Ingredients
- 1 - 1/2 Shot(s) Gin
- 1 Shot(s) Creme De Menthe
- 1/2 Shot(s) Lime Juice
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Pour 1.5 shots of gin, 1 shot of green creme de menthe, and 0.5 shot of lime juice into a shaker filled with ice.
Shake and Strain:
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled, then strain into an old-fashioned glass over a few ice cubes.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Green Devil, with its eye-catching hue and potent kick, feels like a mid-20th century bar invention. It’s likely a creative response to the popularity of gin and the increasing availability of liqueurs like creme de menthe. While its exact birth is murky, it embodies the era’s adventurous spirit in cocktail crafting, probably conceived in an American bar looking to offer something distinct from the usual sour.
At its core, the Green Devil is a sour variation, given the gin and lime components. It shares DNA with drinks like the Gimlet or a Southside, but the inclusion of green creme de menthe gives it a unique, sweet minty profile that sets it apart. It's less dry and more herbaceous than a classic Gimlet, and the mint is a direct, undeniable flavor.
You might find a Green Devil on the menu of a well-stocked classic cocktail bar, especially one that appreciates a bit of theatrical color. It’s also a solid choice for a home bartender looking to impress guests with something visually striking and unexpectedly delicious, far from the common rum or vodka drinks.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Green Devil presents a bright, zesty lime tartness that immediately cuts through the botanical notes of the gin. This quickly gives way to the cool, sweet mint of the creme de menthe, which blends seamlessly with the juniper and other botanicals. The finish is clean and refreshing, leaving a lingering minty coolness and a tart citrus snap.
Using the recipe’s proportions, one and a half shots of gin at 40% ABV contributes 0.6 shots of pure alcohol. A shot of green creme de menthe, typically around 25% ABV, adds another 0.25 shots of alcohol. With 0.5 shots of lime juice, the total liquid volume is 3 shots. This puts the drink around 28% ABV, making it significantly stronger than a typical beer and on the higher end for most cocktails.
The technique
Building a Green Devil is straightforward. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with plenty of fresh ice. Give it a good, hard shake for about 15 to 20 seconds. You want to ensure it’s thoroughly chilled and properly diluted. Then, fine strain the vibrant green liquid into an old-fashioned glass over fresh ice cubes. No garnish needed unless you want a lime wheel.
The one technique tip that matters most for this drink is the quality and quantity of your ice when shaking. Use large, solid ice cubes and fill your shaker. Skimping on ice or using wet, weak cubes results in a poorly chilled drink with excessive dilution, watering down the bold flavors and making it taste thin and lifeless.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin is your best bet here. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire provide the clean, juniper-forward backbone this drink needs without overpowering the mint.
- Skip
- Avoid overly floral or cucumber-forward gins, as their delicate notes can clash awkwardly with the strong mint and lime. Also pass on gins with heavy citrus notes, as you’re already adding lime.
- Why
- Gin is the primary spirit, providing the alcoholic strength and a complex botanical framework that interacts with the mint and lime. It’s the foundation upon which the other flavors build.
Creme De Menthe
- Use
- Always opt for a good quality green creme de menthe. Bols, Marie Brizard, or Tempus Fugit Creme de Menthe are reliable choices that offer a balanced sweetness and authentic mint flavor.
- Skip
- Do not substitute with peppermint schnapps. While also minty, schnapps is typically much drier and more aggressive, lacking the syrupy sweetness and nuanced flavor of creme de menthe, which is essential for balance.
- Why
- Creme de menthe gives the Green Devil its signature vibrant color and its distinct, refreshing mint flavor. It also contributes sweetness and body, rounding out the tartness of the lime and the sharpness of the gin.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
White Devil
- Same flavor, different look
- Substitute green creme de menthe with clear creme de menthe. The taste profile remains identical, but the drink becomes crystal clear, offering a deceptive appearance for its potent character.
Spicy Devil
- A fiery kick
- Add a dash or two of a chili tincture or muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding other ingredients. This introduces a pleasant warmth and subtle heat to the refreshing mint and citrus.
Devil’s Sour
- For a silky texture
- Add one egg white to the shaker with the other ingredients for a dry shake (without ice), then a wet shake (with ice). This creates a frothy, velvety texture that softens the drink’s edges.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka can work in a pinch for the alcoholic base, but you’ll lose the botanical complexity and juniper notes that define the original. The drink will be flatter.
If you absolutely must, a small amount of peppermint liqueur can provide mint flavor, but be very careful with the quantity due to its higher intensity and often drier profile. Expect a different balance.
Lemon juice is a viable substitute for the citrus, though it will give the drink a slightly different, less sharp acidity. It won’t be quite the same bright profile.
A coupe glass or even a small tumbler can serve as an adequate substitute. The key is to have enough space for fresh ice and for comfortable sipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Green Devil?
A Green Devil contains gin, green creme de menthe, and fresh lime juice. These three ingredients combine to create its distinct flavor and color.
Is Green Devil a strong drink?
Yes, the Green Devil is a relatively strong cocktail. With gin and creme de menthe as its alcoholic components, it typically falls around 28% ABV, which is higher than many standard cocktails and significantly stronger than beer.
What does a Green Devil taste like?
It tastes like a refreshing blend of zesty lime, botanical gin, and cool, sweet mint. It’s tart, herbaceous, and finishes with a clean, minty coolness.
Why is it called Green Devil?
The name likely comes from its striking green color, provided by the creme de menthe, combined with its potent alcoholic kick. The ‘Devil’ part suggests its strength and perhaps its somewhat mischievous appearance.
Can I make a Green Devil without gin?
While you can use a neutral spirit like vodka, it won’t be a traditional Green Devil. The gin provides essential botanical notes that contribute significantly to the drink’s overall character.
What’s the best gin for a Green Devil?
A classic London Dry gin is generally recommended. Its juniper-forward profile complements the mint and lime without clashing or overpowering them.
Is creme de menthe alcoholic?
Yes, creme de menthe is an alcoholic liqueur. Its ABV typically ranges from 15% to 25%, contributing both flavor and alcohol to cocktails.
What kind of glass should I use for a Green Devil?
An old-fashioned glass is the standard choice, served over fresh ice. This allows for the drink’s color to be showcased and provides enough space for the ice to keep it chilled.
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