Claerkampster Cloosterbitter: The Chartreuse Option Making Waves in American Cocktails
Table of Contents
- 1. Claerkampster Cloosterbitter: The Chartreuse Option Making Waves in American Cocktails
- 2. The Quest for Green: beyond Chartreuse
- 3. Cloosterbitter: A Liqueur with History
- 4. The Last Word and Beyond: Cloosterbitter in Action
- 5. A Growing Presence Across the U.S.
- 6. The Price is Right: An Economical Alternative
- 7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Cloosterbitter in the U.S.
- 8. How would you recommend a home bartender get started experimenting with Claerkampster Cloosterbitter in cocktails?
- 9. Claerkampster Cloosterbitter: A chat with Bartender Anya Sharma on the Dutch Liqueur’s Rise
- 10. The Chartreuse shortage and the Search for Alternatives
- 11. Crafting with Cloosterbitter
- 12. Cloosterbitter’s Popularity on the Rise
- 13. Looking Ahead: what’s Next for Claerkampster Cloosterbitter
A centuries-old Dutch liqueur offers U.S. bartenders and consumers a compelling alternative amid Chartreuse
supply constraints.
The Quest for Green: beyond Chartreuse
For years, the herbaceous complexity of Chartreuse has been a cornerstone of classic cocktails like the Last
word and the Bijou. However, recent supply chain issues have left bartenders across the United States scrambling
for alternatives. While some have turned to creating their own versions or exploring new liqueurs, a historic
option from the Netherlands has quietly emerged: Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter.
While Chartreuse may be the king of green elixirs, don’t overlook the unsung heroes. As bartenders grapple
with Chartreuse shortages and experiment with alternatives—from concocting their own blends to seeking out
emerging brands—Claerkampster Cloosterbitter stands ready in the wings.
Cloosterbitter: A Liqueur with History
Claerkampster Cloosterbitter boasts a history as rich as its flavor profile, dating back to the 1400s. This
Dutch liqueur offers a nuanced, albeit milder, taste compared to Chartreuse, with a lower ABV. Its complex
blend of herbs and spices provides a compelling substitute without sacrificing the intricate character that
makes these cocktails so beloved.
cite="https://punchdrink.com/articles/yellow-green-chartreuse-cocktail-recipes/">while bartenders have been plagued by chartreuse supply issues and hunting for
alternatives from new upstarts (or making their own), one liqueur has quietly been waiting in the wings.
Dutch-born Boomsma Claerkampster Cloosterbitter is just as pedigreed—it’s been around since the 1400s—and
as nuanced in flavor, albeit milder and lower in ABV.
The Last Word and Beyond: Cloosterbitter in Action
Inspired U.S. bartenders are embracing Claerkampster Cloosterbitter, finding it offers unique advantages
over Chartreuse in certain applications. Alec Bales, lead bartender at Atlanta’s Ticonderoga Club, is one such
convert. He prefers Cloosterbitter in his Last Word variations, regardless of Chartreuse availability.
cite="https://punchdrink.com/articles/bartender-alec-bales-cocktails-classics-waiting-to-happen-ticonderoga-club-atlanta/">“I prefer a lower-proof herbal liqueur to green Chartreuse,” he says, “because I love the balance it
brings with Fords Gin,” his preferred brand for the classic.He also uses it in a Bijou.
Bales’ preference highlights a key attribute of Cloosterbitter: its subtlety. The lower proof allows other
ingredients in the cocktail to shine, creating a more balanced and nuanced drinking experience. This aligns
with a growing trend in the U.S. cocktail scene toward lighter, more sessionable drinks.
A Growing Presence Across the U.S.
From Houston to Orlando to Chicago, Claerkampster Cloosterbitter is appearing on cocktail menus across the
United States. Echoes in Houston features it in a mezcal and Midori sour, while Otto’s High Dive in Orlando
uses it in a refreshing swizzle. La Josie in Chicago incorporates it into a spicy, minty concoction.
Aside from the classics,you can also find Cloosterbitter in a mezcal- and Midori-fueled sour at Echoes
in Houston,a swizzle at Otto’s High Dive in Orlando and a spicy,minty drink at La Josie in Chicago.
Bars across the country have joined the fandom. And why not? For around $30—less than half the price of
Chartreuse these days—it’s at least worth a shot.
The liqueur’s versatility lends itself to a wide range of cocktail styles, making it an attractive option for
bartenders looking to experiment and offer unique flavor profiles. The rising popularity of herbal and
bittersweet flavors among U.S. consumers further fuels Cloosterbitter’s appeal.
