Green Chartreuse vs. Yellow Chartreuse: What’s the Difference?

Chartreuse, the famously complex French liqueur produced by the Carthusian Monks at their mountain monastery north of Grenoble, inspires a unique sort of passion. 

Indeed, it sometimes feels as if the drinks world is divided into two parts: People who are relatively agnostic about Chartreuse, and people who are obsessed. The middle ground is pretty much barren territory.

The past year or so has been a difficult time for those of us who obsesses over it. In January of 2023, a letter was released that sent green-tinged shock waves around the planet: The monks would limit production in order to “protect their monastic life and devote their time to solitude and prayer.” 

Combine that with the uptick in home cocktail-making that was one of the hallmarks of the pandemic lockdowns, and we now find ourselves in a situation where it’s often challenging to find bottles anywhere but your local cocktail bar, which (hopefully!) has an allocation, or a source for an allocation.

What is Chartreuse?

Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur that’s been produced in France by the Carthusian monks since 1764, though the brothers of the order have been distilling eaux-de-vie since the late 11th century.

The origins of the recipe date to 1605, when a nobleman with the majestic name François-Annibal d’Estrée gave the Chartreuse monks a recipe that, more than a century later, would become the Elixir Végétale de la Grande Chartreuse. Even today, the label of Chartreuse includes 1605, the year that the monks received the recipe from d’Estrée.

There are several different expressions of Chartreuse; in addition to the wildly popular Green and Yellow, there are other extra-aged and limited-edition bottles that collectors tend to seek out with particular enthusiasm.

Regardless of the specific expression of Chartreuse, the recipes are strict secrets; rumor has it that only two or three monks know all the details, and in order to ensure its survival in case tragedy strikes, they never travel in the same vehicle together.

What is Green Chartreuse?

Green Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur that’s crafted from 130 botanicals, based on a beet-sugar spirit, and aged in oak barrels.

It rings in at 110 proof, or 55% ABV, and possesses a somewhat woodsy character alongside sweet, almost minty notes, as well as nods in the direction of pine, herbs, and pepper. A lingering bitterness ties it all together, making it notably savory. As for the iconic color, that comes from chlorophyll, as opposed to artificial coloring agents.

What is Yellow Chartreuse?

Yellow Chartreuse is also made with 130 botanicals, but the recipe is different from the Green and the base spirit is derived from grapes, not sugar beets.

Its yellow color comes from saffron, and at 86 proof, or 43% ABV, Yellow Chartreuse is softer and slightly sweeter than its Green counterpart. It’s also a newer liqueur than the original Green, having just hit the market in 1840 – practically yesterday in Chartreuse terms! In the glass, it’s bright and spiced, and the official tasting notes on the Chartreuse website note flavors of citrus, turmeric, anise, and flowers.

The difference between Green Chartreuse and Yellow Chartreuse

Green and Yellow Chartreuse interact in unique ways in cocktails, though Paul Einbund, owner of The Morris restaurant in San Francisco, a beloved destination for Chartreuse lovers, makes sure to point out that it’s difficult to go wrong.

“They are both fantastic no matter how you want them! For sipping neat, I prefer to blend them: In a Cardinal, which is two parts green to one part yellow, or an Episcopal, which is two parts yellow to one part green.”

They also both work well in cocktails that contain other components. The Last Word is likely the most famous, which is composed of green Chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice; and the Alaska, which is made with Yellow Chartreuse, gin, and orange bitters.

Einbund also enjoys the Eclipse cocktail — Yellow Chartreuse, white rum, and lemon juice — and the Crown, which is green Chartreuse, Benedictine, and maraschino liqueur.

The Morris is well-known for its Chartreuse slushy, too, which seems particularly lovely as we head into the summer. And even if you don’t live near San Francisco, a homemade green Chartreuse and tonic is almost as refreshing.