Forum
Diamondback
This potent cocktail marries apple spirit with rye whiskey and rich herbal Chartreuse. An after-dinner/nightcap tipple. To scale up for serving in a...
19th November 2024 at 06:55
Getting the dilution right is key, but once done this is a tasty spirit-forward cocktail. The Chartreuse is the most prominent component, but the rye whiskey and subtle Calvados provide a nice 'backbone' and increase the complexity. Since the Calvados is the most subtle component, I'm curious to try Florian Ruf's idea of increasing the Calvados by 5 ml and decreasing the Chartreuse by 5 ml next time.
27th November 2025 at 23:33
Have you tried this again using Discerning Drinker Ruf's suggested ratios? I drank this tonight, and as it was the first time, I used the "official" Difford's Guide recipe. However, I too am thinking the altered ratios may indeed be better. I will try again and try to remember (no easy task; another birthday coming up!) and report back!
16th September 2024 at 01:00
The name caught my eye as Diamondback ratttlesnakes are a daily thought here. So while it was named after the turtle on the east coast, I think it’s fitting for the snake in the west—Smooth, strong, silky, potentially dangerous. “Boozy” doesn’t fit for me as I interpret that (perhaps incorrectly) as unbalanced and I feel this is balanced. But definitely a sipper. Really enjoyed it
1st September 2024 at 23:24
There are so many wonderful cocktails containing Chartreuse, both green and yellow, and I've added this one to my list. I've yet to find one I don't like. This cocktail is excellent but, despite being now near 75 years old, had escaped my scrutiny. I love that Diffords resurrects these excellent classic cocktails and makes them accessible. Cocktail history seems to add to the pleasure of sipping on these old drinks, and I appreciate this addition.
2nd September 2024 at 09:39
Great to hear Jim. We aim to offer you more.
29th November 2022 at 17:28
Wow! Strong! Almost the definition of ‘spirit forward’ The Chartreuse does add a touch of honey and especially its herbal flavour on the aftertaste. The Calvados seems to be quivering somewhere in the longs grass. I must get some Laird’s Applejack and try this again (and American Trilogy).
27th October 2022 at 05:12
Haven’t tried this one for a while and was pleasantly surprised by the honey, herbaceous, and mouthfeel. Lower volume, but high on flavor!
27th October 2022 at 04:57
One of the best new cocktails for me in a while!
Rye brings structure, backbone.
Nice mouthfeel from the sugar in the Chartreuse. Calvados adds aromaticity.
Rye brings structure, backbone.
Nice mouthfeel from the sugar in the Chartreuse. Calvados adds aromaticity.
24th October 2022 at 03:06
This is a really good boozy cocktail; potent indeed. Perhaps I should've added all 10ml chilled water.
2nd October 2022 at 01:17
Saw a photo of this recipe in a post and decided to try it. Very nice autumn cocktail-spicy with a hint of apple fruit. I’m sure we’ll make it again!
11th July 2022 at 20:34
I used the original ingredients and find the calvados a little bit too much in the background and the Chartreuse a little bit too prominent. Maybe 2 cl Calvados and only 1 cl Chartreuse would be worth a try.
10th April at 15:48
No, we are confident that that would be a too sharp and spirituous dud. The Chartreuse is there, in the volume that it is, for a reason.
27th November 2025 at 23:38
Have you tried this with your suggested ratios? While I very much enjoyed Difford's Guide's recipe, after drinking this cocktail for the first time, your idea sounds very promising.
3rd May 2021 at 02:53
Totally agree that this is a great after-dinner/nightcap sipping drink. Very spirit forward.
19th August 2021 at 04:38
I really like this drink and decided to do it over the rocks and I like my drinks cold. I put in over a block of ice and used Green Chartreuse. It was great. Cold, but not watered down, and a strong hint of herbs.
I looked for a cocktail with Diamond in the name (modern symbol of 10 years of marriage) and found this!
Our kind of cocktail...no compromises or alterations needed🥰