When it comes to substituting for green chartreuse in a Last Word cocktail, there are a few options you can consider. While nothing can truly replicate the unique flavor profile of green chartreuse, there are other herbal liqueurs that can provide a similar effect with some adjustments.
1. Boomsma Cloosterbitter: Based on your experience, it seems that Boomsma Cloosterbitter worked well as a substitute in your mezcal Last Word. Cloosterbitter is a Dutch herbal liqueur known for its complex blend of botanicals, including herbs, spices, and bitter orange peel. While it may not have the exact same flavor as green chartreuse, it can bring a similar herbal and bitter element to the cocktail.
2. Genepy: Genepy is a type of herbal liqueur made from the flowering plant Artemisia genipi, which is found in the Alps. It shares some similarities with green chartreuse in terms of its herbal and floral notes. However, Genepy tends to be slightly less sweet and has a more pronounced bitterness. When using Genepy as a substitute, you may need to adjust the sweetness in the cocktail to achieve the desired balance.
3. Suze: Suze is a French liqueur made from the gentian root and known for its distinct bitter flavor. It can work as a substitute for green chartreuse, but keep in mind that it lacks the herbal complexity and sweetness found in chartreuse. When using Suze, you may need to add a touch of sweetness or adjust other ingredients to compensate for the flavor difference.
4. Strega: Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur made with a blend of over 70 botanicals. While it has a unique flavor profile, it can be used as a substitute for green chartreuse in certain cocktails. Strega tends to have a slightly sweeter and more floral taste compared to chartreuse, so adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired balance.
It's important to note that when substituting for green chartreuse, it's all about finding the right balance of flavors in the cocktail. You may need to tweak the proportions of other ingredients, such as the citrus juice or sweetener, to accommodate the different flavor profile of the substitute liqueur. It's always a good idea to experiment and adjust to your taste preferences.
Personal Experience: I once ran out of green chartreuse while making a Last Word cocktail at home. I decided to try using Suze as a substitute, and while the cocktail turned out quite tasty, it had a noticeably different flavor profile. The bitterness of Suze was more pronounced, so I added a touch of simple syrup to balance it out. The result was a unique twist on the classic Last Word, with a bit more bitterness and a touch of sweetness. It was a pleasant surprise, and it reminded me that sometimes improvisation can lead to delicious discoveries.