Grey Ghost Cocktail Recipe

Grey Ghost Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:12g

Alcohol:12%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Grey Ghost is a cocktail that whispers of elegance and mystery. Its origins are not well-documented, but it's a drink that has found its way into the hearts of those who appreciate a touch of floral sophistication in their glass.

  • Who Would Enjoy It?
    • Fans of floral and botanical flavors.
    • Those who prefer lighter, effervescent cocktails.
    • Lovers of Champagne and unique liqueurs.

How Grey Ghost Tastes?

The Grey Ghost is a delicately sweet cocktail with a floral bouquet that gently unfolds on the palate. The effervescence of the Brut Champagne adds a refreshing crispness, balancing the soft violet and elderflower notes.

Interesting facts about Grey Ghost

  • The cocktail's name, Grey Ghost, evokes a sense of the ethereal and elusive.
  • Crème de Violette is a liqueur made from violet flowers, which gives the cocktail its distinctive floral character and color.
  • St Germain is an artisanal French liqueur crafted from elderflower blossoms, adding a subtle layer of complexity.

Ingredients

Crème de Violette

The Crème de Violette brings a floral and light sweet touch to our Grey Ghost. The 0.5 oz is just enough to perfume the cocktail without making it too sweet or overpowering. Skip it, and you'll lose the signature lavender hue and a layer of complexity. Alternative: A splash of lavender syrup could sub in for a non-alcoholic take, but it won't have the same depth.

Emma Rose

St Germain Elderflower Liqueur

At 1 oz, St Germain adds a fruity and floral elegance which marries well with the Crème de Violette. Too little and you won't taste it; too much might lead to an overly sweet drink. No St Germain? Try a little elderflower cordial; it's non-alcoholic and will add similar notes, though the cocktail will be less robust.

Mary Mitkina

Brut Champagne

The 5 oz of Brut Champagne contributes effervescence and dryness, balancing the sweetness of the other components. It makes the cocktail crisp and refreshing. Without it, the drink would be flat — both literally and in terms of flavor. Alternative: A good quality sparkling wine could step in, retaining that needed fizz.

Alex Green

Edible Flower

Our garnish isn't just for looks; it adds a hint of aroma just before you take a sip. No flower? The cocktail still tastes great, but lacks that final touch of elegance. Alternative: A twist of lemon peel could add a different but equally engaging aromatic note.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Grey Ghost Drink

  1. Pour 0.5 oz of Crème de Violette into a chilled Champagne flute.
  2. Add 1 oz of St Germain Elderflower Liqueur.
  3. Gently top off with approximately 5 oz of Brut Champagne.
  4. Garnish with a single edible flower, placing it delicately on the surface of the drink.

Pro Tips

  • Always use a chilled flute to keep the cocktail cold and enhance the effervescence of the Champagne.
  • Pour the Champagne slowly to preserve the bubbles and prevent it from overflowing.
  • When garnishing, ensure the edible flower is fresh and visually appealing for the best presentation.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood Appetizers: The refreshing and slightly floral notes of the Grey Ghost complement seafood well, especially lighter fare such as shrimp cocktail or grilled scallops.
  • Cheese Platter: Choose mild and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, which won't overpower the subtlety of the cocktail.
  • Fruit Desserts: A fruit tart or lemon sorbet can be a delightful pairing, mirroring the cocktail's balance of sweet and tart.

Drink Pairings

  • Non-Alcoholic Elderflower Sparkler: For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a mix of elderflower cordial with sparkling water can make a nice pairing.
  • Light Lagers: Beer can be a palette cleanser between sips of the cocktail, light lagers work best.

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What you could change in Grey Ghost

  • If Crème de Violette is unavailable, a violet syrup can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative, though the flavor profile will be slightly sweeter.
  • In place of St Germain, other elderflower liqueurs like Giffard or Bols Elderflower can be used.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Blackberry Ghost

  • Add a few fresh blackberries and muddle them in the flute before adding the liquors.
  • The blackberries add a tart, fruity dimension, giving the cocktail a purple blush and a deeper flavor profile.

The Rose Phantom

  • Swap Crème de Violette for rose syrup (0.5 oz).
  • The drink takes on a more delicate, floral profile with a hint of rose, making it a fragrant alternative to the original.

Sparkling Sage Spirit

  • Add a small sage leaf to the mixture, and top with a dry prosecco instead of Champagne.
  • The sage adds an earthy note and the prosecco brings a crispness which complements the sweet floral liqueurs, creating a more herbal twist.

In case you forgot basics how to make Grey Ghost

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Grey Ghost

What type of champagne is best for the Grey Ghost cocktail?

A dry, Brut champagne is recommended as it complements the sweet and floral elements without overpowering them.

Can the Grey Ghost be made into a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic elderflower and violet syrups, and replace the champagne with sparkling grape juice or a similar non-alcoholic bubbly beverage.

Is there a specific time of year that the Grey Ghost cocktail is most popular?

While it can be enjoyed year-round, the Grey Ghost with its floral notes is particularly popular during spring and summer.

How can I best preserve bubbles when making a champagne-based cocktail?

Pour the champagne gently against the inside of the flute to decrease agitation and chill the champagne before using it to slow down the loss of carbonation.

Can I use any edible flower for garnishing the Grey Ghost?

It's best to use flowers that are organically grown and known to be safe for consumption like violets, pansies, or roses. Make sure they haven't been treated with pesticides.

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