Introductory Hook:
Green Chartreuse, the main ingredient in the Chartreuse Sour, has been made by French Carthusian monks for more than 280 years. With its mysterious combination of 130 herbs, spices and plants, this herbaceous liqueur provides a complexity that few other spirits can match. The Chartreuse Sour combines this centuries-old and unique liqueur with the bright, tangy notes of lemon juice to create a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail. But whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone who’s looking for something different without being too adventurous, the Chartreuse Sour is a great drink to have.
Here in this article we will go on to share everything you need to know about the Chartreuse Sour. We’ll take a look at where it came from, how to make it, and why it’s one of the most interesting and delicious cocktails you could ever have in your mixology arsenal. So, let’s explore the bold flavor of the Chartreuse Sour and see what’s making it the new darling of cocktail enthusiasts.
What is a Chartreuse Sour?
The Chartreuse Sour is a modern take on the whiskey sour. As the name implies, it marries the bold, herbal flavor of Green Chartreuse with classic sour notes from lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white. The result is a refreshing, complex drink, the sweet syrup balancing the tartness of the lemon and the earthy, herbal richness of Green Chartreuse.
Why Is the Chartreuse Sour Special?
What makes the Chartreuse Sour different from a typical sour is the flavor of the Green Chartreuse. While most cocktails depend on traditional base spirits such as gin, vodka or whiskey, the Chartreuse Sour uses this liqueur, famous for its brilliant green hue and its arcane recipe of 130 herbs. The addition of Green Chartreuse adds a distinctive depth and complexity to this sours cocktail that doesn’t exist in other drinks.
The Chartreuse Sour is herbal and tart and sweet and refreshing and tangy all together. Green Chartreuse is deeply herbal, whose complexity is lifted by the acidity of fresh lemon juice and cushioned by the softness of the egg white, making it a great drink for anyone who wants something bold but balanced.
Why You Should Try the Chartreuse Sour
If you’re still not convinced you’d like to try the Chartreuse Sour, here are a few reasons you should take it for a spin. So not only is this cocktail delicious, but it’s also a fun and creative way to experiment with unique liqueurs and bold flavors.
1. Unique and Flavorful
The Chartreuse Sour isn’t your garden-variety sour cocktail. The pairs bright herbalness of Green Chartreuse and sourness of lemon juice. The Green Chartreuse contributes layers of flavors — mint, thyme and lavender — that make it so much more interesting than a standard gin or whiskey sour.
2. Sweet, Sour, and Herbal in Perfect Balance
If you’re a fan of a drink with a perfectly sweet-and-sour balance, the Chartreuse Sour is a hit. The sweetness from the simple syrup counteracts the sour from the lemon juice, and the egg white forms a silky, smooth consistency. The insertion of an infusion of herbs with Green Chartreuse provides the cocktail’s herbal backbone, rendering it rich and aromatic without eclipsing the other flavors.
3. Great for All Occasions
The Chartreuse Sour is a flexible cocktail, perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a dinner party, mixing drinks for a low-key gathering or simply in the mood for an elegant beverage on a slow night, the Chartreuse Sour is the right jacket. With its unusual flavor profile, it is perfect for adventurous cocktail drinkers, yet its balance makes it friendly for novices interested in craft cocktails.
How to Make a Chartreuse Sour
Now that you’re ready to reach for the Chartreuse Sour, let’s talk about how to make this drink at home. Don’t fret — it’s simpler than it sounds, and we’ll walk you through the process, step by step.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
- Ice
- Lemon twist or sprig of an herb (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Stage your ingredients: Before doing anything, gather your ingredients. And definitely have fresh lemon juice (not the bottled stuff), since it’ll make all the difference in the flavor for your cocktail.
- Combine the ingredients in a shaker: In a cocktail shaker, add the Green Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white.
- Dry shake: Use a “dry shake” (shaking the ingredients without ice) before adding ice. This allows for a frothy texture from the egg white and ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
- Shake with ice: Add ice to the shaker, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a coupe or rocks glass. You’ll want a smooth, frothy texture on top.
