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In 1605, the Duke of Estrees entrusted the Carthusian Monks with a manuscript bearing a mysterious recipe made up of 130 plants that gave rise to an “Elixir of long life”. For more than a century and a half, the Carthusians worked to develop this recipe which gave birth, thanks in particular to Brother Jérôme Maubec, to the final product in 1764 called “Plant Elixir of the Grande Chartreuse”. It was quickly distributed as a health care product to the local population, especially during the cholera crisis of 1832. Brother Charles was the first to market it in local markets, descending on a donkey from the monastery helping those in need. Since 1764, the recipe for the Elixir has remained unchanged.

Production Process

Production of the Végétal takes several weeks and includes three stages: distillation to obtain the aroma, maceration, which gives the natural color, and extraction to recover the natural properties from the 130 plants, flowers, and spices.

Tasting Notes

Chartreuse Elixir Vegetal, a potent and complex herbal liqueur, boasts a powerful, medicinal, and intensely herby flavor profile with notes of mint, anise, and other botanicals, often described as a concentrated version of the flavors found in standard Chartreuse.

Serving Suggestions

Originally, this unique item was used medicinally for the sick. The Carthusian Monks would deliver this from town to town to people in need. Today, it has a variety of uses; from using it in cocktails similar to bitters, or adding it to your water or tea for extra flavors. Chefs even use this in their culinary delights. Try it on Oysters. You'll be glad you did. For more ways to use, refer to the video and recipes below!

Country

France

Category

Liqueur

Ingredients

Alcohol, sugar, water, vegetable substances (130 plants, flowers, and spices)

Serving Temperature

53-54°F

ABV

69%

Proof

138

Sizes Available

100 ML

Recipe

Végétal Cocktail

Ingredients
  • 1 Sugar Cube
  • 4-5 Dashes of Végétal
  • Champagne (or the sparkling of your choice)
  • Lemon Twist
Directions
  1. Place a sugar cube in a Coupe or Champagne glass.
  2. Add 4-5 dashes of Végétal onto the sugar cube.
  3. Top with Champagne (or the sparkling of your choice).
  4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Recipe

The Martini of Long Life

Ingredients
  • 2oz of Gin
  • .75oz Dry Vermouth
  • 3-4 Dashes of Végétal
Directions
  1. Pour all Ingredients into a mixing vessel strain into a Coupe or Martini glass.
  2. Stir until chilled
  3. Garnish with a mint leaf or lemon twist.

Recipe

Low ABV Végétal Toddy

Ingredients
  • Chartreuse Végétal
  • Hot Water
  • Honey
  • Lemon
Directions
  1. Add 4-6 dashes of Chartreuse Végétal into a cup of hot water.
  2. Add a teaspoon of honey and a lemon wedge.

Recipe

Lemonade of Long Life

Ingredients
  • 0.5 oz of Végétal
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 0.25 oz Simple Syrup
  • Soda
  • Ice
corkscrew icon

For more inspiration...

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