Classics stick around for a reason. And when you think about classic cocktails, the Last Word cocktail is one that may come to mind. This tasty concoction has been around since the pre-prohibition era and is still quite popular today.

The Last Word features complex flavours; a touch sour, sweet, and pungent all at once. Mix one up at home and see why this refreshing cocktail has survived the test of time.

Two cocktails sitting on a tray with a floral pattern.

How to make it

This cocktail is made up of four equal parts: freshly lime juice, gin, Green Chartreuse, and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. Shaken on ice, then strained through a sieve, this drink is served 'straight up' (with no ice) in a coupe glass.

I used these:

cocktail bar set

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coupe glass

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The resulting cocktail has a bite to it, yet is a bit sweet still from the maraschino liqueur. When combined with the other ingredients, rather than cherry, the mellowed-down liqueur has more of a light, floral sweetness on the palate.

The type of gin you use will affect the flavour of this cocktail. You can use whichever kind you please, however, I recommend using one with a citrus base rather than juniper. I used Beefeater London Dry Gin.

Two last word cocktails sitting on a tray with a floral pattern.

History of the Last Word cocktail

The Last Word's origin began at the Detroit Athletic Club (a private social club) in 1916, predating the Prohibition era by just a few years. At the time, it was the most expensive drink listed on the club's menu, at 35¢. It was later introduced and popularized in New York by Frank Fogarty, a famous performer of the time.

Like many things in history, this cocktail all but disappeared in the calamity that was World War II. However, the cocktail was rediscovered in the early 2000's and has since then spread to bars in major cities worldwide.

The Last Word cocktail has also inspired the creation of other delicious drinks, including one of my favourite - the Paper Plane cocktail.