The Last Word features complex flavours; a touch sour, sweet, and pungent all at once. The cocktail has a bit of 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.
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. Mix one up at home and see why this refreshing cocktail has survived the test of time.
Two of my very favourite cocktails, the Paper Plane and the Naked & Famous, were actually inspired by the Last Word. They are both so delicious. I recommend giving them a try.
Origin
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.
Ingredients
This cocktail is made up of four equal parts:
- Beefeater London Dry Gin
- Green Chartreuse
- Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Substitutions
Gin - You can use whatever gin your prefer in this cocktail, however, the gin you choose will affect the resulting flavour. If you are not using Beefeater London Dry Gin, I recommend that you use another one with a citrus base rather than juniper in this cocktail.
Instructions
Measure all ingredients into a cocktail strainer and shake well with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass to serve.
This drink is served 'straight up' (with no ice).
Equipment
To make this recipe you will need the following:
- Cocktail shaker
- Japanese jigger
- Cocktail strainer
- Coupe glass
Aside from the glass, all of these and many more useful bartending tools can be found in this cocktail bar set.
Variations
These cocktails are variations of the Last Word:
- Paper Plane: Bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Nonino Amaro, lemon.
- Naked & Famous: Smoky mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, lime.
📖 Recipe
The Last Word Cocktail
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 1 minute
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Category: Cocktails
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing, gin-based drink is a classic. The Last Word cocktail features complex flavours that are a touch sour, sweet, and pungent.
Ingredients
¾ oz (22.5ml) Beefeater London Dry Gin
¾ oz (22.5ml) Green Chartreuse
¾ oz (22.5ml) Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
¾ oz (22.5ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
Measure all ingredients into a cocktail strainer and shake well with ice.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass to serve.
This drink is served 'straight up' (with no ice).
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 6
- Sugar: 15.4 g
- Sodium: 0.4 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: last word, last word cocktail
Rihanna says
Luv this. Thanks.
Asha says
Thanks for the review!
Riley says
Delicious!!
Asha says
Thanks 😀
Orella says
A great way to celebrate a weekend off. Powerful.
Asha says
Thanks 🙂
Juan says
My kind of drink. Simple to make yet tastes great.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Hazel says
I found this drink quite delightful.
Going on my 'share with a friend' list.
Asha says
Thanks Hazel, glad you enjoyed it.
Rachel says
Enjoyed this cocktail. Like your history info.
Asha says
Thanks!
Evie says
Great tasting. Thanks.
Asha says
Thank you!
Kassie says
Made this drink for my friend and me. We both liked it a lot.
Asha says
Thanks to you both 🙂
Justin says
Really liked this cocktail. Was a good pick-me-up to get me through my evening's work.
Asha says
So glad you liked it 🙂
Jayne says
Shared a 'last word' with a friend. We both give it a thumps up.
Asha says
Glad you both liked it 🙂 thanks
Missy says
Great flavor.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Holly says
Enjoyable cocktail. Thanks.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂
Nick says
Refreshing. Interesting history.
Asha says
Thank you 🙂