Piña Verde

The Piña Verde is a modern classic cocktail that brilliantly combines the herbal complexity of green Chartreuse with the sweet, tropical flavor of pineapple. It’s a beautifully balanced, refreshing, and vibrant drink that has become a favorite on cocktail menus around the world.

Here’s everything you need to know to make one.

Piña Verde

This cocktail is essentially a sophisticated, herbaceous twist on a Piña Colada.

Glass: Collins Glass, Highball, or Tiki Mug
Method: Shake

Ingredients

• 2 oz / 60 ml Green Chartreuse

• 1.5 oz / 45 ml Fresh Pineapple Juice

• 0.75 oz / 22 ml Fresh Lime Juice

• 0.5 oz / 15 ml Coconut Cream (like Coco Real or homemade)

• Garnish: Pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf, and/or a Luxardo cherry.

Instructions

1. Chill the Glass: Fill your chosen glass with ice to chill it while you prepare the drink.

2. Shake: In a cocktail shaker, combine the Green Chartreuse, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and coconut cream.

3. Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice.

4. Shake Vigorously: Shake hard for 12-15 seconds. This is crucial to fully emulsify the coconut cream and create a rich, frothy texture.

5. Serve: Discard the ice from your serving glass. Fill the glass with fresh ice (preferably pebble or crushed ice for a tiki-style drink). Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass.

6. Garnish: Express the oils from a lime twist over the top and discard it. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a pineapple leaf, and a cherry for a truly festive look.

Why This Cocktail Works

The magic of the Piña Verde is in its balance:

• Green Chartreuse: Provides a powerful, herbal, and slightly sweet base (55% ABV).

• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical sweetness and acidity that complements the herbal notes.

• Lime Juice: Cuts through the sweetness with a necessary sharp acidity.

• Coconut Cream: Adds a creamy, rich body and smooths out the sharp edges of the Chartreuse and lime, tying everything together.

Tips for the Best Piña Verde

• Fresh Juice is Non-Negotiable: Canned or bottled pineapple juice will not provide the same bright, vibrant flavor. Fresh lime juice is also essential.

• Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: Use coconut cream (which is thicker and richer) for a luscious texture. Coconut milk will make a thinner, weaker drink.

• Shake Hard! The extra shaking time is key to properly incorporating the coconut cream. Don’t be gentle.

• Want it Stronger? Some variations add 0.5 oz of a white rum (like Banks 5 Island or Probitas) to boost the tropical notes and add a bit more alcohol, creating a “Chartreuse Colada.”

The Piña Verde is a perfect example of a cocktail that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a must-try for fans of complex, flavorful drinks. Enjoy