Make Your Own Yellow Chartreuse / Cheaper and fast!

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make your own Yellow Chartreuse at home quickly and affordably. This DIY method utilizes easily accessible ingredients and provides a cost-effective alternative to store-bought options. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create approximately 1.5 liters of this herbal liqueur, perfect for cocktails or sipping.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To create Yellow Chartreuse, you will need the following ingredients for every 250 ml of 80% alcohol:

• Angelica root - 0.7 grams
• Caraway - 1.2 grams
• Mace - 0.1 grams
• Liquorice root - 1 gram
• Cardamom - 0.3 grams
• Coriander seeds - 1 gram
• Thyme - 0.2 grams
• Green anise seeds - 0.1 grams
• Star anise - 0.2 grams
• Whole ambrette seed - 1 gram
• Lemon peel - 0.5 grams
• Saffron - 4 small strands
• Chamomile - 0.2 grams

Step 2: Prepare the Alcohol

You will need to proof down your high-proof spirit (e.g., Everclear). If your spirit's alcohol content is different from 95%, adjust the calculations accordingly. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the formula:

   Alcohol % = 0.95 (replace if different)
   Proof down calculation:
   0.95 / 0.80 = 1.1875
   

2. To proof down 250 ml of 95% alcohol:
   • Multiply: 250 x 1.1875 = 296.87 ml
   • Subtract to find the amount of water needed: 250 - 296.87 = 46.87 ml

You will need to add approximately 46.87 ml of water to 250 ml of 95% alcohol to achieve 80% alcohol.

Step 3: Infuse the Botanicals

1. Combine the prepared alcohol with the measured botanicals.
2. Cook the mixture sous-vide at 75.5°C (167.9°F) for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together.
3. After cooking, filter the mixture through a coffee filter to remove solids.

Step 4: Adjust and Sweeten

1. Measure the yield of your infused liqueur.
2. Double the amount of your yield with uninfused 80% alcohol. For example, if you yield 500 ml, add another 500 ml of alcohol.
3. Add sugar and honey to taste. Stir until fully dissolved.
4. If desired, add essences, extracts, or tinctures for additional flavor.

Step 5: Bottling and Storage

1. Transfer the finished Yellow Chartreuse into a bottle.
2. Store it at room temperature; it will last indefinitely.

Step 6: Managing Sediments

As your liqueur sits, sediments may form after 48 hours due to maceration. You have two options:

• Shake the bottle before use to mix the contents.
• Split the batch into two bottles. Let one settle completely. Once the sediments are settled, decant and bottle the clear liquid.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own Yellow Chartreuse. This homemade version is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Enjoy it in cocktails or as a standalone drink. For future batches, keep your leftover ingredients handy, as they will last a long time. Cheers!