Last Word Cocktail: A Balanced, Herbal Classic
The Last Word is a complex and well-balanced cocktail that has stood the test of time. This gin-based cocktail, created in the 1920s, brings together four ingredients in perfect harmony: gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Each element contributes a distinct flavor profile, making the Last Word an herbal, tart, and slightly sweet drink that’s both bold and refreshing.
Originally developed during the Prohibition era, this cocktail fell out of favor for many years before being revived in the early 2000s by modern bartenders. Its unique blend of botanical, citrus, and herbal notes has made it a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts looking for something a bit different, with a strong character and a sophisticated taste.
Quick Facts: Last Word Cocktail
Method: Shaken
Flavor profile: Herbal, tart, slightly sweet
How to serve it: Straight up (without ice)
Glassware: Coupe or martini glass
Alcohol content: ~ 25-30% ABV, depending on the gin and Chartreuse
Ingredients
The Last Word is a perfectly balanced cocktail, with equal parts of all four ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor to the table, so be sure to use high-quality spirits and fresh juice for the best experience:
- ¾ oz Gin (Opt for a London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater for a classic juniper-forward base)
- ¾ oz Green Chartreuse (A French herbal liqueur known for its complex, spicy, and vegetal flavors)
- ¾ oz Maraschino liqueur (Luxardo Maraschino is a common choice, offering a nutty, cherry flavor)
- ¾ oz Fresh lime juice (Freshly squeezed lime juice brings the necessary tartness)
- Ice (For shaking)
- Lime twist or cherry (For garnish)
Ingredient Notes:
The balance of the Last Word relies on equal parts of all ingredients, making it essential to use high-quality spirits. Green Chartreuse, made with 130 different herbs and plants, is the cocktail’s most distinctive flavor, adding depth and complexity. Maraschino liqueur, with its sweet and nutty cherry notes, smooths out the drink, while fresh lime juice adds the perfect tart bite. A juniper-forward gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater holds its own against the strong flavors of the liqueurs.
Equipment Needed
Making the Last Word requires a few essential bar tools to ensure the cocktail is properly balanced and chilled:
- Shaker: For mixing and chilling the ingredients.
- Jigger: To measure equal parts of all four ingredients.
- Strainer: To pour the cocktail into the glass without ice.
- Coupe or martini glass: The wide rim allows the aromas to shine as you sip.
- Citrus press or reamer: For extracting fresh lime juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Last Word is quick and easy, but precision is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Follow these steps:
- Chill your glass: Before you start, place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes to chill it, ensuring the cocktail stays cold longer.
- Measure the ingredients: Using a jigger, measure out ¾ oz of gin, ¾ oz of Green Chartreuse, ¾ oz of maraschino liqueur, and ¾ oz of fresh lime juice.
- Add ice and shake: Add all the measured ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the mixture is well chilled and diluted slightly.
- Strain into the glass: Use a strainer to pour the cocktail into the chilled coupe or martini glass, leaving the ice behind. The drink should be smooth and free of ice shards.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with a lime twist or a Luxardo cherry for a classic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique, herbal complexity of the Last Word.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Last Word is a beautifully balanced cocktail, offering a complex mix of tart, sweet, and herbal flavors. The first sip introduces the herbal intensity of Green Chartreuse, with its earthy, vegetal notes taking center stage. This is quickly followed by the bright acidity of the lime juice, which cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing tartness.
The maraschino liqueur provides a sweet, slightly nutty cherry flavor that rounds out the cocktail, while the gin delivers a subtle juniper backbone that ties everything together. The result is a well-rounded drink that’s both bold and sophisticated, with a long, lingering finish full of herbal complexity.
Garnishing and Presentation
The Last Word is typically garnished with either a lime twist or a Luxardo cherry, both of which complement the drink’s flavor and add visual appeal. A lime twist provides an additional burst of citrus aroma, enhancing the brightness of the lime juice, while a cherry adds a touch of sweetness and color to the otherwise pale green cocktail.
