Green cocktails have a unique color, and they often promise refreshing flavors or hint at mint, fruit, or citrusy profiles. There are many different types of green cocktails out there. These drinks offer individuals a fun way to consume an alcoholic beverage with a little twist and an enchanting appearance.
In our article, we’ll give you details on green cocktails and what to expect from these drinks. This includes information on the flavor profiles you might encounter, the average alcoholic content, and how to make some of the most popular green cocktails around today.
Green Cocktails: What You Should Know
Green cocktails have a striking appearance, and it’s important to know what green cocktails are typically made from to give them their unique coloring. In most cases, one of these liquors is utilized to give a cocktail a signature green color:
- Absinthe
- Green Crème de Menthe
- Midori Melon Liqueur
- Green Chartreuse
- Sour Apple Schnapps
Of course, there are many other colored and flavored liquors on the market that might turn your cocktail a fun green color. It’s not difficult to locate one of these in your favorite liquor store, as their green colors often make them stand out.
Depending on the green cocktail, there may be different perceptions of this drink. For instance, green cocktails featuring melon and apple flavors are seen as more refreshing dinner drinks, while cocktails with green crème de menthe might be considered dessert drinks.
If you are interested in a specific green cocktail, you can do more research on the best ways to serve that exact drink.
Another important thing to note is that many liquors that are yellow or blue can be combined to create a greenish color in your cocktail. If you are experimenting with mixology, this might be a fun thing to look into.
What Is the Flavor Profile of Green Cocktails?
Green cocktails have a variety of flavor profiles depending on the liquor used in creating them, though refreshing mint and fruit flavors are popular.
If a green cocktail is made with Midori Melon Liqueur or any kind of sour apple, it will be sweeter and more fruit-forward. Green crème de menthe lends itself to a more robust and minty drink, particularly dessert drinks, and green Chartreuse can create an herbaceous floral flavor.
In most green cocktails, expect to encounter notes of mint, fruit, sweetness, and even some sour notes. Also, some green cocktails may share their flavor with aperol cocktails and other sweet cocktails. You can review the exact green cocktail you are interested in creating for further flavor notes and a tasting profile.
What Is the Alcohol Content of a Green Cocktail?
The alcohol content of a green cocktail varies depending on the type of cocktail you are drinking, though most green cocktails will end up between 20 and 35 percent alcohol by volume.
You can expect drinks with more liquors involved in the mix and fewer mixers to be stronger. Drinks that are mostly mixer sand flavored with a little bit of green alcohol won’t be as booze-forward.
What Goes Well With Green Cocktails?
Green cocktails can go well with anything, depending on the type of cocktail you are crafting. You can expect a fruit-forward or minty green cocktail to be the star of a cocktail evening or dinner party. A creamier green crème de menthe cocktail might be the finishing liquid dessert at a dinner party or a formal event.
Green Chartreuse often makes an appearance in more unique, floral, and herbaceous green cocktails. These drinks typically go well with more rich foods.
Garnishes for green cocktails range between mint leaves, fruit such as lemon slices or apples, and flowers. Depending on the flavor profile of your green cocktail, you may expect to see a variety of different garnishes, or simply have the cocktail served in a martini glass without a garnish to let the alcohol speak for itself.
The Best Green Cocktails
The following recipes are some of the most popular green cocktails that are served today. You may see these cocktails on the menu of bars or restaurants around you, or you can create these stunning drinks at home.
Midori Sour
- 2 oz Midori
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2 oz soda water, to top
Take a lowball glass and place a few ice cubes into it. Pour your Midori, lemon, and lime juice on top, stir, and then top your drink with soda water. You can also use Sprite or a similar soda for a sweeter drink. Garnish your Midori sour with a lime slice and a maraschino cherry.
Grasshopper
- 1.5 oz crème de cacao
- 1.5 oz green crème de menthe
- 2 oz heavy cream
Assemble a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Pour in all of your measured ingredients and then shake to combine. Take a chilled martini or cocktail glass and strain your grasshopper cocktail into it. You can garnish your drink with a little bit of shaved chocolate.
Last Word
- 1 oz gin
- 1 oz green Chartreuse liqueur
- 1 oz maraschino liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
Take a cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, and add in all of your ingredients. Shake until cold and combined, and then strain your drink into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish your last word with a Luxardo cherry, though a regular maraschino cherry can be used if you don’t have a Luxardo.
Death in the Afternoon
- 1oz absinthe
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz champagne or prosecco
Pour your absinthe and simple syrup into a chilled cocktail glass and stir gently to combine. Top your drink with the chilled champagne or prosecco.
Tokyo Tea
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz gin
- 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz Midori
Take a chilled highball glass and fill it with ice. Combine all of your ingredients in the glass and give them a gentle stir to combine. Top your drink with a splash of soda water and garnish it with a lemon slice and maraschino cherry. If you want, you can substitute an ounce of sweet and sour mix for half an ounce each of lemon juice and simple syrup.
How to Serve a Green Cocktail
How you serve a green cocktail depends on the type of cocktail you are creating. In general, you will need a cocktail shaker to craft your drink and a highball or a martini glass to pour your drink into. The majority of green cocktails are served chilled or over ice, and you will need to make sure that you have high-quality ice for serving your cocktails.
Depending on the green cocktail you are making, you can serve your drink with appetizers or finger food, a formal meal featuring rich foods, or as part of a dessert course. There is a green cocktail for every occasion, so make sure to research the flavors and foods that best match the specific green cocktails you wish to make.
Green Cocktail Goodness
Green cocktails are eye-catching, and these drinks are often some of the most popular choices at cocktail bars and restaurants due to their unique flavors and look. There are numerous different green cocktails around today, and there are many different ingredients that can be used to craft the perfect green cocktail.
When choosing a green cocktail to make, take the time to consider the flavor profiles you are interested in with a cocktail and base your serving choices around the green cocktail you choose.
