The Greenpoint: A Manhattan Variation That Stands on Its Own

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Move over, Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s time to head to another borough and another classic cocktail. The Greenpoint is a sophisticated, herbal and deeply satisfying drink that takes the familiar structure of a Manhattan and gives it a complex, European twist.

If you love the whiskey-forward profile of a classic Manhattan but are looking for something a little more adventurous and nuanced, this is the cocktail for you.

A Little History of the Greenpoint

The Greenpoint is a relatively modern creation, first appearing on the menu at the famous Milk & Honey in New York City around 2006. It was created by bartender Michael McIlroy as part of the “Brooklyn” family of cocktails, which itself is a riff on the Manhattan.

While the traditional Brooklyn cocktail uses dry vermouth and Amer Picon (a hard-to-find French bitter orange liqueur), the Greenpoint swaps those out for sweet vermouth and yellow Chartreuse. This change creates a drink that is richer, rounder and significantly more herbal.

Why does the Greenpoint work?

The Greenpoint is a study in balance.

• The Rye: Provides a spicy, robust backbone that anchors the drink.
• The Sweet Vermouth: Adds a rich, fruity sweetness that rounds out the sharp edges of the rye.
• The Yellow Chartreuse: This is the secret weapon. It brings a beautiful, complex layer of honey, saffron and hundreds of alpine herbs. It’s less intense than its green counterpart, making it perfect for this balanced drink.
• The Bitters: The combination of Angostura and orange bitters ties everything together, adding depth and a bright, citrusy top note.

The result is a cocktail that is smooth, complex and contemplative. It’s perfect for sipping slowly before a meal or as a nightcap.

The Greenpoint Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Rye Whiskey
• 0.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 0.5 oz. Yellow Chartreuse (or Faccia Brutto Centerbe)
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• 1 dash Orange Bitters
• Garnish: Lemon twist or a high-quality brandied cherry (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

1. Chill Your Glass: Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to get it nice and frosty.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, add the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Yellow Chartreuse and both bitters.
3. Stir: Stir gently but firmly for about 20-30 seconds. The goal is to chill the drink and add a precise amount of dilution without making it cloudy or watery.
4. Strain: Strain the cocktail into your chilled glass using a Julep or Hawthorne strainer.
5. Garnish: Express the oil from a lemon twist over the drink by pinching it skin-side down, then drop it into the glass. Alternatively, garnish with a brandied cherry.

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Tips for the Perfect Greenpoint

• Quality Matters: Because this is a spirit-forward drink with few ingredients, the quality of each one will shine through. Use a rye whiskey you enjoy drinking on its own, a fresh bottle of good vermouth and authentic Yellow Chartreuse (or a high-quality alternative like Faccia Brutto Centerbe).
• Don’t Over-Stir: Over-stirring can lead to an over-diluted drink. Aim for a smooth, silky texture, not a watery one. A good 20-30 second stir is usually sufficient.
• Fresh Bitters: Make sure your bitters aren’t years old and have lost their potency. They are the seasoning that brings the whole drink together.
• Experiment with Garnishes: A lemon twist brings out the brighter notes of the cocktail, while a cherry highlights its richer, deeper flavors. Try both and see which you prefer!

Give this modern classic a try tonight. Cheers!

Did you try my version of The Greenpoint? Let us know in the comments. Check out some of our other cocktail recipes. Please consider following us on IG, X, FB, PI, BSky or TT.