Serve the cocktail in a chilled coupe or martini glass to highlight its elegant simplicity. The pale green color of the drink, courtesy of the Green Chartreuse, is both striking and understated, making the Last Word a cocktail that looks as refined as it tastes.
Pairing Suggestions
The Last Word is a complex cocktail with strong herbal and citrus flavors, making it a great pairing for foods that can hold their own against its bold character. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Herb-crusted chicken or lamb: The herbal notes of Green Chartreuse pair beautifully with savory, herbaceous dishes like rosemary-crusted lamb or thyme-roasted chicken.
- Cheese boards: The cocktail’s sweet and tart profile pairs well with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese, balanced by salty elements like prosciutto or olives.
- Oysters: The briny, fresh flavors of oysters complement the bright, citrusy acidity of the Last Word, creating a refreshing combination.
- Citrus desserts: Lemon or lime tarts, or even key lime pie, mirror the tartness of the lime juice and add a sweet counterbalance to the cocktail’s herbal complexity.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Last Word has an interesting and storied history, dating back to the Prohibition era in the 1920s. It was originally created at the Detroit Athletic Club and became a popular drink at the time, thanks to its unusual combination of ingredients and bold flavors. However, like many cocktails of the time, it faded into obscurity for several decades.
The Last Word was rediscovered in the early 2000s by bartender Murray Stenson at the Zig Zag Café in Seattle. Since then, it has seen a revival in craft cocktail bars around the world, appreciated for its complex balance of herbal, citrus, and sweet notes.
Its resurgence is a testament to how well-balanced and flavorful the cocktail is, offering a unique experience that appeals to both classic cocktail aficionados and those looking for something a bit different.
Serving Suggestions
The Last Word is a fantastic cocktail for when you want to impress guests with something unique and sophisticated. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner aperitif, as its tartness and herbal complexity whet the appetite and prepare the palate for a meal.
You can also serve the Last Word at cocktail parties or special occasions, where its balanced flavors and striking appearance are sure to be a conversation starter. For larger gatherings, you can batch the cocktail by mixing equal parts of all the ingredients in advance, storing it in the fridge, and shaking individual servings with ice when ready to serve.
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
The Last Word is a relatively strong cocktail, with an ABV of around 25-30%, depending on the specific spirits used. Green Chartreuse, in particular, is a high-proof liqueur, so the cocktail packs a punch despite its smooth, balanced flavor.
If you’d like to create a lighter version of the Last Word, you can reduce the amount of Green Chartreuse or gin, or add a splash of soda water to dilute the drink slightly. For a non-alcoholic alternative, you can use a botanical alcohol-free spirit in place of the gin and Chartreuse, combined with a non-alcoholic maraschino syrup and fresh lime juice for a refreshing mocktail.
Last Word Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
¾ oz Gin
¾ oz Green Chartreuse
¾ oz Maraschino liqueur
¾ oz Fresh lime juice
Ice
Lime twist or cherry for garnish
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime twist or cherry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use yellow Chartreuse instead of green?
Yes, you can use yellow Chartreuse for a slightly mellower version of the cocktail. Yellow Chartreuse is sweeter and less herbal than the green variety, which will result in a smoother, less intense drink.
What can I use instead of maraschino liqueur?
If you don’t have maraschino liqueur, you can try using another cherry-flavored liqueur, though it may alter the flavor balance slightly. Luxardo Maraschino is the most common choice for this cocktail.
Can I make a large batch of the Last Word?
Yes! To make a batch, simply mix equal parts of gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice in a pitcher. Keep it chilled, and shake individual servings with ice before straining into glasses.
Conclusion
The Last Word is a cocktail that has earned its place as a timeless classic, offering a perfect balance of bold, herbal flavors and refreshing citrus. Its unique combination of ingredients makes it both memorable and intriguing, a drink that’s sure to impress whether you’re sipping it at a cocktail bar or making it at home. If you’re looking for a sophisticated, well-balanced cocktail with a bit of a punch, the Last Word is the perfect choice.
