Last word cocktail
The Last Word is a Prohibition-era gin cocktail that balances herbal, sweet, and sour flavours in equal parts. Made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, it’s zesty, complex, and refreshing.
Once nearly forgotten, it’s now a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy bold, layered flavours.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2.2
Equipment
- coupe glass
Ingredients
- 25 ml gin
- 25 ml green Chartreuse
- 25 ml maraschino liqueur
- 25 ml lime juice (Fresh)
- 1 Lime wheel or cherry (Optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice
- Shake well until chilled
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with a lime wheel or cherry
FAQ
Which gin works best in a Last Word?
A classic London Dry gin gives the drink structure and bite, while softer or citrus-led gins make it brighter. Because the cocktail is equal parts, the gin you choose really shapes the balance.
How strong is a Last Word?
A standard serve (25ml gin at 40% ABV, 25ml green Chartreuse, 25ml maraschino liqueur, 25ml lime juice) comes to about 2.2 alcohol units – similar in strength to a Negroni, but sharper and more herbal.
Why is the Last Word unique?
It’s one of the few classic cocktails that uses equal parts, which makes it easy to mix consistently. Its combination of herbal Chartreuse, sweet cherry liqueur, and sharp lime is unusual but perfectly balanced.
When was it created?
The Last Word first appeared in Detroit during Prohibition in the 1920s, then faded into obscurity until it was revived in the early 2000s by craft cocktail bartenders.