Green Goddess Cocktail Recipe

I love mixing drinks that look just as good as they taste, and honestly, the Green Goddess cocktail always catches the eye. That bright green color? It’s impossible to ignore, and the flavor is just as lively—fresh, herbal, and a little bit unexpected.

This cocktail brings together herbal notes with a balanced, smooth taste that’s both refreshing and kind of unique.

You’ll see how to make it in just a few easy steps, using ingredients that really let those natural flavors shine. I’ll walk through the recipe and share what I think makes each part work together so well.

Let’s get into it.

Green Goddess Cocktail Recipe

I love how this drink mixes up fresh herbs, crisp citrus, and smooth vodka. You can make it at home—just grab the right tools, a handful of fresh ingredients, and pay a little attention to the mixing for that clean, balanced taste.

Equipment

I like to keep my setup simple but efficient. The right tools help me measure, mix, and serve the drink without any fuss.

• Cocktail shaker – mixes everything evenly with ice
• Jigger – lets me measure out the liquids
• Fine mesh strainer – catches herb bits and ice chips
• Bar spoon – handy for stirring
• Citrus juicer – makes fresh juice fast
• Small knife and cutting board – for slicing herbs and citrus
• Chilled coupe or martini glass – makes serving feel a bit fancy

Cold equipment keeps the cocktail crisp, in my experience. I always use a clean shaker and strainer to keep that bright green color and smooth texture.

Ingredients

The Green Goddess cocktail uses a blend of herbal and citrus notes, all on a clean vodka base. I always reach for fresh herbs and decent spirits—they make a difference.

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz green Chartreuse (optional, but adds herbal depth)
• 4–6 fresh basil leaves
• 2–3 sprigs mint
• Ice cubes for shaking
• Thin lime wheel or mint leaf for garnish

I tweak the sweetness by changing up the simple syrup. Sometimes I want it lighter, so I’ll add a splash more lime juice or just cut the syrup back a little.

Instructions

First, I chill the glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Then I get started:

• Toss basil and mint leaves into the cocktail shaker.
• Pour in simple syrup and gently muddle the herbs to bring out their flavor.
• Add vodka, lime juice, and green Chartreuse (if you’ve got it).
• Fill the shaker with ice and give it a firm shake for about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain the drink through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
• Garnish with a lime wheel or a mint leaf, and serve right away.

I shake just long enough to chill everything without watering it down. The fine strain? It keeps the texture nice and smooth.

Notes

Fresh herbs really make this drink pop—they give it that bright, natural aroma. Basil brings a sweet, peppery kick, and mint keeps things extra refreshing.

If I’m out of green Chartreuse, I just skip it or add a couple drops of herbal bitters instead. The cocktail still turns out balanced.

I usually make my own simple syrup by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water, then letting it cool. It stays good in the fridge for about a week.

Serving the cocktail right after shaking keeps it cold and lively, so don’t wait around!

Tasting Notes

When I take the first sip, I get this fresh herbal aroma—kind of like basil or mint. The scent is clean and light, almost like it’s promising a bright, easygoing drink.

Right away, the flavor hits with a smooth blend of citrus and herbs. I pick up lime, a little cucumber, and there’s a hint of sweetness that keeps the tartness from taking over.

It’s crisp and refreshing, definitely not heavy or overly sweet.

As the drink settles in, those green herbs leave this mild earthy note on my tongue. It’s gentle—not bitter at all—and honestly, it works well with the coolness of the cocktail.

I really like the texture; it’s silky but still lively. There’s just enough chill to keep things sharp.

The finish stays clean, and honestly, it makes me want to go back for another sip.