Last WordCocktail recipe
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The Last Word is a beautifully balanced, equal-parts gin sour that sits in that rare sweet spot between bracing, herbal, and quietly decadent. You’ll find its roots in the Prohibition era, when bold liqueurs and sharp citrus helped cocktails keep their character despite shifting tastes and availability. After fading from view for decades, it returns to modern menus as bartenders rediscover how effortlessly its four-way symmetry delivers complexity without heaviness.
On the palate, dry gin brings crisp botanicals that set a clean frame for the drink’s intensity. Green Chartreuse adds a vivid, alpine-herbal punch, while maraschino cherry liqueur contributes a distinctive, perfumed sweetness that’s more floral than fruity. Fresh lime juice snaps everything into focus, its tartness cutting through the liqueurs and pulling the gin forward, leaving you with a finish that’s both sharp and lingeringly aromatic.
Serve it in a cocktail glass when you want something compact, confident, and conversation-starting. You’ll enjoy it if you like sours that aren’t sugary, or if herbal spirits and bitter-leaning complexity appeal to you. It fits perfectly as a pre-dinner opener, a late-night “one more,” or anytime you want a drink that tastes like a signature without needing a long list of ingredients.
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Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dry gin and lime juice lead with crisp juniper and sharp citrus, quickly wrapped in Green Chartreuse’s dense herbal sweetness and the floral, almond-tinged cherry richness of maraschino liqueur. The equal parts make the lime’s acidity snap the liqueurs into focus while gin keeps it dry; ideal for drinkers who like bracing sours with layered botanicals.
Method
How to make a Last Word
- Dry gin 30ml, Green Chartreuse 30ml, Maraschino cherry liqueur 30ml, Lime juice 30ml
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- In a shaker with ice add all the ingredients
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- Shake well and strain into in a chilled cocktail glass and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Last Word with these master mixologist tips
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Find out more- Ensure all ingredients are of equal parts to achieve the quintessential balance of flavors that makes the Last Word so unique.
- Use a high-quality maraschino liqueur like Luxardo for its superior flavor profile, which incorporates a perfect balance of sweet and bitter.
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Your private tasting notes
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FAQ's
What is the history and origin of the Last Word cocktail?
The Last Word is a Prohibition-era cocktail that was first served at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s. It fell out of favor for many decades before being rediscovered and popularized in the early 2000s by the craft cocktail movement. Its equal parts recipe and striking green color from the Chartreuse make it a memorable classic.
Is it important to shake the Last Word cocktail, and if so, why?
Yes, it is important to shake the Last Word cocktail. Shaking not only chills the beverage but also properly integrates the dense, herbal flavors of the Green Chartreuse with the citrus acidity of the lime juice and the other ingredients, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.
What role does Green Chartreuse play in the flavor profile of the Last Word?
Green Chartreuse is a key ingredient in the Last Word, offering a complex herbal and slightly sweet flavor that is balanced by the sourness of the lime juice and the botanicals of the dry gin. Its unique taste and high alcohol content significantly contribute to the overall flavor profile and potency of the cocktail.
What is the ideal way to serve the Last Word?
The ideal way to serve the Last Word is in a chilled cocktail glass. Serve it straight up without ice to preserve the intended taste and temperature. Garnishing with a maraschino cherry or a lime twist can add a decorative touch and a slight aromatic enhancement.
Can the Last Word be customized for a sweeter taste?
Yes, the Last Word can be customized for a sweeter taste by adjusting the ratio of Maraschino liqueur slightly upwards or by adding a small amount of simple syrup. However, care should be taken to maintain the balance between the sour, sweet, and herbal components of the cocktail.
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