Yellow Parrot Cocktail Recipe

Yellow Parrot Nutrition Facts

Calories:230

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol:25%

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 Yellow Parrot cocktail is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have been created by Harry MacElhone, a famous bartender at Harry's New York Bar in Paris. The cocktail is named after its vibrant yellow color and its exotic, tropical taste.

  • The Yellow Parrot was popular during the Prohibition era
  • It was often enjoyed by artists, writers, and other creative types who frequented Harry's New York Bar
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as more people rediscover classic cocktails

How Yellow Parrot Tastes?

The Yellow Parrot has a complex, exotic taste that is both sweet and sour, with a hint of bitterness. The combination of apricot brandy, yellow Chartreuse, and gin creates a unique flavor profile that is fruity, herbal, and slightly spicy.

Interesting facts about Yellow Parrot

  • The Yellow Parrot is sometimes called the 'forgotten classic' due to its relative obscurity compared to other classic cocktails
  • The yellow color of the cocktail comes from the yellow Chartreuse, a French herbal liqueur
  • Some variations of the Yellow Parrot include a splash of fresh lemon juice to add a bit of tartness

Ingredients

A few good options for Yellow Parrot are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

The use of 1.5 oz of Gin provides the cocktail's strong base and alcohol content. It's the canvas that the other ingredients paint upon. Too much and you risk overpowering the cocktail; too little and you lose its backbone. Without gin, you're attending a concert without the lead singer.

Emma Rose

Yellow Chartreuse

A unique French liqueur that adds 0.75 oz of sweet, herbal complexity. It's like the eccentric artist of the cocktail world. If it's missing, your Yellow Parrot might just look a little pale. Alternative: if Yellow Chartreuse is too tricky to find, try substituting it with Strega for a similar herbal kick.

Alex Green

Apricot Brandy

0.75 oz of Apricot Brandy brings a fruitiness and sweetness that rounds out the herbs and the strength of the gin. Imagine it as your cocktail's best friend who always brings the good vibes. No Apricot Brandy, no fruity cheer. You could experiment with peach schnapps for a different, but related sweet note.

Mary Mitkina

Lemon Juice

The optional 0.5 oz of Lemon Juice adds a sour balance to the sweetness, uplifting the other flavors. It's like your reliable friend who knows exactly when to tell a joke, brightening the mood. Forget the lemon juice, and your cocktail might get too serious. If not available, try lime juice, but expect a slightly different zesty twist.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Yellow Parrot Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the gin, yellow Chartreuse, apricot brandy, and lemon juice (if using)
  3. Shake well until chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
  5. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cold longer
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Cheese Platter: A selection of mild to medium cheeses including Brie, Gouda, and goat cheese complement the herbal notes of the Yellow Chartreuse.
  • Seafood Dishes: Try with grilled shrimp or a light fish ceviche. The citrus and apricot flavors in the cocktail can enhance the seafood's freshness.
  • Fruit-Based Desserts: Pair with an apricot tart or lemon sorbet to echo the fruity components of the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Champagne: Sip alongside a glass of dry Champagne. The effervescence will act as a palate cleanser between sips.
  • Craft Beer: A Belgian-style wheat beer might harmonize nicely with the Yellow Parrot's complex, herbal profile.

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What you could change in Yellow Parrot

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a less botanical flavor
  • Yellow Chartreuse: Green Chartreuse can be used for a more herbal flavor
  • Apricot Brandy: Peach brandy can be used as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with Y here

And of course - twists🍹

Black Parrot

  • Swap Gin for Blackcurrant Liqueur
  • Use same proportions of other ingredients The Black Parrot offers a deeper berry flavor with a dramatic flair. The herbal Yellow Chartreuse will have to contend with a bolder playmate, but it's a match that'll sing.

Parrot's Sunrise

  • Add 0.25 oz Grenadine
  • Layer it by pouring slowly over the back of a spoon This sweeter sunrise combines the complexity of the original with a splash of pomegranate sweetness, creating a stunning visual effect that mimics a sunrise.

Tropical Parrot

  • Replace Gin with White Rum
  • Add a dash of coconut syrup
  • Garnish with a lime wheel Close your eyes and listen for the waves! The Tropical Parrot brings you a beachside vibe with a coconut twist and the freshness of lime, sending your taste buds on a mini-vacation.

In case you forgot basics how to make Yellow Parrot

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Yellow Parrot

What is the ideal serving temperature for the Yellow Parrot cocktail?

The Yellow Parrot cocktail is best served chilled. Make sure all your ingredients, including the glass, are cold before serving.

Are there any specific gins that pair well with the Yellow Parrot cocktail?

This ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, a dry gin tends to work well with the sweet and herbal flavor profile of the Yellow Parrot cocktail.

Is it okay to mix the ingredients ahead of time?

While it's generally best to mix the cocktail fresh, you can prepare the gin, Yellow Chartreuse, and apricot brandy ahead of time. Add the lemon juice and ice just before serving to prevent dilution.

Can I use a different type of glass to serve the Yellow Parrot cocktail?

Yes, while the cocktail is traditionally served in a cocktail glass, you can use any glass you like. What's most important is that the glass is chilled.

What do I pair with this cocktail?

The Yellow Parrot cocktail pairs well with light appetizers or tapas. Its sweet and complex flavors complement savory and salty foods beautifully.

Who is Harry MacElhone?

Harry MacElhone was a famous bartender known for creating many classic cocktails. He owned Harry's New York Bar in Paris, which was a popular spot for American tourists and expats.

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