The Last Word
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The Last Word
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.5 / 5
The Last Word is an iconic cocktail that stands out for its unique and harmonious blend of flavors. Dating back to the Prohibition era, this drink features a refreshing and ... more The Last Word is an iconic cocktail that stands out for its unique and harmonious blend of flavors. Dating back to the Prohibition era, this drink features a refreshing and complex mix of dry gin, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice, creating a perfect balance between sweet, sour, herbal, and strong flavor profiles. Traditionally served in a cocktail glass, The Last Word is known for its vibrant green hue and its ability to reignite the senses, making it a timeless choice for cocktail enthusiasts seeking both history and taste in their drink selection. With its rich heritage and bold character, The Last Word remains a beloved and classic cocktail in the world of mixology.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
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Dry gin
Alcohol content
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23% | 2.3 units *
Details
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Classic

Cocktail glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Serves:
-
+

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Last Word offers a captivating dance of flavors where the herbal punch of Green Chartreuse marries beautifully with the sharp, citrusy notes of lime and the sweet, nuanced profile of Maraschino liqueur, all held together by the crisp backbone of dry gin. This cocktail stands as a testament to the art of balance and sophistication in mixology, providing a vibrant, multi-layered experience that reiterates why it has remained a classic through the ages.

Method
How to make a The Last Word

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Begin by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a good mix of the flavors
Vigorously shake the concoction for about 10-15 seconds, or until you observe the shaker's exterior has frosted over, indicating the drink is well chilled
Next, grab a chilled glass, which will help maintain the cocktail's temperature
Use a fine strainer to pour the mixture into the glass, ensuring a smooth drink by removing any ice chips or unwanted bits
Lastly, admire your handiwork briefly before enjoying your perfectly chilled cocktail

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Shake  · 

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FAQ's

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the history behind The Last Word cocktail?

The Last Word is a Prohibition-era cocktail that was first created at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s. Its popularity waxed and waned over the years but experienced a significant resurgence in the early 2000s, when it was revived by craft cocktail enthusiasts. The combination of gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice creates a perfectly balanced mix of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors.

FAQ

Why is Green Chartreuse a key ingredient in The Last Word?

Green Chartreuse is a key ingredient in The Last Word because it provides a unique herbal complexity that is hard to replicate with any other liqueur. Made by Carthusian monks in France, its secret recipe of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers has remained unchanged since the 1740s. Its distinct green color and complex flavor profile add depth and uniqueness to the cocktail, differentiating The Last Word from other gin-based cocktails.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

Can I substitute another cherry liqueur for Maraschino in The Last Word?

While Maraschino liqueur has a unique, slightly bitter almond flavor that contributes to the overall profile of The Last Word, some bartenders experiment with substitutes for a different twist. Luxardo Maraschino is the traditional choice, but you could try other cherry liqueurs for a sweeter or more tart profile. Keep in mind, however, that the balance and flavor profile will change, potentially creating a new cocktail experience rather than a classic Last Word.

FAQ

How important is the ratio of ingredients in The Last Word?

The ratio of ingredients in The Last Word is crucial for achieving the cocktail's signature balanced flavor. The traditional recipe calls for equal parts of gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Altering these ratios can lead to one ingredient overpowering the others, thus losing the drink's harmonious blend of sweet, sour, herbal, and strong elements. Sticking to the correct proportions ensures the intended delicious and complex profile.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

What is the best way to serve The Last Word?

The Last Word is best served cold in a cocktail glass. To prepare it, the ingredients should be mixed with ice (usually in a mixing glass or shaker, despite the original details suggesting it's neither shaken nor stirred) and then strained into the glass to achieve a smooth, chilled texture without diluting the drink too much. Garnishing with a lime twist or a maraschino cherry can add a final touch of elegance and a hint of additional flavor.

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