Chartreuse is a French liqueur made by the Carthusian monks since the 18th century. It is famous for its bright green and yellow colors and unique flavor profiles. Green Chartreuse is made with 130 different herbs and is aged for several years, resulting in a complex herbal taste. On the other hand, Yellow Chartreuse is made with a milder recipe and has a sweeter, more citrusy flavor. While both liqueurs are delicious on their own or in cocktails, they can be hard to find and expensive. The monks that make these delicious spirits have announced that they will not step up production to match its increase in consumption. This will create quite a void in supply, but fear not. Here are 5 great alternatives to Green and Yellow Chartreuse.
Strega
Strega is an Italian liqueur that is made with a secret blend of over 70 different herbs and spices. It has a bright yellow color and a complex flavor profile that is both bitter and sweet. Strega is a great substitute for Yellow Chartreuse due to its similar sweetness and citrusy notes. It is also a perfect alternative for Green Chartreuse due to its complex herbal taste.
Benedictine
Benedictine is another herbal liqueur that is made with a blend of 27 different herbs and spices. It has a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy. Benedictine is a perfect substitute for Green Chartreuse due to its similar herbal taste and complexity. It is also a great ingredient in classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré.
Drambuie
Drambuie is a Scottish liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices. It has a golden color and a sweet, honeyed flavor with notes of herbs and spices. Drambuie is a great substitute for Green Chartreuse in cocktails due to its similar complexity and herbal notes.
Fernet Branca
Fernet Branca is an Italian liqueur made with a blend of over 40 different herbs and spices. It has a dark brown color and a strong, bitter taste with notes of mint and licorice. Fernet Branca is a great substitute for Green Chartreuse due to its similar bitterness and complexity. It is also commonly used as a digestive aid.
Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre Liqueur
Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre Liqueur is a French liqueur made with Cognac, bitter orange peels, and sugar. It has a deep amber color and a sweet, orangey flavor with notes of vanilla and oak. Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre Liqueur is a great substitute for Yellow Chartreuse in cocktails due to its similar sweetness and citrusy notes.
With Green and Yellow Chartreuse becoming harder to find due to the monks who make them not increasing production, it's the perfect time to explore some alternatives. These 5 substitutes - Strega, Benedictine, Drambuie, Fernet Branca, and Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis Alexandre Liqueur - offer a similar flavor profile to Chartreuse and can be used in cocktails or enjoyed on their own. Whether you're looking for a complex herbal taste or a sweet and citrusy flavor, these alternatives have got you covered. Plus, they're more readily available and won't break the bank like Chartreuse might. So, don't miss out on the chance to try something new and exciting - give one of these alternatives a try and discover your new favorite liqueur!