The Last Word dates back to around 1915 and was created at the Detroit Athletic Club, likely by bartender Frank Fogarty. Born just before Prohibition, it has gained lasting fame as one of the most balanced and richly flavored drinks of the era. After decades of obscurity, The Last Word was rediscovered by Murray Stenson of Seattle’s Zig Zag Café in the early 2000s, sparking a revival of pre-Prohibition cocktails. With its unique balance of sweet, sour, and herbal flavors, it’s now celebrated as a timeless classic.
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 person
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 person
3/4 oz gin
3/4 oz green Chartreuse
3/4 oz maraschino liqueur
3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
Brandied cherry (optional)
Chilled Coupe Glass
Shaken
Add gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass.
(Optional) Garnish with a brandied cherry for an elegant touch.
The Last Word offers a distinct flavor profile that perfectly balances herbal, sweet, and sour notes. The green Chartreuse lends complex herbal depth, the maraschino brings a fruity sweetness, and the lime provides a refreshing acidity to round it out.
The Last Word has inspired many modern twists. Notably, the Paper Plane, created by bartender Sam Ross, uses bourbon for a richer flavor. Some bartenders replace gin with mezcal, adding an earthy, smoky layer, while the Rhum Agricole Last Word introduces a fresh, grassy note.
Note: Discover how the Last Word has evolved over time, becoming a staple in contemporary cocktail bars. Find more fascinating variations on our blog.
The Last Word offers a distinct flavor profile that perfectly balances herbal, sweet, and sour notes. The green Chartreuse lends complex herbal depth, the maraschino brings a fruity sweetness, and the lime provides a refreshing acidity to round it out.
The Last Word has inspired many modern twists. Notably, the Paper Plane, created by bartender Sam Ross, uses bourbon for a richer flavor. Some bartenders replace gin with mezcal, adding an earthy, smoky layer, while the Rhum Agricole Last Word introduces a fresh, grassy note.
Note: Discover how the Last Word has evolved over time, becoming a staple in contemporary cocktail bars. Find more fascinating variations on our blog.
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