Green Ghost recipe
A bracing 1930s gin and Green Chartreuse sour with vibrant herbal intensity.
Method: Shake and fine strain ·
Glass: Chilled coupe glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz London dry gin (preferably 47% ABV)
- 1/2 oz Green Chartreuse (French herbal liqueur)
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice (sour citrus)
How to make a Green Ghost
- Chill a coupe glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to frost.
- Combine the London dry gin, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with quality ice.
- Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until the tin is frosty and well-chilled.
- Fine strain the contents through a mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an expressed lime twist and serve immediately.
Garnish
Float a lime wheel or express a lime twist over the surface.
Pro tip
Because Green Chartreuse is intensely aromatic and herbaceous, measure it precisely so it does not overpower the clean botanical profile of the gin. Use fresh, bright lime juice to maintain the crisp acid balance.
History of the Green Ghost
The Green Ghost first appeared in print within the 1937 Coronation Edition of the Café Royal Cocktail Book, compiled by William J. Tarling. While its exact creator remains unrecorded, the drink emerged during a golden era of British cocktail innovation. Often recognized as an early precursor to the famous Last Word, it pairs gin and Green Chartreuse with tart citrus, omitting maraschino liqueur to create a sharper, more spirit-forward profile. Historical records suggest it gained modest popularity in European hotel bars before experiencing a contemporary revival among craft bartenders celebrating heritage herbal sours.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Citrusy, Botanical, Dry
Variations
- Yellow Ghost — Substitute Yellow Chartreuse for a milder, honeyed herbal profile.
- Final Ward Twist — Swap the gin for high-proof rye whiskey and lemon juice for a warming autumn variation.
Practise making the Green Ghost in the free Virtual Bar game.