The Chartreuse Swizzle is bold, herbal, and icy cold built for sipping slow. Green Chartreuse gives the drink its signature punch with intense herbal flavor, while pineapple and lime juice brighten it up. Falernum adds a little spice and sweetness, and crushed ice keeps the drink refreshing and balanced. It’s built directly in the glass and garnished with a mint sprig for an extra hit of freshness. If you like your tropical drinks with a little edge, this one’s for you.
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Tasting Notes
This Chartreuse Swizzle packs a bold mix of herbaceous, citrus, and tropical flavors. The Green Chartreuse leads with deep herbal notes and a little heat, balanced by the sweet and tangy pineapple juice. Lime juice brings a sharp, clean edge, while falernum adds spice and a hint of clove or ginger. Served over crushed ice, it’s cold, refreshing, and slightly complex without being too strong or sweet. The mint garnish adds a cooling note on the nose. It’s a chilled, slow-sipping drink that works for anyone who enjoys something with depth and brightness.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a swizzle stick or bar spoon, a jigger, and a tall glass usually a Collins or highball. A muddler isn’t needed, but a crushed ice scoop or mallet will help you pack the glass just right. If you don’t have a swizzle stick, a long spoon will work fine to mix from the bottom up. No shaker needed here; it’s a build-in-glass cocktail. Just layer the ingredients, swizzle with crushed ice, and garnish. Simple tools, classic presentation.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz falernum
- Crushed ice
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your glass about halfway with crushed ice.
- Add green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, lime juice, and falernum to the glass.
- Swizzle (or stir) until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Top with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Pro Tips
- Swizzle from the bottom to keep flavors evenly mixed.
- Use crushed ice for proper dilution and texture.
- Fresh lime juice gives the cleanest tart flavor.
- Don’t overdo the falernum too much can hide the Chartreuse.
- Chill your glass ahead of time for extra frost.
- A few dashes of bitters can add complexity.
- Always garnish with mint it adds aroma before the first sip.
- Use Green Chartreuse only yellow is too soft for this drink.
When to Serve
This Chartreuse Swizzle cocktail is a great fit for hot weather or summer evenings. It’s also a good option when you’re looking to impress guests with something a little different. Works well at backyard gatherings, tiki-themed parties, or as a cooler drink for late afternoons. Because it’s strong yet chilled and fruit-forward, it bridges the gap between classic and tropical styles. It’s also nice as a slow sipper when you want something bold without feeling heavy.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Green Chartreuse:
- Chartreuse Verte (the original, only one available)
Falernum:
- John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum (classic choice)
- BG Reynolds Falernum Syrup (non-alcoholic, rich flavor)
Pineapple Juice:
- Dole (consistent and not too sweet)
- Fresh-pressed if available for brighter taste
Lime Juice:
- Always go with freshly squeezed
Similar Cocktails
- Nuclear Daiquiri
- Tropical Blue Zone
- Spicy Pineapple Ranch Water
- Pineapple Mezcal Sour
- Pineapple Mango Rum Punch
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz falernum
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your glass about halfway with crushed ice.
- Add green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, lime juice, and falernum to the glass.
- Swizzle (or stir) until the outside of the glass feels cold.
- Top with more crushed ice.
- Garnish with a mint sprig.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice it cuts through the intensity of the Chartreuse better than bottled.
- A swizzle stick works best, but a long bar spoon does the trick too.
- Clap the mint sprig before garnishing to release its aroma.