Green Beast Cocktail Recipe

Green Beast Nutrition Facts

Calories:~150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~11g

Alcohol:~14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Green Beast is a refreshing cocktail that has gained popularity among absinthe enthusiasts. It's a modern concoction that showcases absinthe's versatility beyond the traditional drip method.

  • Origins: The cocktail is believed to have been created in the early 21st century, as part of the resurgence of absinthe after its ban was lifted in many countries.
  • Popularity: It's particularly favored in the summer months, thanks to its refreshing qualities.
  • Audience: Ideal for those looking to explore absinthe in a more approachable way, or anyone who enjoys a crisp, herbaceous drink.

How Green Beast Tastes?

The Green Beast is a symphony of herbal and citrus notes with a delicate sweetness. It's light and refreshing, with a slight anise kick from the absinthe that's balanced by the coolness of cucumber and the tartness of lime.

Interesting facts about Green Beast

  • Absinthe, the primary ingredient, was once banned due to misconceptions about its effects.
  • The Green Beast is often served in a Collins glass, which helps to accentuate its vibrant green color.
  • The cocktail's simplicity makes it a favorite for home mixologists to experiment with.

Ingredients

  • Cucumber slices: 3
  • Simple syrup: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Pernod absinthe: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
  • Chilled water: 4 oz(120ml)
  • Cucumber slices (garnish): as needed

Cucumber slices

Used for their fresh and cooling properties. They balance the strong flavors of the absinthe and add a crisp vegetal note. Without them, the cocktail would miss a layer of refreshing complexity. Substitute: zucchini slices could work but expect a milder taste.

Alex Green

Simple syrup

It's the sweetener that balances the acidity of the lime juice. The amount is just enough to offset the tartness without overpowering. Too much and it becomes cloying; too little, it's too sharp. Alternative: honey syrup could add a floral note.

Mary Mitkina

Pernod absinthe

Provides the herbal backbone and a touch of anise that is central to the drink's profile. If omitted, the cocktail loses its distinctive character. Use less for a subtler taste or more for a stronger anise kick. Alternative: pastis for a similar but less intense flavor.

Emma Rose

Lime juice

Adds a tangy citrus element that cuts through the sweetness and complements the cucumber. The balance would be off if you added too much or too little. Substitute: lemon juice could be used for a slightly more complex citrus note.

Alex Green

Chilled water

Dilutes the absinthe's potency and melds all flavors together while keeping the drink cool. Without enough water, the drink could be too intense. No direct substitute as this is essential for the cocktail's texture and balance.

Mary Mitkina

Cucumber slices (garnish)

Enhances the visual appeal and aroma, reinforcing the cucumber flavor present in the drink. Substitute: a sprig of mint could offer an additional aromatic component.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Green Beast Drink

  1. Muddle: In a Collins glass, muddle the cucumber slices with simple syrup.
  2. Mix: Add the Pernod absinthe and freshly squeezed lime juice to the glass.
  3. Ice: Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  4. Dilute: Top with chilled water.
  5. Garnish: Garnish with additional cucumber slices.

Pro Tips

  • Chill the Glass: For an extra refreshing experience, chill the Collins glass before preparing the drink.
  • Cucumber: Use English cucumbers for a seedless and smoother taste.
  • Dilution: Adjust the amount of water to taste, depending on how strong you prefer the absinthe flavor to be.

Perfect Pairings

Seafood

  • Oysters: The anise flavor of Pernod complements the brininess of oysters.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The citrus and cool cucumber can enhance the light, smoky flavors of grilled shrimp.

Salads

  • Greek Salad: The fresh flavors of the cocktail pair beautifully with the crisp vegetables and feta cheese.

Cheese

  • Goat Cheese: The tanginess of goat cheese can be a nice contrast to the sweetness of the Green Beast.

Desserts

  • Lemon Sorbet: A palate cleanser that echoes the citrus notes in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Green Beast

  • Absinthe: If Pernod is not available, any quality absinthe can be used.
  • Simple Syrup: Agave syrup or honey diluted with water can be substituted for a different sweetness profile.
  • Cucumber: In a pinch, cucumber-flavored water or even a splash of cucumber vodka could impart a similar essence.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Peach Beast

  • Substitute the simple syrup with peach syrup and add a splash of peach schnapps.
  • This version will be sweeter and fruitier, with a soft peachy backdrop that dances with the aniseed from the absinthe.

Spicy Beast

  • Add a dash of hot sauce or muddle a slice of jalapeño with the cucumber.
  • This twist brings a fiery kick that contrasts with the cooling cucumber and can stand up to the strong Pernod flavor.

Berry Beast

  • Muddle fresh berries alongside the cucumber slices and use a berry-flavored simple syrup.
  • The berries will impart a tart, sweet depth that complements the lime and adds a burst of color.

In case you forgot basics how to make Green Beast

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

The key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.

Learn everything on how to muddle

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Green Beast

How does the choice of glassware affect a cocktail like the Green Beast?

The choice of glassware can affect the temperature, aroma, and presentation of a cocktail. For the Green Beast, a Collins glass helps maintain the coolness while providing a tall, elegant presentation that showcases the drink's color and allows for ample garnish.

What are good occasions for serving the Green Beast?

The Green Beast is perfect for summer gatherings, garden parties, or any occasion where a refreshing, lighter cocktail is desired. Its unique flavor also makes it a great conversation starter at tasting events.

How can I tell if I'm using quality absinthe in my cocktail?

Quality absinthe typically has a balanced herbal flavor without excessive bitterness and should louche (turn cloudy) when water is added. Look for products with a history of production and good reviews from absinthe enthusiasts.

Can the Green Beast be made in a large batch for parties?

Yes, the Green Beast cocktail can be scaled up and pre-mixed for parties. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed and serve the mixture in a punch bowl or large beverage dispenser, adding ice shortly before guests serve themselves to prevent dilution.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Green Beast?

Over-muddling the cucumbers can make the drink bitter, adding too much absinthe can overpower the other flavors, and insufficient chilling can result in a less refreshing experience. Additionally, using poor-quality ice can dilute the drink with an off-taste.

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