The Jewel cocktail is a stunning, herbaceous sipper that brings together bold botanicals and a vibrant, crisp finish. With its striking green hue and smooth, balanced flavor, it’s one of those classic drinks that feels right at home at both fancy dinner parties and relaxed evenings on the patio. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting this recipe: chilling your glass really takes it to the next level.
Jewel
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Coupe or martini glass, chilled
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) gin
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) sweet vermouth
– 0.75 oz (22 ml) green Chartreuse
– Ice (for stirring)
– Lemon twist or cocktail cherry, for garnish
Method
- Chill your glass. Pop a coupe or martini glass into the freezer for a few minutes. A cold glass helps keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
- Combine the ingredients. In a mixing glass, pour in the gin, sweet vermouth, and green Chartreuse.
- Add ice and stir. Fill the mixing glass with ice. Stir gently but thoroughly for about 30 seconds, or until the outside of the glass feels cold. This chills the drink and dilutes it just enough to smooth out the flavors.
- Strain and serve. Strain the mixture into your chilled glass.
- Garnish. Finish with a lemon twist for a bright citrusy aroma, or use a cherry if you prefer a sweeter touch.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh ice. Old or freezer-burned ice can dull the flavor.
- Don’t shake it. This cocktail is stirred to keep it silky and clear-shaking would cloud the drink and over-dilute it.
- Taste and tweak. Want it a little drier? Cut back slightly on the vermouth. Prefer more herbal intensity? Add a touch more Chartreuse.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can batch this cocktail ahead for a party. Just multiply the ingredients, stir with ice, and strain into a bottle. Store in the fridge and pour over fresh ice or into chilled glasses when ready to serve. It keeps well for up to 2 days.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
– Gin: A London dry gin works best, but feel free to try a more floral or citrus-forward gin if that’s your style.
– Sweet Vermouth: Look for a good-quality vermouth that isn’t too syrupy. If you prefer a drier drink, try using a blanc or dry vermouth.
– Green Chartreuse: This is what gives the Jewel its distinct herbal kick and glowing color. If you don’t have it, you can try a splash of herbal liqueur like Dolin Genepy, though the flavor will be slightly different.
– Non-Alcoholic Option: Try a mix of seedlip-style non-alcoholic gin, a splash of grape juice, and a few drops of herbal syrup or bitters for a refreshing mocktail.
What It Tastes Like
The Jewel has a bold, botanical flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. The gin brings in crisp juniper notes, while the sweet vermouth adds a smooth, rounded body. Green Chartreuse adds a punch of herbal complexity that lingers on the finish. It’s refreshing, a little mysterious, and totally satisfying.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch-it’s refreshing but with enough depth to keep things interesting.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the Jewel with appetizers or light bites that can stand up to its herbaceous flavor:
Perfect Pairings
– Charcuterie: Salty cured meats and soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese are great companions.
– Grilled seafood: Think shrimp skewers or grilled scallops with a squeeze of lemon.
– Dark chocolate: A square or two of dark chocolate highlights the vermouth and Chartreuse beautifully.
Variations to Try
Ruby Jewel
– Add a splash of cranberry juice for a fruity, tart twist.
– Garnish with fresh cranberries or a twist of orange peel.
Emerald Jewel
– Swap the green Chartreuse for Midori to introduce a melon note and a brighter green hue.
– Shake with ice and strain for a slightly different texture.
Sapphire Jewel
– Add a float of blue curaçao after straining for a stunning blue layer.
– Garnish with a lemon wheel to complement the citrus notes.
Non-Alcoholic Jewel
– Mix grape juice, lemonade, and a dash of herbal syrup.
– Serve over ice with a mint sprig for a refreshing mocktail.
Common Questions
What makes the Jewel cocktail special?
It’s the combo of herbal, sweet, and dry elements that makes it shine. The green Chartreuse really sets it apart with its deep, complex flavor.
Can I make it in a big batch?
Definitely. Just scale the ingredients based on how many servings you need. Stir with ice and strain into a bottle, then chill until ready to serve.
When’s the best time to enjoy it?
It’s great year-round. In summer, it’s crisp and refreshing. In winter, the herbal warmth makes it cozy enough for fireside sipping.
How can I make it less sweet?
Try using a dry vermouth or cutting the sweet vermouth slightly. You can also add a dash of bitters to balance the sweetness.
What if I don’t have Chartreuse?
Chartreuse is pretty unique, but you can try Dolin Genepy or another herbaceous liqueur in a pinch. The flavor won’t be identical but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Jewel is one of those cocktails that feels both timeless and a little adventurous. It’s got elegance, a bit of edge, and just enough mystery to keep you coming back for another round. Whether you’re mixing one for yourself or a batch for a party, it’s a drink that’s sure to impress-no diamonds required.
