The green ghost cocktail is a classic green Chartreuse and gin drink that just so happens to also be perfect for Halloween! It’s just 3 simple ingredients (plus a few ice cubes), making it easy yet delicious. It’s a spooky looking drink with strong herbal notes that makes me think of potions and Halloween brew!
History of the Green Ghost Cocktail
The green ghost cocktail is a vintage cocktail that dates back to the early 20th century, around the 1930s or earlier. This classic cocktail is a mix of gin, green Chartreuse (or another herbal liqueur), and lime juice for a kiss of citrus..
Its name comes from the use of the green Chartreuse, a French liqueur made by Carthusian monks, which gives the cocktail its signature green color and herbal complexity.
The green ghost is part of the broader category of cocktails that emerged during the Prohibition era, when bartenders had to be creative with limited ingredients. It’s an excellent example of the period’s innovative cocktails, blending a strong spirit like gin with the herbal and slightly sweet profile of Chartreuse.
Lime juice adds a tartness that balances the drink, making it a refreshing yet potent cocktail. While not as widely known as other classic cocktails, the green ghost has maintained a following among cocktail enthusiasts due to its unique flavor and historical significance.
In modern times, it has gained popularity as a Halloween cocktail, due to the green color from the Chartreuse, along with the spooky nod in the name.
Katie’s tip
If you need to summon more Halloween spirits for your party, you can also check out my favorite Ghost Cocktails!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Green Ghost Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz green Chartreuse (or another herbal liqueur like Vigo Amaro)
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can use your favorite gin here, and lime-flavored gin also works well
- My local liquor store doesn’t carry green Chartreuse, so I use the similar Vigo Amaro herbal liqueur instead (but if you can find green Chartreuse, that’s traditional). However, Vigo Amaro (and I’m sure other herbal liqueurs as well) is not green in color, so if you use a different brand then plan to add a drop of green food coloring to compensate
How to Make a Green Ghost
- Add the gin, lime juice, and green Chartreuse (or other herbal liqueur and a drop of green food coloring) to a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a coupe or martini glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired, and enjoy!
More Halloween Cocktails
Recipe FAQs
What Is A Green Ghost Cocktail?
A green ghost cocktail is a classic drink made with gin, lime juice, and green Chartreuse, known for its vibrant green color and herbal flavor profile.
It’s a refreshing, spirit-forward cocktail with potent flavors of gin and a hint of sweetness. Its counterpart cocktail, the Last Word, uses maraschino instead of lime and more Chartreuse, for a sweeter, more herbal option.
Why Is It Called A Green Ghost Cocktail?
The name “green ghost” comes from its green hue, derived from the green Chartreuse. However, the “ghost” aspect is often attributed to the cocktail’s subtle, yet powerful blend of flavors.
What Does A Green Ghost Cocktail Taste Like?
The green ghost cocktail has a complex, herbal flavor due to the Chartreuse, balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the botanical notes of gin.
It’s both a refreshing and sophisticated fantastic old-fashioned cocktail.
Is A Green Ghost Cocktail Difficult To Make?
No, a Green Ghost Cocktail is relatively simple to make with just three ingredients: gin, lime juice, and green Chartreuse.
However, finding green Chartreuse might be a bit challenging, as it’s a unique, high-quality liqueur. If you cannot find it, use another herbal liqueur (like Vigo Amaro) and add a small amount of green food coloring to compensate.
Can You Substitute Ingredients In A Green Ghost Cocktail?
While the traditional green ghost cocktail uses specific ingredients, you can experiment with substitutions, such as using another herbal liqueur in place of Chartreuse, though it may alter the drink’s color and flavor slightly.
Otherwise, you can experiment with different types of gin, each with its own unique blend of herbal notes which will influence the drink.
When Is The Best Time To Serve A Green Ghost Cocktail?
This cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. However, its ghostly color and flavor make it particularly appealing for themed parties, like Halloween.
Alternatively, it’s a great cocktail for impressing guests with a unique and classic drink, and would also be suitable for a “decades” celebration since its origins date back to the ‘30’s.
Tips For the Best Green Ghost Cocktail
- This is a very strong alcohol forward cocktail due to the distinct lack of mixers in it. If you find it too strong, you can add some ice cubes or cold water to dilute it down a bit
- The herbal liqueur adds just a touch of sweetness to this green gin drink. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use sweetened lime juice instead of fresh, or add a little bit of simple syrup to taste
Storage and Serving Suggestions
- You can make a green ghost up to 24 hours in advance (without ice) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It scales well for parties, so feel free to make as many servings as you’ll need
- This classic green gin drink is usually served in a coupe or martini cocktail glass. However, if you don’t have either, a lowball glass of some sort will work as well
- Pear Gin Fizz
- Fig Gin Cocktail
- Ginger French 75
Final Thoughts
This herby green ghost cocktail is perfect for your Halloween party, as well as for lovers of classic cocktails and simple drinks alike.
With just 3 ingredients and a spooky name, it’s such an easy green gin drink to make, with bold herbal flavors and a hint of sweetness (a nice change from the usual overly sweet cocktails).
As a drink with very little in terms of mixers, it is quite strong, but you can always tweak it to your liking or dilute it with some water if you find it too overpowering. It’s a unique green Chartreuse Halloween cocktail, if you’re looking for something a little different this year!
Katie’s tip
If you’re looking for more great ways to use your bottle of green Chartreuse, try out my Tipperary cocktail for a classic Irish mixed drink recipe.
Green Ghost Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Shaker (or similar)
- Coupe glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce green Chartreuse (or another herbal liqueur like Vigo Amaro)
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add the gin, lime juice, and green Chartreuse (or other herbal liqueur and a drop of green food coloring) to a shaker with a few ice cubes2 ounces gin, ½ ounce green Chartreuse, ½ ounce fresh lime juice, Ice cubes
- Shake until well mixed and chilled, about 15-20 seconds, then strain into a coupe or martini glass
- Garnish with a slice of lime if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use your favorite gin here, and lime-flavored gin also works well
- My local liquor store doesn’t carry green Chartreuse, so I use the similar Vigo Amaro herbal liqueur instead (but if you can find green Chartreuse, that’s traditional). However, Vigo Amaro (and I’m sure other herbal liqueurs as well) is not green in color, so if you use a different brand then plan to add a drop of green food coloring to compensate
- This is a very strong cocktail due to the distinct lack of mixers in it. If you find it too strong, you can add some ice cubes or cold water to dilute it down a bit
- The herbal liqueur adds just a touch of sweetness to this green gin drink. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use sweetened lime juice instead of fresh, or add a little bit of simple syrup to taste
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or garnishes, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
