Classic Last Word Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 ounce gin
  • 3/4 ounce green Chartreuse
  • 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
  3. Cover and shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of gin to add unique flavors.
  • Experiment with different herbal liqueurs instead of green Chartreuse, such as yellow Chartreuse or absinthe.
  • Try using different citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit instead of lime juice.
  • Replace maraschino liqueur with another fruit liqueur like cherry or raspberry.
  • Add a splash of bitters to enhance the complexity of the cocktail.
  • Add a touch of simple syrup to make the cocktail slightly sweeter.
  • Garnish with a different citrus twist or herb like mint or basil.
  • Experiment with different glassware, such as a rocks glass or a martini glass.
  • Adjust the ingredient ratios to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe overview

The Last Word is a classic cocktail that balances strong and flavorful ingredients into a harmonious blend. This reemerged gem is a mix of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice, resulting in a potent but smooth cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's an enjoyable and refreshing drink to make and serve, with a beautiful green hue that adds to its appeal. The preparation is straightforward, involving simple shaking and straining techniques. Once you take a sip, you can expect a delightful combination of herbal, sour, and sweet notes, making the Last Word a unique and memorable cocktail to enjoy.

Common questions

  1. Can I substitute the gin with another spirit? Yes, you can substitute the gin with vodka if you prefer a different flavor profile.
  2. What is the best type of gin to use? London Dry gin is commonly used in the Last Word cocktail, but feel free to experiment with different gin varieties to find your preferred taste.
  3. Can I use a different citrus juice instead of lime? While lime juice is traditional in the Last Word, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or grapefruit for a variation in flavor.
  4. What is the purpose of green Chartreuse in this cocktail? Green Chartreuse adds herbal and botanical flavors to balance the sweetness of the other ingredients and provides a distinct character to the Last Word.
  5. Can I adjust the proportions of the ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice to suit your personal taste preferences.
  6. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Last Word? Yes, you can create a non-alcoholic version by substituting the gin and Chartreuse with non-alcoholic alternatives like Seedlip or herbal syrups.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail shaker - A container used for mixing and chilling cocktail ingredients.
  • Strainer - A tool used to separate ice from the cocktail mixture when pouring into a glass.
  • Coupe glass - A type of glassware with a shallow, wide bowl used for serving cocktails.
  • Ice cubes - Used for chilling the cocktail ingredients and serving the drink cold.
  • Lime wheel - A thin slice of lime used as a garnish for the Last Word cocktail.

Origin stories

The Last Word is a gin-based prohibition era cocktail, which was first served at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 20th century. It fell off the radar until 2004, when Seattle bartender Murray Stenson discovered it in an old cocktail book and put it on the menu at the Zig Zag Café. The revival has been so successful that the Last Word is now a modern classic, enjoyed around the world. The cocktail's equally balanced ingredients make it a bartender's favorite and a symbol of the precision that goes into creating a perfectly crafted drink.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.