Greenhorn Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A neon-green tequila dream, the Greenhorn is a cocktail that shines as bright as the stars at night in Texas.

The dusty trail was exactly that, and it made my throat dry, silently screaming out into the hot and unrelenting daylight for some form of liquid relief. The bottom of my boots were beginning to melt into the cracked surface of the earth beneath my feet. No shade was to be had for miles in every direction, with nothing but desert disappearing into the horizon. I remembered starting this journey with a hat, but the memory of what became of it has turned to ash, long forgotten along with the reason why. The bright heat beat down upon my brow, getting stronger every second. With every step I took, my shoulders stooped lower and lower.

Soon, my body was being dragged by my ever-weakening legs and arms, my whole form crumpling under the weight of heat and exhaustion. Where would I find relief? Could I ever find it? And if I do, will it end up being something like a chocolate milkshake? That would be hard to swallow right now, literally. But if that were my only option, I’d suck that straw into oblivion.

A voice called out above me. “Just stand your butt up, and stop being so dramatic, greenhorn. It’s only 86 degrees out.”

I looked up to see the bartender of the cantina I had arrived at, standing in the doorway and shaking their head. “Fella, why did you crawl across the parking lot instead of just strolling over like a normal person?”

It was a good question, and one I couldn’t answer. So I stood up, brushed myself off and stepped inside, hoping that when they said “greenhorn”, they were talking about a delicious tequila and Midori-based cocktail, not me.

I would soon find out.

What Is Gentian Liqueur?

One of the ingredients in this floral, earthy and sweet libation is gentian liqueur. An herbal, bitter-tasting aperitif, the spirit has been around since at least the late 18th century and has its origins in the French Alps. First used in medicinal recipes to treat digestive ailments, it soon morphed into an ingredient used in adult beverages around the 19th century. Salers has been a gentian liqueur brand since 1885, and Avèze and Suze are also reliable, stalwart choices.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Greenhorn Cocktail?

Choosing a melon liqueur is pretty simple when you have Midori as an option. The Japanese brand produces a delicious, bright emerald-looking cordial with a balanced and carefully curated blend of canteloupe and muskmelon flavor. For the tequila, I’d opt for a peppery, grassy and smooth top-shelf blanco option, as the clear color will help this cocktail maintain its bright, eye-popping look, and the notes from the liquor will meld seamlessly with the other elements.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

A cocktail coupe or champagne goblet works best for this libation. Chill either one in your freezer for at least fifteen minutes to get an extra-cold cocktail. Once it is poured in, garnish with a maraschino cherry.

CAN YOU STORE THE GREENHORN COCKTAIL?

It is best to prep and serve this drink immediately, and not keep it for later or store it.

WHAT DOES THE TERM “GREENHORN” MEAN?

If you’re inexperienced, a rookie or totally new at any given task, you are what’s considered a “greenhorn”.

Similar Cocktails To The Greenhorn

Midori has etched its place firmly in the cocktail world, appearing in a number of mixtures and adding some unforgettable flavors to their already powerful notes. If the Greenhorn tickled your fancy and you’re more than curious for other concoctions that feature this bright and fruity liqueur, look no further than right here at Twist & Toast. Try these out this weekend to give that bottle of Midori you have a proper spin.

• Midori Martini – Vodka and the Japanese melon liqueur collide for a bright and potent tipple.
• Midori Sour – Fizzy, sweet and sour with the neon glow of Midori.
• Tokyo Tea – A riff on the Long Island Iced Tea, with the bright green addition of Midori.
• The Grinch – Melon liqueur, lemon-lime soda and vodka will put you in a festive mood.