Swamp Water
Green Chartreuse shaken with pineapple juice and lime — a 1970s cult classic that pairs the liqueur's 130-herb complexity with tropical sweetness. Surprisingly great.
- 1½ ozgreen chartreuse
- 4 ozpineapple juice
- ½ ozlime juice
- Lime wheelgarnish
- 1Fill a highball glass with ice.
- 2Pour green Chartreuse over the ice.
- 3Add pineapple juice and fresh lime juice.
- 4Gently stir once to combine.
- 5Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Share this page
Swamp Water was developed by the American marketing team for Chartreuse importers in the 1970s, when US sales had dropped significantly. The campaign was designed to introduce green Chartreuse to younger drinkers by pairing it with pineapple juice — a popular mixer of the era. Chartreuse sold a Swampwater party kit for $4.95, which included branded Mason jars and napkins. "More bang than a Wallbanger" was one of the campaign's central taglines. The first printed recipe appears in Brian's Booze Guide by Brian F. Rea in 1976. PUNCH Magazine describes it as "a pineapple-heavy Chartreuse Swizzle, sans falernum" and notes it is experiencing a second life in modern cocktail bars.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Swamp Water at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.