The Last Word cocktail is a classy as it gets. Gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice come together for a refreshing and delicious drink.
Any Great Gatsby fans here? This stunning cocktail dates back to the early 1900’s and looks the part as well. The Last Word cocktail is refreshing, delicious, and looks classy when served in a chilled martini glass, so you’ll be thrilled to serve it at your next party.
I love a gin cocktail and as much as I like a martini, this drink has so much more flavor. The green Chartreuse brings a peppery, herbaceous flavor and it pairs deliciously with the sweet maraschino liqueur and touch of tartness from the lime. Shaken (not stirred) with ice, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more refreshing cocktail for a summer evening or as an aperitif at a dinner party.
The Last Word shares similarities with another gin classic, the Aviation cocktail. They both feature a citrus element and use a maraschino liqueur for sweetness. However, their main difference lies in their additional ingredients, with the Last Word offering an herbaceous undertone due to green Chartreuse, while the Aviation has a sweet floral palate coming from crème de violette.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tart, sweet, and downright delicious, you may want to make some mocktail versions so you can drink them all night.
- The vibrancy of this cocktail is gorgeous.
- Perfect for a party or gathering with friends, so you can show off your mixology skills.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger (to measure liquids)
- Citrus juicer or squeezer
- Cocktail strainer (if not built in the shaker)
- Martini glass (preferably chilled)
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz gin
- 3/4 oz green Chartreuse
- 3/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- lime twist for garnish
- ice cubes
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This chills the ingredients and ensures they are thoroughly mixed.
- Strain the mixture from the shaker into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish your Last Word cocktail with a lime twist. Twist the peel over the drink, then drop it into the glass.
Nutrition
Tips and Tricks
Not a mixologist? No problem! I’m here to share a few insider secrets to help you make your Last Word cocktail like a pro.
- Use high-quality ingredients: It can be tempting to opt for cheaper bottles of booze, but you’re sacrificing the quality of your cocktail when you do so. Don’t get me wrong, a budget-friendly bottle of gin is fine but forking out a little extra money will make all the difference in your Last Word cocktail. Additionally, freshly squeezed lime juice is miles better than anything store bought and it only takes an extra minute.
- Chill your glasses: This is always my first step when making a cocktail. Placing your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes will keep your cocktail colder for longer and make your drink all the more refreshing. Alternatively, you can place several ice cubes in your glass for a few minutes before serving.
- Shake like a pro: When you see bartenders shaking cocktails, you can see that there’s a rhythm to it. You want to hold the shaker closed, ensuring you have a tight seal, and shake with all your might. It only takes 10-15 seconds, so really go for it.
- Garnishing: If you’re garnishing your Last Word cocktail with a lime twist, there’s a particular way to do it. Use a channel knife or citrus peeler to peel a consistent layer of lime rind. When you twist it over your drink, the citrus oils give off an enticing aroma.
Variations
The Last Word cocktail is a classic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with it. Try some of these variations to find the one you like best!
Mezcal Last Word: You can give your cocktail a smoky twist by replacing the gin with mezcal, a relative of tequila. The flavors of the mezcal play well with the herbaceous notes of the green Chartreuse and sweetness of the maraschino liqueur.
White Negroni Last Word: Who doesn’t love a Negroni? This version substitutes the gin with Cocchi Americano or Lillet Blanc and swaps the maraschino liqueur for Suze. Instead of the bright red Campari, the green Chartreuse creates a gorgeous color and altogether amazing flavor.
The Final Ward: I wish I could take credit for this one, but it’s a unique take on the Last Word cocktail developed by bartender Phil Ward. Instead of gin, rye whiskey is used to create spice and warmth. We’re also replacing the lime for lemon, but the remaining ingredients are the same. This is a great choice for those who aren’t big on gin and want a warmer and earthier flavor.
FAQs
Sip this one slowly from a chilled coupe or martini glass. Any other glass you have on hand will do, but if you want go go the traditional route, I would recommend using one of these glasses. This cocktail is delicious, but it’s strong so going slow is the best way to enjoy the flavors without overindulging.
You can absolutely substitute any of the ingredients, but the flavors will change dramatically. If green Chartreuse is unavailable, you can try using yellow Chartreuse, which is similar but a little sweeter. Lemon juice makes a fine substitute for the lime as well.
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. After mixing the cocktail, the drink can become less vibrant and the texture less smooth. It only takes a couple of minutes, so I would suggest mixing your Last Word just before you’re ready to drink it.
How to Store a Last Word Cocktail
As stated above, I wouldn’t bother storing any leftovers for this cocktail. Preparing your Last Word ahead of time won’t yield the same results, however you can pre-measure your gin and liqueurs before mixing and store them in a sealed container. Just keep them in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to make you cocktail. Then, add your lime, ice, and give it a shake.
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