Starting is the hard part. That goes for most anything. Overcoming inertia. Once you get started things just roll right along, for the most part. Then it is sometimes hard to stop. Inertia gets you coming and going, that’s life. That’s what all the people say, anyway. That’s also why we are having this drink. Won’t you please join me now as we stand and make, the Piña Verde. 

Inertia got me last night I had a slow start, sipping on Old-Fashioneds. Then it was as if the ghost of Spencer arrived and there were shots. To be fair, I poured them, so I only have myself to blame, but they were celebratory. I am not sure where the Jell-O shots came from, but I know where too many of them went. I’m not a fan of Jell-O shots, but when in Rome. Then there was late night ramen and sleep; probably the best nights sleep I have had in many a moon. On the other side of that sleep there was maybe a bit of dehydration, a small headache, general feelings of regret, you know the drill. So the upshot is, I’m not really feeling anything heavy tonight, but I have an obligation to make something for you, gentle reader, and I’m not gonna fall down on my storytelling or bartenderly duties. 

This drink is a riff on the classic Piña Colada, but swapping out the rum for green chartreuse. What? Yeah, I know, crazy right, but I am betting that deep herbal flavor, wrapped in coconut and ice is gonna be just the thing. So, let’s make it. 

Break out the blender and toss in 1/2 an ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice, 3/4 of an ounce of creme de coconut, 1 1/2 ounces of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 ounces of Green Chartruese. Pop in 5-7 artisanal ice cubes and blend till smooth and creamy. You don’t need music for this and mores the pity, but you wouldn’t be able to appreciate it with the blender running anyway. That’s another reason to skip blender drinks. When you feel like you’ve hit a good consistency, pour into something that brings you joy. I opted for this vintage tiki mug from Japan that I recently acquired through EBay. I just love the simplicity of it and the fact that we had to scrub 1/4 inch of dust out of the inside when it arrived. This one was clearly on the sidelines for many years, so it feels good to get her back in the game. Garnish with a bunch of freshly slapped mint from the front garden, pop in a paper straw and serve. 

We shouldn’t have to go without music, so before you take that first sip, add some Shawn Mullins to the mix, try “The Great Unknown“, that feels right. Yeah, dig it. This drink is so very good. Familiar, but so far from its roots. The chartreuse really shines here, it better, it is carrying most of the weight. This thing has some great depth, the herbal thing really works as a counterpoint to the sweet coconut and pineapple. Definitely worth making again and again. Even worth breaking out the blender. 

There you go, this is one to hold on to. You’re gonna impress folks with this variation that enobles the Colada and brings a sophistication to the base drink that sometimes needs a little something extra. These also self regulate, since there is a brain freeze always lurking in the darkness waiting to punish over exuberance with its icy daggers. So enjoy this one, responsibly. This is a do as I say, not as I do moment from your old Uncle Monkey. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.