Green Ghost Cocktail Recipe

The Green Ghost cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that dates back to the 1930s. It was first published in the Café Royal Cocktail Book by W. J. Tarling, a bartender at the famous Café Royal in London. The cocktail is known for its vibrant green color and refreshing taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy gin-based cocktails.

• The Green Ghost was created during the golden age of cocktails, a time when bartenders were experimenting with new and exciting ingredients.
• The cocktail is named after its ghostly green hue, which comes from the combination of gin and green Chartreuse.
• Fans of classic gin cocktails, such as the Martini and the Gimlet, will likely enjoy the Green Ghost for its herbal and citrus notes.

The Green Ghost cocktail is a complex and refreshing drink with a mix of herbal, citrus, and slightly sweet flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the green Chartreuse adds a unique herbal and slightly sweet quality. The lime juice brings a fresh, tart citrus note that balances out the sweetness and adds a zesty finish.

• Green Chartreuse, a key ingredient in the Green Ghost, is a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks since the 18th century. It is made from a secret recipe that includes 130 different herbs, plants, and flowers.
• The Green Ghost is sometimes referred to as a 'cousin' of the Last Word cocktail, another gin-based drink that also features green Chartreuse and lime juice.
• The vibrant green color of the cocktail is entirely natural, coming from the green Chartreuse and the lime juice.

1. Chill a cocktail glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside.
2. Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker: 2 oz gin, 0.5 oz green Chartreuse, and 0.5 oz lime juice.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, or until well-chilled.
4. Discard the ice from the chilled cocktail glass.
5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Garnish with a lime twist or a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.

• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can have a bitter taste.
• Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed and the drink is chilled.
• Garnish with a lime twist or a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Appetizers

• Sushi: The herbal notes of the Green Chartreuse can complement the delicate flavors of sushi, particularly with avocado or cucumber rolls.
• Goat Cheese Crostini: The tangy and bold flavor of goat cheese is balanced by the botanicals in the gin.

Main Courses

• Grilled Chicken: The smokiness of the chicken pairs nicely with the cocktail's citrus notes.
• Pasta with Pesto: The herby, fresh flavor of pesto aligns with the Green Chartreuse, while the acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the pasta.

Desserts

• Key Lime Pie: The citrus harmony enhances the dessert experience since the cocktail's lime juice complements the pie's tanginess.
• Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing choice that mirrors the zesty and fresh lime juice in the cocktail.

• If you don't have Green Chartreuse, you can substitute it with Yellow Chartreuse. It has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor.
• Vodka can be used instead of Gin for a less juniper-forward flavor.
• If you don't have fresh limes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

Cucumber Ghost

• Add 2 slices of cucumber to the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
• Muddle the cucumber to extract its essence.
• Follow the original recipe. The cucumber adds a refreshing coolness that complements the Green Chartreuse and tames the gin's botanicals. It's like giving your ghost a new summer outfit.

Smoky Ghost

• Replace gin with mezcal to obtain a 1:1 ratio.
• Follow the original recipe. The smoky notes of mezcal make this twist hauntingly good, merging the spirit world with a hint of a Mexican campfire. For those who like their ghosts with a side of smoke.

Rosemary Ghost

• Muddle a sprig of rosemary in the shaker.
• Follow the original recipe. The addition of rosemary introduces a fragrant, woodsy element that will make you feel like you're sipping spirits in an enchanted forest.