📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 22%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 11g
Prep time 3 minutes
Imagine you’ve stumbled upon the secret to the perfect sip of summer, a potion that dances on your tongue with a mix of sweet, sour, and herbal notes. That’s the Last Word, a cocktail that combines gin, chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice to take your taste buds on a thrilling adventure. Let’s delve into its vibrant history, explore its complex flavor, and learn how to create this liquid legend at home. Ready to become a cocktail connoisseur? Join us as we unfold the story of the Last Word. ⬇️
History
The Last Word is a Prohibition-era cocktail, born at the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s. It was forgotten for decades until rediscovered in Seattle in the early 2000s. This drink has stood the test of time, embodying the spirit of both the Roaring Twenties and modern mixology.
- The name “Last Word” was coined because it was seen as the definitive statement in cocktails.
- Its revival in Seattle’s famous Zig Zag Café sparked a global resurgence in classic cocktails.
- The Last Word was a high-end cocktail, often costing an entire month’s paycheck during its inception.
The taste of a Last Word?
When you take a sip of the Last Word, you’re greeted by a harmonious clash of flavors. The sharpness of gin, the floral depth of chartreuse, the sweet kiss of maraschino, and the tangy punch of lime create a truly unique and balanced taste.
I find the Last Word irresistible; it’s like a symphony of flavors in my mouth, all playing together in perfect harmony.
Interesting facts about Last Word
- The bright green hue of the Last Word comes from the chartreuse, a French herbal liqueur.
- Its equal-parts recipe makes it an ideal cocktail for beginners to practice their mixology skills.
- The cocktail’s resurgence is often linked to the craft cocktail movement of the early 21st century.
Ingredients
- Gin: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Green Chartreuse: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Maraschino Liqueur: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
A coupe glass is the vessel of choice for a Last Word, lending a touch of elegance and ensuring the aromas concentrate to enhance the sipping experience. Alternatively, a martini glass can also cradle this cocktail well, offering a broader surface to appreciate its vibrant color.
Recipe. How to make Last Word
- Add 0.75 oz (22ml) of gin, 0.75 oz (22ml) green chartreuse, 0.75 oz (22ml) maraschino liqueur, and 0.75 oz (22ml) fresh lime juice into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel or cherry.
The Last Word is more than just a flavorful indulgence; it’s a sugary treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. To create a healthier version, one could use less maraschino liqueur or swap it for a natural cherry juice. While the drink’s ingredients don’t boast significant health benefits, they do offer a rich tapestry of flavors worth savoring.
Food Pairings
Every great cocktail deserves the perfect culinary companion to elevate the experience. The Last Word, with its bold and botanical flavors, pairs exquisitely with a range of foods that match its intensity and freshness.
Charcuterie
The saltiness of cured meats and the creaminess of artisan cheeses contrast beautifully with the herbaceous and citrus notes of a Last Word, creating a delightful taste journey.
Oysters
The briny freshness of oysters complements the Last Word’s sharpness, making each sip after a slurped oyster taste even more invigorating.
Dark Chocolate
For a decadent treat, pair the Last Word with dark chocolate. The bitterness of the chocolate and the sweet complexity of the drink are a match made in heaven.
I’m enamored with the Last Word because it’s like a refreshing breeze on a scorching day, a true burst of flavor that never fails to impress.
🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to ensure the drink stays cold longer.
- Practice your shaking technique; a well-shaken cocktail is the secret to the perfect texture and temperature.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Last Word, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Last Word
- Gin: Could be replaced with mezcal for a smoky twist.
- Green Chartreuse: Try substituting with another herbal liqueur for a different profile.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Use a cherry syrup for a sweeter, less alcoholic version.
Last Word Variations
The Final Say
- Ingredients: Rye whiskey, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lime juice.
- Recipe: Mix the ingredients in equal parts, shake with ice, and strain into a chilled glass.
The First Word
- Ingredients: Gin, yellow chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, lemon juice.
- Recipe: Shake all ingredients with ice and serve in a coupe glass with a lemon twist garnish.
The Penultimate Word
- Ingredients: Gin, green chartreuse, elderflower liqueur, lime juice.
- Recipe: Combine the ingredients, shake vigorously, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
For those preferring a non-alcoholic experience, a Virgin Last Word can be just as delightful. Mix equal parts lime juice, non-alcoholic gin, and a syrup of your choice, then garnish with a sprig of mint.
Q&A
Can I make a Last Word without maraschino liqueur?
Absolutely! Although maraschino is traditional, you can substitute it with a cherry syrup or another liqueur to give a similar sweetness.
Is the Last Word always served up?
Yes, typically it’s served up, which means without ice in the glass, to maintain the strength and flavor of the drink.
What does ‘equal parts’ mean in the recipe?
Equal parts means you use the same amount of each ingredient, creating a perfect balance in the cocktail.
Can I batch prepare Last Words for a party?
Certainly! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher. Serve chilled without ice.
Why is fresh lime juice important?
Fresh lime juice ensures the cocktail has a vibrant, zesty flavor that bottled juice just can’t match.
Are there any particular gins that work best in a Last Word?
While you can use any gin, those with a more botanical profile tend to complement the chartreuse and maraschino flavors wonderfully.
