Finding Green or Yellow Chartreuse these days feels a bit like hunting for treasure. And it’s not just because everyone wants it—the Carthusian monks who make this legendary liqueur have decided not to increase production. They focus on preserving their monastic life and minimizing environmental impact, which means supply is limited, even as demand skyrockets. Especially in the U.S., where Chartreuse has become a bar essential, this shortage is hitting hard.
But don’t worry—when life gives us liqueur shortages, Drinksworld finds alternatives! While nothing can quite match the magic of Chartreuse, some amazing substitutes bring a similar complexity and flavor to your cocktails. So, if you’re struggling to get your hands on a bottle, here are 6 good replacements to keep the good drinks flowing.
Best Substitute for Green Chartreuse:
Dolín Génépy des Alpes
With floral and earthy notes, Dolín Génépy des Alpes mirrors the complex, herbal flavor of Green Chartreuse. It’s an ideal substitute when you need that distinct botanical punch in cocktails.
Accompani Flora Green
An herbal liqueur with key botanicals such as hyssop, lemon balm, and chamomile. Bottled at 40% abv. It is a good alternative even if less potent.
Faccia Brutto Centerbe
Obtained from an extraction of twenty botanicals including lemon balm, anise hyssop, tarragon, and marjoram, this liqueur with its herbal mix can stand in for Green Chartreuse.
Best Substitute for Yellow Chartreuse:
Bénédictine
With its rich, sweet profile and notes of honey, spices, and herbs, Bénédictine is a great replacement for Yellow Chartreuse. It has a similar level of complexity, perfect for cocktails that call for a milder, sweeter herbal liqueur.
Drambuie
This honeyed liqueur offers a unique twist with its blend of herbs and spices, making it a solid substitute for Yellow Chartreuse. While a bit sweeter, it brings a lovely richness to cocktails.
Strega
Strega is a famous Italian herbal liqueur, aromatized with over 70 different botanicals. Its sweetness and strong herbal flavor make it versatile enough to replace Yellow Chartreuse in many cocktails.
Chartreuse Substitutes Used in Cocktails – 5 Examples
When it comes to cocktails like The Last Word or Alaska, nothing beats the herbal punch of Green or Yellow Chartreuse. Here are some examples of keeping our cocktails on point when Chartreuse is hard to find:
The Last Word
- Original: The Last Word is a classic cocktail made with gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
- Substitute: If you’re out of Green Chartreuse, Faccia Brutto Centerbe or Dolín Génépy des Alpes are great replacements. These liqueurs offer the same herbal depth and complexity, maintaining the drink’s bright, zesty balance.
Bijou
- Original: A mix of gin, Green Chartreuse, and vermouth, the Bijou is a bold and aromatic cocktail.
- Substitute: Accompani Flora Green or Dolín Génépy des Alpes work well here. Flora Green will add a slightly sweeter note, while Génépy will keep it more in line with the original flavor profile.
Tipperary
- Original: an intriguing mix of Irish whiskey, sweet vermouth, and green chartreuse.
- Substitute: Opt for Dolín Génépy des Alpes or Faccia Brutto Ceneterbe to maintain the same tasting profile of this classic.
The Alaska
- Original: This classic features gin and Yellow Chartreuse, creating a silky, elegant cocktail.
- Substitute: Replace the Yellow Chartreuse with Bénédictine or Drambuie for a richer, sweeter version of The Alaska, while still maintaining the liqueur’s signature herbal complexity.
Naked and Famous
- Original: A citrusy and punchy mix of Aperol, Mezcal, lemon juice, and Yellow chartreuse. Perfectly balanced units equal parts ratio.
- Substitute: You can use Strega for this, which adds a slightly sweet, herbal complexity that still mixes well with the smoky notes of mezcal and the rest of the ingredients.
Final Ward
- Original: A whiskey-based version of The Last Word, using rye whiskey, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.
- Substitute: Faccia Brutto Centerbe or Accompani Flora Green, works well in this cocktail, providing that herbal kick to balance the rye’s boldness.
Can I substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow?
Yes, you can substitute Green Chartreuse for Yellow, but keep in mind they have different flavor profiles. Green Chartreuse is stronger, more herbal, and more intense, while Yellow Chartreuse is milder, sweeter, and more floral. If you swap them, expect a bolder, more robust flavor in your drink when using Green instead of Yellow. Use a bit less of the Green one to avoid overpowering the cocktail.
