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The Last Word is a complex, balanced cocktail that combines gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice for a flavor profile that’s both herbaceous and slightly sweet. Originally created in the 1920s, this cocktail was nearly lost to time but made a comeback in the early 2000s thanks to the craft cocktail revival. The Last Word is celebrated for its equal-parts recipe, allowing each ingredient to shine and creating a drink that’s bold, memorable, and refreshing. Let’s explore the history, unique qualities, and recipe for crafting the perfect Last Word at home.
The Origins of the Last Word
The Last Word was created in the 1920s at the Detroit Athletic Club and gained popularity during Prohibition. Its equal-parts structure made it easy to remember and replicate, leading to a loyal following. However, after Prohibition, the cocktail fell out of favor and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by Seattle bartender Murray Stenson in 2004.
Stenson found the recipe in an old cocktail book and introduced it to customers at Seattle’s Zig Zag Café, sparking a renewed interest in the drink. The Last Word quickly became a cult favorite among cocktail enthusiasts and has since become a staple on cocktail menus worldwide, known for its bold yet balanced flavors and unique, herbal character.
What Makes the Last Word So Unique
The Last Word is a standout cocktail for a few key reasons:
- Balanced, Equal-Parts Recipe: With equal parts of each ingredient, the Last Word is perfectly balanced, with each flavor complementing the others in a harmonious way.
- Herbal Complexity: The green Chartreuse and maraschino liqueur provide herbal and nutty notes that are beautifully contrasted by the sharpness of gin and lime.
- A Vintage Revival: As a cocktail that was nearly forgotten, the Last Word has a unique story and a vintage charm, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates classic cocktails.
How to Make the Perfect Last Word
The Last Word is easy to make at home with its straightforward, equal-parts formula. Here’s the classic recipe for this timeless favorite.
Classic Last Word Recipe
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz (2.25 cl) gin
- ¾ oz (2.25 cl) green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz (2.25 cl) maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz (2.25 cl) fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime twist or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds to chill and blend the flavors.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime twist or a maraschino cherry for a touch of color and aroma.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best balance of tartness and freshness, as it brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Gin: The gin in the Last Word should be clean and juniper-forward to stand up to the herbal notes of Chartreuse. London Dry gins like Beefeater or Tanqueray work well, but feel free to experiment with gins that have a more delicate botanical profile for a slightly softer drink.
- Green Chartreuse: Green Chartreuse is an herbal liqueur made with 130 botanicals, crafted by Carthusian monks in France. It’s potent, complex, and adds a unique herbal character to the Last Word that’s hard to replicate. The high-proof Chartreuse is key to the drink’s depth and flavor.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Maraschino liqueur, such as Luxardo Maraschino, adds a hint of cherry-almond sweetness that complements the herbaceous notes of Chartreuse. Its nuttiness balances the sharpness of the lime, creating a rounded flavor.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides the acidity and brightness that cuts through the drink’s herbal and nutty flavors, ensuring a balanced, refreshing cocktail.
Tips for Perfecting Your Last Word
- Use Equal Parts: The Last Word is a rare cocktail where the equal-parts formula works perfectly. Resist the urge to tweak the ratios—its beauty lies in its balance.
- Shake Vigorously: Shaking the cocktail well with ice helps blend the strong flavors and gives the drink a refreshing chill.
- Experiment with Garnishes: A lime twist highlights the freshness of the lime, while a maraschino cherry enhances the liqueur’s nutty-sweet character.
- Serve in a Chilled Glass: Chilling the glass before serving keeps the cocktail cold and enhances the flavors.
Last Word Variations to Try
The Last Word’s balanced structure makes it a great template for experimentation. Here are a few variations to explore:
- Final Ward: Substitute the gin with rye whiskey and the lime juice with lemon juice for a warmer, spicier version known as the Final Ward. This variation is perfect for whiskey lovers.
- Paper Plane: Try a modern twist with equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice for a bright, slightly bitter variation with a balanced sweetness.
- Chartreuse Swizzle: Make a longer drink by serving the Last Word over crushed ice and adding a splash of soda water for a refreshing, tropical-inspired twist.
- Mezcal Last Word: Substitute the gin with mezcal for a smoky version that adds a layer of depth and complexity to the cocktail.
- Last Ward of Summer: Replace the lime juice with fresh grapefruit juice for a sweeter, slightly bitter twist that brings out the maraschino’s fruity character.
When to Serve the Last Word
The Last Word’s complex, herbal profile makes it suitable for a variety of occasions:
- Aperitif: The bright, balanced flavors of the Last Word make it a perfect pre-dinner drink that awakens the palate.
- Cocktail Hour: This cocktail’s refreshing, slightly herbal character makes it ideal for cocktail hour, whether you’re relaxing at home or out at a bar.
- Cool-Weather Nights: The warmth and richness of Chartreuse make the Last Word especially enjoyable in fall and winter, adding a cozy touch to the evening.
- Celebrating Vintage Cocktails: If you’re hosting a cocktail tasting or retro-themed party, the Last Word is a great choice to showcase the revival of classic cocktails.
Why You Should Try the Last Word
The Last Word is a cocktail that brings bold flavors, vintage charm, and perfect balance to any occasion. With its unique combination of gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, this cocktail delivers an herbal, slightly sweet experience that’s both refreshing and complex. It’s a drink that appeals to both classic cocktail lovers and those who appreciate a drink with a bit of edge and intrigue.
For fans of gin cocktails or anyone looking to explore bold, herbal flavors, the Last Word is a must-try. Its simple yet sophisticated recipe and timeless appeal make it a fantastic addition to any cocktail repertoire.
So next time you’re in the mood for a drink that’s zesty, memorable, and a little adventurous, mix up a Last Word, raise your glass, and toast to the legacy of vintage cocktails. Cheers!
