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By Shawn Williams
5 from 1 vote
Sep 29, 2018, Updated Aug 22, 2023
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The Last Word is one of my all-time favorite Prohibition-era co*cktails. This classic elixir combines an intriguing blend of spirits, fresh citrus, and herbal liqueurs to create a delicate union of unique flavors.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients
- How to Make a Last Word
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Gin co*cktails
- Last Word co*cktail Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
The Last Word is a spirit-forward co*cktail that is mild and refreshing with a subtle sweetness. It’s citrusy and full of unique floral spices and botanicals made up of equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
The drink first made its appearance at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s but remained relatively unknown until it was rediscovered and popularized by renowned bartender Murray Stenson at the Zig Zag Café in Seattle in the early 2000s. Now, it’s pretty popular in co*cktail bars and very easy to remember thanks to the equal parts.
Looking for other classic gin co*cktails? Try the Bee’s Knees, Aviation co*cktail, Tuxedo No. 2 co*cktail, and the Corpse Reviver 2.
Ingredients
- Gin: the backbone of the Last Word, gin provides a smooth and aromatic base. Its botanical notes complement the other ingredients, creating a complex flavor profile. I like London dry gin such as Plymouth.
- Maraschino Liqueur: made from sour Marasca cherries, Maraschino liqueur adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the drink. It balances the gin’s dryness and contributes a touch of fruitiness. A very popular liqueur thanks to the Aviation co*cktail.
- Green Chartreuse: this herbal liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks since the 18th century, imparts a vibrant green color and a unique blend of botanicals. Its complex flavors, ranging from herbal and floral to slightly spicy, give the Last Word its distinct character.
- Fresh lime juice: the lime juice provides a refreshing citrusy tang that enhances the other flavors. It adds a necessary touch of acidity to round out the drink.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
How to Make a Last Word
Step 1.
Combine all ingredients into a Boston shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Step 2.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Expert Tips
- Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
- This co*cktail is best served in a small coupe glass. It makes for a fantastic presentation given the drink’s history and age.
- Always double-strain shaken co*cktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the co*cktail as it warms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Last Word shaken or stirred?
The Last Word is typically a shaken co*cktail that should be double strained through a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice chips.
Is Green Chartreuse similar to absinthe?
While both share botanical notes, absinthe is dominated by anise flavor (black licorice). Green Chartreuse is more balanced, sweet, and mild.
What is the alcohol content of the Last Word co*cktail?
24.7% ABV assuming you use an 80-proof gin. The Last Word is balanced with citrus and spirits in small quantities in comparison to a classic gin martini (around 30% ABV).
Can I substitute vodka if I don’t like gin?
Gin is surprisingly subtle in this co*cktail—it blends really well with the other flavors. Substituting vodka in most classic gin co*cktails tends to really clash for the worse.
More Gin co*cktails
Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini Recipe
Bohemian co*cktail Recipe
French 75 co*cktail Recipe
Aviation co*cktail Recipe
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this co*cktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & areview in the comments!
5 from 1 vote
Last Word co*cktail Recipe
By: Shawn Williams
Servings: 1 co*cktail
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
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The Last Word is a well-balanced elixir consisting of equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce Maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 Brandied cherry, garnish
Instructions
Combine all ingredients into a Boston shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Notes
Chill your glasses ahead of time in the freezer to keep your drinks cooler for longer. This is one of my favorite tricks in the summer.
This co*cktail is best served in a small coupe glass. It makes for a fantastic presentation given the drink’s history and age.
Always double-strain shaken co*cktails through a fine mesh strainer. This removes tiny ice chips that will dilute the co*cktail as it warms.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 36.3gSugar: 36g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Course: co*cktail
Cuisine: American
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