Greenfly Cocktail

Here's another gem from the classic British titles, Approved Cocktails Authorized by the United Kingdom Bartender's Guild (1934) and Cafe Royal Cocktail Book (1937). 

(Somewhat) interestingly, there seems to be a popular "shooter" recipe with the "Greenfly" name that includes vodka, white creme de menthe, and green creme de menthe.

This "Greenfly" however is no frat-boy sideshow, but rather a shaken beauty calling for London dry gin, lemon juice and green Chartreuse.

The original printed versions looked like this:

from  Approved Cocktails Authorized by the United Kingdom Bartender's Guild (1934)

from Cafe Royal Cocktail Book (1937)

My adaptation:

THE GREENFLY

2 ounces (60 ml) London Dry Gin

1/2 ounce (15 ml) Lemon Juice (always fresh of course)

1/2 ounce (15 ml) green Chartreuse

1 dash Gum syrup (such as from "Small Hands Foods")

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

This is very dry cocktail, my first reaction was that possibly upping from a "dash" to a "dollop" of gum syrup may be in order for my own preferences, but then again, as I get ready to record my tasting notes, I find the drink almost gone!

If you like drinks with gin and chartreuse, this mix is a nice spin on the usual suspects. It's much lighter and drier than any of the "word" cocktails (i.e. Last Word, Final Word, Pete's Word etc.). While this cocktail allows the gin to be heard, it's mostly about the green Chartreuse, which is very well presented in the balance.

If you are a fan of the "sour" family of drinks, enjoy gin, and are at the very least acquainted with Chartreuse, then this should be one to try. 

I can imagine this to be quite the refresher on a hot day. Even in the middle of a Colorado blizzard, which we are having here in Boulder right now, it's very nice.