Often overshadowed by its "bolder" green sibling, Yellow Chartreuse is a liqueur with a fascinating history and distinct charm. While Green Chartreuse is known for its intensity and frequent use in classic cocktails like the Last Word, the yellow variety—with its sweeter and milder profile—deserves a spot in your favorite drinks. Its roots trace back to 1605, when an ancient elixir was gifted to Carthusian monks, who refined it over the centuries.

Infused with over 130 botanicals and aged in French oak barrels, Yellow Chartreuse continues to inspire bartenders around the world.
With its notes of honey, anise, and saffron, and a lower ABV (43% compared to the green's 55%), Yellow Chartreuse is perfect for sipping chilled or mixing into cocktails that enhance its herbaceous and velvety character.
If you're looking for a softer, more nuanced alternative to Green Chartreuse, the yellow version is ideal. It’s increasingly recognized by contemporary bartenders for its versatility, whether as a main ingredient or a refined finishing touch in various creations.

Our Favorite Recipes
Here are ten must-try cocktails that showcase the unique appeal of Yellow Chartreuse. Some are reinterpretations of timeless classics, while others are modern recipes that celebrate its elegance:

• Alaska: A reimagined Martini where Yellow Chartreuse replaces vermouth, lending a delicate herbal note.
• Naked & Famous: A perfect balance of mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, and lime, born from two modern classics.
• Greenpoint: A sophisticated cocktail made with rye whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, and sweet vermouth, offering a rich and herbaceous flavor.
• Flying Dutchman: Genever, Yellow Chartreuse, and Benedictine unite with a touch of fresh lemon in this aromatic drink.
• Monte Cassino: A herb-forward cocktail where Yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine blend beautifully with rye whiskey.

For something more unique, try the Magic Hour, where a teaspoon of Yellow Chartreuse adds depth to a sparkling Lillet Rosé cocktail, or the Chef’s Kiss, which combines the intensity of Fernet-Branca with the sweetness of Yellow Chartreuse.
If you enjoy creamy cocktails, the Porto Flip offers a sophisticated twist with cognac, port, and a dash of Yellow Chartreuse for a sweet, aromatic finish. Each cocktail tells the story of a liqueur that, despite its long history, continues to inspire bartenders and enthusiasts alike.

Here are five more unique cocktail recipes featuring Yellow Chartreuse:

• Magic Hour: A teaspoon of Yellow Chartreuse adds complexity to a refreshing, sparkling Lillet Rosé cocktail.
• Chef’s Kiss: A bold combination of Fernet-Branca’s intensity and the sweet, herbal notes of Yellow Chartreuse, balanced with demerara syrup and lime juice.
• Porto Flip: A rich and creamy cocktail featuring cognac, ruby port, and Yellow Chartreuse for a smooth, aromatic finish.
• Scarlet Glow: This cocktail blends Yellow Chartreuse with pisco, grapefruit juice, and a homemade hibiscus tea syrup for a floral and tart experience.
• La Valencia: A delicate mix of rye whiskey infused with chamomile tea, manzanilla sherry, and Yellow Chartreuse, creating a floral, herbaceous drink with a hint of citrus.