The Chartreuse Swizzle combines French herbal liqueur with tropical flavors: green Chartreuse meets pineapple and lime, swirled over crushed ice. The result is herbal, fresh, and surprisingly drinkable. The swizzle stick turns the drink into an ice-cold, frosty experience – classic Tiki, but with European spice.
And this is what you need for the Chartreuse Swizzle
4.5 cl green Chartreuse
3 cl pineapple juice
2 cl lime juice
1.5 cl Falernum or simple syrup
2 dash Angostura
Garnish: mint and pineapple
The key to success
Swizzling is more than stirring: you place the swizzle stick between your palms and rub it back and forth, like making fire. This spins the ice in the glass, chilling it extremely quickly and mixing the ingredients. When the outside of the glass is properly frosted, the drink is ready. Important: Falernum adds spice notes – clove, ginger, lime. If you use only simple syrup, the drink will be flatter. Green Chartreuse has 55 percent – the drink feels light, but don’t underestimate it.
Variations
- Chartreuse Swizzle with yellow Chartreuse — Yellow Chartreuse is milder and sweeter, making the drink softer and less herbal.
- Chartreuse Swizzle with Velvet Falernum — Real Falernum instead of simple syrup adds spice and depth – this is how the drink is intended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use yellow Chartreuse?
Yes, but the drink will be milder and sweeter. Green Chartreuse is more herbal and keeps the balance better – that’s the classic way to make the Swizzle.
What is Falernum?
A spiced syrup from the Caribbean, usually made with lime, ginger, clove, and almond. It’s available as a non-alcoholic syrup or as a liqueur – for the Swizzle, the syrup is sufficient.
Can I make the drink without a swizzle stick?
In a pinch, stir with a bar spoon, but swizzling makes all the difference: faster, colder, frostier.
