Last Word

The Last Word is a relatively simple cocktail made with equal parts gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.

The cocktail is characterized by a unique combination of flavours: the herbal and slightly sweet notes of the Chartreuse, the fruity complexity of the Maraschino liqueur and the tartness of the lime juice are balanced by the botanicals of the gin.

The history of the Last Word cocktail goes back to the time of Prohibition in the United States in the 1920s. It is believed that this cocktail was born in the Detroit Athletic Club, a private sports club with a long tradition. Here it was very popular among the elite guests. However, it was later forgotten until it was rediscovered by the mixology community in the early 2000s.

Last Word recipe

Ingredients (for 2 portions):

• 6 cl gin
• 6 cl Chartreuse (or other herbal liqueur)
• 6 cl Maraschino liqueur
• 6 cl lime juice

Preparation:

1. Pour all ingredients into a shaker.
2. Fill with ice and shake well.
3. Strain through a fine sieve into two chilled martini glasses.

How do you serve the Last Word?

• Straight Up: The Last Word is traditionally served in a coupe or martini glass without ice. This elegant presentation is perfect for a cocktail party or an upscale bar.
• On the Rocks: If you prefer a slightly diluted version or a cooler drink, you can serve the Last Word in a glass with ice cubes.
• Straight Up with a Twist: Garnish your Last Word with a lime zest to enhance the citrus flavor of your cocktail.

Variations of the Last Word cocktail

Some variations of the Last Word use different types of gin or change the proportions of the ingredients to suit personal taste. However, there are also variations that use spirits other than gin. A Last Word with smoky mezcal instead of gin is known as "The Final Ward", for example. The "Paper Plane", on the other hand, is mixed with bourbon whisky instead of gin.

Which gin to use for the Last Word?

The choice of gin for a Last Word cocktail can greatly influence its flavor profile. Traditionally, a London Dry Gin is used, as the classic juniper notes and fresh citrus flavors are perfect for mixing.

However, the world of gin has evolved considerably in recent years and gins are now available in every conceivable variation. If you want to experiment with different flavor profiles, you can use a gin with specific botanicals or a particular style. Find out what tastes best to you!