Chaterhouse of Portes, France (image courtesy of Carthusian Order)

Our inimitable friend, author and master mixologist Gary Regan, has once again delivered a cocktail recipe for the ages. It’s Gary’s homage to the Carthusian monks in France, a silent order that makes Chartreuse, an herbal liqueur available in green and yellow bottlings, the yellow variety being “the kinder, gentler version”. Gary was inspired to pass this one on to us after viewing "Into Great Silence", a fine documentary about the Carthusians, which he greatly enjoyed while sipping their wares.

Along with any spiritual power the monks provide, Chartreuse is a potent liqueur with an alcohol content of 55%. That’s 110 proof. When Gary was but a lad, his parents ran a pub in Northern England. He says it was their custom to give a customer who had reached “the golden age of 21 a measure of green Chartreuse, which, for their sins, they were made to shoot back in one”. Quite a stiff shot when downed in one go. Of course, the more prudent way to enjoy the work of the Carthusians is to imbibe their liqueur by sipping it in a cocktail. Herewith, is Gary’s recommendation for doing just that, his way of giving the good monks “The Last Word”.

Ingredients for 1 Drink

• 3/4 Ounce dry gin
• 3/4 Ounce maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 Ounce green Chartreuse
• 3/4 Ounce fresh lime juice

Preparation

1. Fill a cocktail shaker two-thirds full of ice and add all of the ingredients.
2. Shake for approximately 15 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

If you’d like to purchase the book on spirits & cocktails that Gary calls, “My Baby” go to: The Joy of Mixology: The Consummate Guide to the Bartender's Craft

If you’d like to purchase a terrific bartender’s guide authored by Gary's partner Mardee go to: The Bartender's Best Friend: A Complete Guide to Cocktails, Martinis, and Mixed Drinks

To visit Gary and Mardee’s wonderful web site and sign up for their very witty newsletter go to: Ardent Spirits