Daisy De Santiago

Pro tips

• Use fresh-squeezed lime juice, not bottled—the acidity and brightness are essential to balance the chartreuse's herbality.
• Chill your coupe or cocktail glass beforehand; a warm glass will dilute the drink faster and dull the aromatics.
• Express the mint sprig oils over the drink surface by slapping it gently in your palm before dropping it in—this releases volatile compounds.
• Measure precisely: the 3:4 ratio of lime to syrup is tight; under-measure and the drink becomes cloying, over-measure and it turns sour.

Substitutions

• Dark rum → Navy-strength or overproof rum (increases body and heat; reduce by 0.25 oz if above 120 proof)
• Fresh lime juice → Fresh lemon juice (shifts to citrus-forward; use 0.5 oz for less tartness)
• Yellow chartreuse → Green chartreuse (darker, spicier; use 0.75 oz to avoid overpowering)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are consumed fresh; do not store pre-batched with ice. Unbatched components keep 2–3 weeks refrigerated.

Equipment

cocktail shaker · jigger · strainer · coupe or cocktail glass

What is yellow chartreuse and can I substitute it?

Yellow chartreuse is a French herbal liqueur with 40% ABV. It has no direct substitute—green chartreuse is darker and more intense, while other herbal liqueurs will shift the flavor profile significantly.

Should this cocktail be shaken or stirred?

Shake with ice. The lime juice and simple syrup require proper dilution and chilling; stirring will not achieve the right texture.

Can I make this without fresh mint?

Yes, omit it, but you'll lose the aromatic top note. Mint is a garnish, not a mixed ingredient, so its absence won't affect the core balance.

What type of dark rum works best?

Use aged or navy-strength dark rum (e.g., Jamaican or Demerara). Avoid spiced rum, which will compete with the chartreuse.

Can I batch or scale this cocktail?

Yes. Keep the ratio 2:0.75:0.75:1 (rum:lime:syrup:chartreuse). Batch in a pitcher and chill; stir before serving over ice.