The Green Ghost is a spooky name for a fantastic old-fashioned cocktail from the 1930s. Simple yet sophisticated flavors of gin, Green Chartreuse, and lime juice are all this cocktail contains. With three ingredients, this cocktail is bright, slightly herby, and not sweet. It is a nice change from the usual overly sweet cocktails served at a Halloween party or the complicated cocktails that have flooded the craft cocktail resurgence. The subtle pale green color from the Herbal liqueur and the lime juice brings a mystical quality to this mysterious cocktail.
First appearing in 1937, the Green Ghost was part of the Cafe Royal Cocktail Book published by the London Bartender’s Guild. The book was published to showcase several alternatives to the small variety of drinks being served at bars during the 1930s. The Green Ghost is definitely different than a Martini or a Manhattan. The herbal flavor of Green Chartreuse is brightly featured along with the juniper and botanicals of the gin to make this cocktail a delicious sipper.
If you follow me at all, you know I am a huge fan of green Chartreuse. This mysterious herbal liqueur from the French southeastern area known as Grenoble is made by a secret recipe from monks in a monastery since 1737. I love the complex flavors that this mystical liqueur has. You just can’t seem to figure out all the ingredients, but they are delicious. It really brings a beautiful, full-bodied, and very complex taste to any cocktail.
Of course, your choice of gin for this cocktail will significantly impact the flavor of this tasty tipple. It is essential to choose an excellent flavored gin. I chose my favorite gin, Spring44, for this cocktail. Spring44’s spirit is a very smooth, well-flavored gin with citrus, juniper, and even a little green tea plus some jasmine to finish. This gin works perfectly even for “non-gin believers.” The flavor in Spring44’s gin is balanced with the herbal liqueur. The combination of the Chartreuse and the gin with just lime juice is a great way to explore the intricacies of various gin flavor profiles. I would say Spring44’s Mountain gin would be fantastic in this, too, as the stronger juniper and Pine botanicals would brighten it up even further. Other good choices are The Botanist Gin and Gunpowder Irish Gin. Actually, this cocktail is a great way to try many fantastic gins out there.
I used a Nick and Nora Glass for this cocktail as the smaller size and elegant shape are perfect for this drink. They are a great addition to any bar set up, and you can find them on Amazon here. Fresh Lime juice is essential for The Green Ghost. I could not be happier with this citrus squeezer. It is a bit pricey (though not really), but it will last you a lifetime and is indispensable in my bar. Spring44 can be found in many places now across the country. Their website has a store locator, or you can order from their website if you live in CA, NY, or of course, their home state of Colorado.
As always, please stay safe and think of others in your choices of what you wear, where and whom you gather with, and why. Have a great and safe Halloween.
- 2 oz Spring44 Gin
- ½ oz Green Chartreuse
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
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Chill a Nick and Nora glass (you can use a coup glass too)
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To a cocktail shaker, add the gin, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds until very cold.
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Strain into the chilled glass and serve.
