The Last Word is a timeless Prohibition-era cocktail I love. This elegant drink balances bright citrus with herbal and floral liqueurs, producing a spirit-forward yet refreshingly smooth cocktail.
Why This Recipe Works
The Last Word relies on equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. That simple formula creates a layered, harmonious profile: botanical gin, herbaceous Chartreuse, cherry notes from maraschino, and bright acidity from lime. The result is a crisp, slightly sweet cocktail with complex herbal and floral undertones.
Historically, the Last Word first appeared in the 1920s at the Detroit Athletic Club. It remained obscure until bartender Murray Stenson revived it at Seattle’s Zig Zag Café in the early 2000s. Today it’s a favorite at cocktail bars because the equal-parts recipe is easy to remember and consistently balanced.
Ingredients
- Gin: the base spirit. Choose a London dry or another botanical-forward gin to complement the herbal notes of Chartreuse.
- Maraschino liqueur: a clear cherry liqueur with a dry, nutty-fruit character that adds depth and delicate sweetness.
- Green Chartreuse: a bright, herbal liqueur with a complex botanical profile. It gives the cocktail its vivid herbal edge and signature color.
- Fresh lime juice: provides crisp acidity to balance the sweetness and vegetal elements.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities and serving details.
How to Make a Last Word
Step 1.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Step 2.
Double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a brandied cherry.
Expert Tips
- Chill glasses in the freezer before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Serve the Last Word in a small coupe for the classic presentation and proper proportions.
- Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove tiny ice shards and keep dilution consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
They share botanical complexity, but absinthe is strongly anise-forward, while Green Chartreuse is sweeter and more balanced with a wider range of herbal flavors.
Gin contributes botanical lift that plays well with Chartreuse and maraschino. Replacing it with vodka removes those botanicals and usually makes the cocktail less interesting.
More Gin Cocktails
Cucumber Gin and Elderflower Martini
Bohemian Cocktail
French 75 Cocktail
Aviation Cocktail
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Last Word Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce Maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1 Brandied cherry, garnish
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a Boston shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Notes
A small coupe offers the best presentation for this classic cocktail.
Double-strain shaken cocktails to remove ice chips and control dilution.
Nutrition
Calories: 193
Carbohydrates: 36.3 g
Sugar: 36 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Additional Info
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