If you’re looking for the perfect party cocktail, this Last Word Cocktail recipe will steal the show! The delicious beverage is from the Prohibition-era cocktail. Originally made with makeshift bathtub gin during the restricted era, this drink became popular in speakeasies and bars at the start of Prohibition. It was named for the era’s secrecy and the refined taste of visitors who frequented the hidden establishments.
The classic cocktail is known for its smooth yet punchy flavor profile, and while simple to make, it emits elegance. This recipe is a modern twist on the original, made with equal parts gin, maraschino liqueur, green chartreuse, and fresh lime juice. The sweet-tart flavor is balanced with the herbaceous notes from green chartreuse, making this a very unique and delicious cocktail. For more classic cocktail recipes, try my Manhattan, Negroni, or Aviation Cocktail recipes.
Ingredients
Gin — use your favorite variety to customize the drink to your taste. London dry gin with strong juniper notes adds a crisp, classic flavor, while a botanical gin enhances the herbaceous flavors of the drink.
Lime Juice — fresh lime juice adds a bright citrus note and tartness that balances the sweet maraschino liqueur, adding a refreshing finish to the drink.
Maraschino Liqueur — adds a bitterness with a subtle sweetness with tasting notes of sour cherry and nutty almond. It’s the perfect pairing for the zesty lime juice!
Green Chartreuse — this herbal liqueur is the star of the show with a peppery, minty, herbaceous flavor profile. It cleanses the palette and adds a beautiful green hue to the cocktail, making it a showstopper.
How To Make The Last Word Cocktail
1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
2. Add the lime juice, gin, Maraschino liqueur, and green chartreuse to the shaker.
3. Cover the shaker securely with the lid and shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass such as a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry or lime twist.
What Is Green Chartreuse?
Green chartreuse is a strong herbal liqueur made by Carthusian monks since the 18th century. It is a secret blend of over 100 herbs, plants, and flavors. It is known for its complex flavor profile with notes of thyme, mint, sage, and other botanicals and a vibrant green hue. Due to its refreshing taste and herbal flavoring components, it is often used as a digestif or added to cocktails to add a bold, herbal flavor.
What’s The Best Gin For This Cocktail?
I recommend using a dry or botanical gin to bring out the herbal notes of the cocktail, so choose your brand of choice accordingly to create the drink to your liking. I would avoid using a flavored or sweeter gin for this cocktail.
Tips For The Perfect Last Work Cocktail
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice is crucial for the freshest citrus flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice as the taste is less vibrant and can taste bitter.
- Measure properly. Use a jigger or measuring spoons to measure each ingredient precisely. This is key to achieving the best cocktail, as it relies on equal parts of all ingredients.
- Chill your glassware. Before serving, place your martini glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Shake well. Vigorously shake the ingredients with the ice in the cocktail shaker for 10-20 seconds to thoroughly blend the flavors and create the proper dilution. The outside of your cocktail shaker should be covered with condensation or slightly frosty.
- Garnish for presentation. Add a fresh lime twist or Luxardo cherry for the perfect finishing touch, adding color and a hint of extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need and mix the ingredients (except the ice) in a large jar or pitcher with a tight-fitting lid. Store the pitcher in the refrigerator for a few hours or up to 24 hours before serving. When you’re ready to serve, shake 3 ounces of the mix at a time in a cocktail shaker with ice then strain into a chilled glass.
Green Chartreuse is made in limited quantities each year and can sometimes be hard to find. If you cannot find green chartreuse or want a substitute, you can use Dolin Génépy le Chamois Liqueur to add a hint of green color and similar herbal notes. Alternatively, Faccia Brutto Centerbe, Bordiga Centum Herbis, or Benedictine will also provide a herbaceous profile that will complement the other flavors in the drink.
Yes, you can use equal parts whiskey in place of the gin and swap the lime juice for lemon juice. This is the best-known riff on The Last Word and is called a Final Ward cocktail.
If you’ve tried this Last Word Cocktail recipe, then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Last Word Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- ¾ ounce gin
- ¾ ounce Maraschino liqueur
- ¾ ounce green chartreuse
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice, combine the lime juice, gin, Maraschino liqueur, and green chartreuse. Cover and shake vigorously for 10 to 20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass such as a coupe or Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a luxardo cherry or lime twist.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh lime juice is crucial for the freshest citrus flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice as the taste is less vibrant and can taste bitter.
- Measure properly. Use a jigger or measuring spoons to measure each ingredient precisely. This is key to achieving the best cocktail, as it relies on equal parts of all ingredients.
- Chill your glassware. Before serving, place your martini glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. This keeps the drink cold and refreshing.
- Shake well. Vigorously shake the ingredients with the ice in the cocktail shaker for 10-20 seconds to thoroughly blend the flavors and create the proper dilution. The outside of your cocktail shaker should be covered with condensation or slightly frosty.
- Garnish for presentation. Add a fresh lime twist or Luxardo cherry for the perfect finishing touch, adding color and a hint of extra flavor.
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