Chartreuse and lime go together, as the Seattle scene and the Last Word testify. But Chartreuse goes with just about anything. Hell, I like the stuff straight, on ice. Not that I drink it that way. No, not at all.

For the Purple Ginger, mix Chartreuse with an aged spirit such as cognac, but you could use bourbon or an aged whiskey or rum. Mix in a little lime, and add some ginger beer. Perfect.

To make a Purple Ginger, mix in a large glass:

• 1 1/2 oz Martell Cognac
• 1 oz Chartreuse
• 3/4 oz lime juice

and top with Reed’s Ginger Beer. Then add a small slice of fresh ginger as garnish.

It’s spicy and refreshing, with the herbal Chartreuse coming through nicely, accented by the ginger beer. Don’t use a crazy spicy ginger beer here, like Blenheim’s, but use something more mild like Goya or Reed’s. That way, it doesn’t overpower the ginger flavors.