- Garnish: A lemon twist or a sprig of rosemary or thyme works nicely here. It enhances the herbal notes in the drink.
Variations of the Chartreuse Sour
The classic Chartreuse Sour is tasty, but there are a couple of spins you can put on it to match your personal preferences, or to play with different profiles. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
1. Chartreuse Whiskey Sour
If you like the zakouskas bolder side of whiskey, use Green Chartreuse instead of bourbon in your Chartreuse Sour. The whiskey’s richness pairs nicely with the herbal flavor of the Chartreuse here, for a deeper, heartier take on the cocktail.
2. Sweet Chartreuse Sour (with Honey Syrup)
If you want a more naturally sweet drink, substitute simple syrup for honey syrup. To prepare honey syrup, mix one part honey with one part warm water. This version brings a floral, smooth sweetness to the mix, which works beautifully with the herbal notes of the Chartreuse.
3. Citrus Twist (with Orange Juice)
Boost the citrus flavor by mixing in a splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice. This contributes a touch of sweetness and a brighter flavor that plays nicely with the herbal, slightly bitter Green Chartreuse.
4. Chartreuse Sour with Bitters
You can also add a few dashes of aromatic bitters — Angostura or Peychaud’s are both great — for an extra kick of complexity and to round out the flavor of your Chartreuse Sour. Bitters will deepen the herbal and citrus notes and lend a bit of aromatic edge.
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Key Takeaways
- The Chartreuse Sour, made with Green Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, and egg white, is a bracing, refreshing take on the classic sour cocktail.
- The spicy herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse lends unique flavor to the drink, while the lemon juice and simple syrup come together perfectly to bring sweet, sour balance.
- The Chartreuse Sour is adaptable, too, and can be tweaked in different directions: with a change of base spirit (use whiskey instead) or a splash of orange juice.
- A cocktail for the adventurous set, yet a drink with the classic qualities of a sour that is a beloved drink category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make a Chartreuse Sour without egg white?
Yes, if you don’t want to use egg whites, you can leave them out. You use egg white to create whipped texture and a smooth mouthfeel, but the cocktail will be great without it. Or, you can use aquafaba (the brine from cooked chickpeas) in place of egg white in a vegan option.
2. What can you use in place of Green Chartreuse?
Green Chartreuse is singular and irreplaceable in the Chartreuse Sour, but you could play around with other herbal liqueurs, like Benedictine or St-Germain, for a variation. But the flavor profile will vary, and the drink won’t have the same herbal punch.
3. Can I make the Chartreuse Sour in advance?
Because the Chartreuse Sour, as with a lot of sours, is best made to order, there is no advance preparation for it. But you can pre-batch the base (the green chartreuse, lemon juice and syrup) ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Simply mix in the egg white and ice when it’s time to serve.
4. What is the ideal garnish for a Chartreuse Sour?
A lemon twist or a herb sprig (rosemary or thyme is a good choice) is the perfect garnish. These garnishes heighten the drink’s herbal and citrus fragrances, adding to its intrigue.
5. Can I use bottled lemon juice for the Chartreuse Sour?
Always, always use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Bottled lemon juice offers neither the same brightness nor acidity, and it can change the overall taste of the cocktail.
6. How strong is a Chartreuse Sour?
The Chartreuse Sour is a medium ABV cocktail, with the Green Chartreuse as its main base spirit. Green at 55% ABV packs the flavor without overdoing it. The syrup and lemon juice provide sweetness and tartness to match the punch of the alcohol.
Conclusion
The Chartreuse Sour is a perfect drink for anyone who wants to try something different, with its bold herbal flavors, refreshing acidity and silky texture. This one is for the cocktail lover and the novice alike — an elevated classic that makes for a great go-to. By combining Green Chartreuse
The Chartreuse Sour, with each of its classic sour ingredients, has carved out its place in the canon of craft cocktails.
Why not mix this refreshing twist on a classic, the Chartreuse Sour, today? It’s an exhilarating and complicated cocktail that lingers. Cheers!