The Price is Right: An Economical Alternative
In addition to its flavor and versatility, Claerkampster Cloosterbitter offers a significant price advantage
over Chartreuse. At around $30 a bottle, it’s less than half the price of its French counterpart, making it
an attractive option for both bars and home consumers looking to create extraordinary cocktails without breaking
the bank.
| liqueur | Approximate Price (750ml) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Chartreuse Green | $70+ | Intense herbal flavor, high ABV |
| Claerkampster Cloosterbitter | $30 | Milder herbal flavor, lower ABV |
| Generic Green Herbal Liqueur | $20+ | Variable flavor, ABV, and ingredients |
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cloosterbitter in the U.S.
As Chartreuse supply issues persist, Claerkampster Cloosterbitter is poised to become an increasingly
common sight in U.S. bars and liquor stores. Its unique flavor profile, versatility, and affordability make
it a compelling alternative for both bartenders and consumers.Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast
or just looking to explore new flavors, Cloosterbitter is worth a try.
How would you recommend a home bartender get started experimenting with Claerkampster Cloosterbitter in cocktails?
Claerkampster Cloosterbitter: A chat with Bartender Anya Sharma on the Dutch Liqueur’s Rise
[Intro] Welcome to Archyde! Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of craft cocktails and exploring how a centuries-old Dutch liqueur, Claerkampster Cloosterbitter, is shaking things up in the U.S. bar scene. Joining us is Anya Sharma, a celebrated mixologist and bar manager at “The Alchemist’s Den” in brooklyn, a bar known for its innovative use of herbal liqueurs. Anya, thanks for being here.
The Chartreuse shortage and the Search for Alternatives
[Interviewer]: So, Anya, let’s start with the elephant in the room: the Chartreuse shortage. How has this impacted your work at The Alchemist’s Den?
[Anya]: Oh, it’s been a real challenge. Chartreuse is such a staple in so many classic cocktails. With the scarcity,we had to get creative. Sometimes, it was rationing, other times we looked for the best alternatives.
[Interviewer]: That leads us right to Claerkampster Cloosterbitter. When did you first discover it, and what initially drew you to it as a Chartreuse alternative?
[Anya]: I first encountered it at a trade show. The history really piqued my interest, but the flavor is what sold me. It’s like Chartreuse’s sophisticated cousin – a bit milder, less intensely herbal, but still complex and intriguing. The lower ABV is a bonus, allowing the other flavors in a drink to shine.
Crafting with Cloosterbitter
[Interviewer]: Many of our readers may not be familiar. could you paint a picture of Claerkampster Cloosterbitter’s flavor profile and how it compares to Chartreuse?
[Anya]: picture a blend of several herbs and spices— subtle, less overpowering than customary Chartreuse. Chartreuse hits you with a powerful blast of green; cloosterbitter is like a soft, green whisper. It retains that essential herbal complexity but offers a different, more approachable experience, it’s like it’s a bit easier to play with.
[Interviewer]: You mentioned the lower ABV. How dose that impact the final cocktail?
[Anya]: Absolutely. It lets the other components breathe. In classics like the Last Word, it allows the gin and lime to dance more freely. And in a Bijou, it elevates the other ingredients. It’s also fantastic in swizzles and lengthened cocktails, creating drinks that last.
Cloosterbitter’s Popularity on the Rise
[Interviewer]: We’re seeing Claerkampster Cloosterbitter popping up on cocktail menus across the U.S. is this trend visible in your experience to?
[Anya]: Definitely. The bar scene is always on the lookout for exciting flavors. I think it also resonates with a trend toward sessionable drinks and a desire to get creative with ingredients beyond the usual suspects.
[Interviewer]: Aside from the flavor, the price point is attractive. Any thoughts on how that contributes to its growing popularity?
[Anya]: Price is certainly a factor. At around $30, it’s available.Bars can experiment without enormous financial risk and pass savings on to customers, which is always appreciated. Also, it provides an outstanding value for consumers creating engaging cocktails at home.
Looking Ahead: what’s Next for Claerkampster Cloosterbitter
[Interviewer]: what do you foresee for Claerkampster Cloosterbitter in the future? Do you think it will replace Chartreuse in cocktails?
[Anya]: I don’t think it will “replace” Chartreuse entirely. Chartreuse has this unbelievable legacy. But I do see a fantastic future for Cloosterbitter as a go-to ingredient, particularly in situations where a subtler herbal character is desired, or when affordability is a factor. It will find its own space,that’s for sure.
[Interviewer]: What advice would you offer to the home bartender who is just discovering Claerkampster cloosterbitter?
[Anya]: Experiment! Start with existing recipes that call for Chartreuse and try equal parts of Claerkampster Cloosterbitter. Don’t be afraid to play around with the quantities, adjust the other ingredients, and make it your own.Because creating a cocktail is like composing music, find a flavour that works for you. And,please,share your creations!
[Interviewer]: Anya,this has been incredibly insightful. Thank you for your time and expertise.
[anya]: My pleasure!
[Interviewer]: Thanks for following us at Archyde. We hope you’ll try Claerkampster cloosterbitter. What cocktails would you experiment with? Please let us know in the comments below!
