lemon and the fizz of soda water.
Why Should You Try a Chartreuse Collins?
If you’re wondering what exactly the Chartreuse Collins has that makes it worth ordering, here’s why you should try this drink if you like a little more complexity and character in your refreshing cocktail.
Complexity and Bold Flavors
One of the defining characteristics of a Chartreuse Collins is the punchy, herbal flavor imparted by Green Chartreuse. The liqueur’s herb-, spice- and plant-based makeup brings a complexity of flavor that is rare in many other cocktails. It has the brightness of a classic Tom Collins but with a wisp of spice, bitters and sweetness that puts it up there.
This Herbal Spirit Is Perfectly Refreshing
The Chartreuse Collins is not only all about bold flavors; it’s about balance. The tangy bite of lemon juice, paired with the sparkle of soda water, makes for a refreshing base. Green Chartreuse’s herbal notes add complexity, and a hint of sweetness from that liqueur rounds out the drink. It’s refreshing and herbal, making it fit for summertime or a raucous night out with friends.
Simple to Prepare, but Grand to Present
Even better, the Chartreuse Collins is highly simple to execute, yet impressive. It’s the sort of cocktail that looks and tastes as if you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into it, but in fact it’s easy to make. You just need a few ingredients, and in minutes you’ll have a drink that’s ready for sipping.
How to Make a Chartreuse Collins
Want to mix your own Chartreuse Collins? We have you covered, with an easy recipe that will impress your guests or let you customize your own cocktail hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Green Chartreuse
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or to taste)
- Soda water (to top)
- Ice
- Lemon wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice. A Collins glass is best, but any tall glass will do.
- Add the Green Chartreuse, the lemon juice and the simple syrup.
- Combine the ingredients together.
- Fill the rest of the drink with soda water to taste (between 3-4 oz normally).
- Add a lemon wheel as a garnish for color and a citrusy smell.
Pro tip: If you want your drink slightly sweeter, feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup. Green Chartreuse has a strong herbal intensity, so adding more syrup is a way to mitigate the drink’s flavor.
Different Versions of the Chartreuse Collins
Though the classic Chartreuse Collins is delightful as is, there are some fun variations you can try to tailor your drink even more to your taste. Here are some alternatives you may enjoy:
1. Smoky Chartreuse Collins (with Mezcal)
To make a smoky version of the Chartreuse Collins, add a splash of mezcal. Mezcal, a smoky agave spirit, pairs well with Green Chartreuse yet adds an earthy flavor of its own to the cocktail. Just replace ½ oz of Green Chartreuse with mezcal, and you’ve got a smoky, herbal take on the classic.
2. Citrus Chartreuse Collins
If you like bold citrus flavors, add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice to your Chartreuse Collins. This will enhance the citrus notes but still maintain the herbal profile of the Green Chartreuse. Adding a grapefruit twist as garnish enhances the drink with a playful zest.
3. Honeybee Collins With Chartreuse
For a more natural sweetener, replace simple syrup with honey syrup. To use honey syrup, mix equal parts honey with warm water, stir to dissolve, and then substitute this for simple syrup in the recipe. This version adds a great depth and richness to the drink, great for those who enjoy sweeter cocktails.
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Key Takeaways
- Chartreuse Collins is a refreshing variation of the Tom Collins, using Green Chartreuse to give the drink an herbal complexity.
- The bold herbal flavor of Green Chartreuse is balanced out by the refreshing qualities of lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, creating an exciting and easy to make cocktail.
- There are lots of fun variations to experiment with, from adding mezcal for a smoky note to honey syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- If you’re and hosting a party or having a quiet evening, the Chartreuse Collins is a perfect drink for all occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it okay to use Yellow Chartreuse for a Chartreuse Collins?
Yes! Yellow Chartreuse is the gentler, sweeter sibling of the green version, so it will impart your Chartreuse Collins a slightly less herbal and a more delicate flavor. Which one do you like better?
2. What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Chartreuse Collins?
The difference between them is that a Tom Collins is made with gin, while a Chartreuse Collins’s base spirit is Green Chartreuse, a herbal liqueur that gives the drink both complexity and an herbal kick.
3. Can I make a Chartreuse Collins sans soda water?
Soda water provides the effervescence that makes a Collins so refreshing, but you could substitute it, if you don’t have soda water, with sparkling water or even tonic water, if you want to have a different twist.
4. How can I make the Chartreuse Collins less sweet?
For a less sweet drink, just cut the simple syrup or honey syrup called for in the recipe. You can also use up a lemon or two—fresh lemon juice is another way to amp up the tartness.
5. Can I prepare a Chartreuse Collins in advance?
While it’s best served fresh to preserve the fizz, you can pre-make the base (Green Chartreuse, lemon juice, and simple syrup) and store it in the fridge. Just add ice and soda water when you’re ready to serve.
6. What’s the ideal garnish for a Chartreuse Collins?
A lemon wheel is the traditional garnish for a Chartreuse Collins, though you could also add a mint sprig or a citrus twist to play off the drink’s fresh, aromatic notes.
Conclusion
The Chartreuse Collins is an intriguing, crisp, and vibrant cocktail that elevates the Collins to new levels. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply unwinding after a long day, this cocktail is a perfect fit for any occasion. The herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse, married to the brightness of lemon and the effervescence of soda water, makes for a drink that’s equal parts unique and delicious.
And then — ready to shake up your cocktail routine? So tuck into a Chartreuse Collins and discover the enchanting properties of this botanical spin on a classic stand-by! Cheers!
