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I used Plymouth Navy strength gin and a tiny pinch of kosher salt and wow, this is an incredible cocktail. The interplay of the two monastic liqueurs and the lemon juice is sublime with the gin bringing a nice backbone.
With both Simon and a number of experienced drinkers rating this highly, I may be sticking my neck out a little by suggesting a small adjustment that worked better for me.
I found the following ratios more balanced:
37.5 ml gin
15 ml Yellow Chartreuse
15 ml Bénédictine
22.5 ml lemon
In this more spirit-forward build, the gin clearly leads. The Chartreuse is present but controlled, while the Bénédictine adds a subtle honeyed background note. The lemon brings brightness without tipping into excess acidity.
Just sharing in case it’s helpful to anyone experimenting with the balance.
I wouldn't use subs here. Strega and Drambuie left me wanting the call ingredients. Tried it twice, leaving the lemon measure as is, and 25:20:15 with the spiritous elements left a more approachable taste, but not quite balanced. Ran out of the Benebuie, so I'll have to wait to dial in the delivery.
Very well balanced drink overall, and one of my favorites. For a more citrusy profile, I use Citadelle gin. Though I love the sweetness in Chartreuse Jaune, Chartreuse Verte adds a much more herbal backbone and accents the juniper notes in gin.
This for me was an all encompassing lemon bomb. Might try again with half the lemon juice. Also I used Dolin Génépy. Perhaps Chartreuse Jaune is more assertive here.
With Tanqueray 10 really outstanding. It may remove Monte Cassino from my No.1 cocktail position. Chartreuse shines more in this version. There is also another variation with calvados which is very delicious: Widows Word.
Yes, this is an excellent, well balanced drink. Perhaps slightly on the sweeter side with the Benedictine, but it works well. Definitely in the rotation.
I don’t have Yellow Chartreuse, but I used Genepy L'Ancienne instead and added a barspoon of Elixir Végétal to enhance the complexity—it worked perfectly!