Verdant Lady

The Verdant Lady is a gin-based cocktail that contains gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, green Chartreuse, and mint leaves

While the precise origins of the Verdant Lady are shrouded in the mists of time, it is believed to have emerged in San Francisco around 2007, possibly at the renowned Alembic bar.

Josey Packard, a bartender at Alembic in 2008, is a central figure in the Verdant Lady’s origin story. Packard, having previously worked at Alembic, brought her expertise to the bar, and it is speculated that the cocktail may have entered the regulars’ lexicon through her. The Alembic, with its commitment to quality ingredients and innovative cocktail crafting, provided the perfect milieu for the Verdant Lady to take root and flourish.

At the heart of this cocktail lies a carefully curated combination of ingredients. Each one of them plays a pivotal role in shaping the cocktail’s character, contributing distinct nuances to its flavor profile.

Gin, the backbone of this cocktail, with its botanical essence, derived from a variety of herbs and spices, sets the stage for the other ingredients. The addition of fresh lime juice introduces a zesty and citrusy brightness, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the earthy notes of the gin.

Simple syrup brings sweetness to the mix. Its role is subtle yet crucial, smoothing out any rough edges and ensuring a seamless integration of flavors. Finally, the crown joule – a teaspoon of green Chartreuse. This herbal liqueur adds a layer of complexity with its blend of 130 botanicals. The result is a cocktail that transcends the ordinary, inviting the drinker into a world of refined indulgence.

Verdant Lady Recipe

1. 45 ml gin

2. 15 ml fresh lime juice

3. 7.5 ml simple syrup

4. 1 tsp green Chartreuse

5. Ice

6. 4 mint leaves

7. Garnish: mint sprig