Last Word
A Prohibition-era cocktail rediscovered at the Zig Zag Cafe in Seattle that became a modern classic overnight. Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime create a perfectly balanced herbal masterpiece.
Ingredients
- 0.8 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.8 oz Gin (London dry)
- 0.8 oz Maraschino liqueur (Luxardo)
- 0.8 oz Fresh lime juice
- brandied cherry (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Serve alongside herb-forward appetizers like gougères with fresh herbs or a crudités platter with green goddess dip to highlight Chartreuse's complex botanical character. The herbal synergy makes this ideal for cocktail hour.
Instructions
Combine green Chartreuse, gin, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass
Drop a brandied cherry into the bottom of the glass
Serve immediately while ice cold
Tips
The equal-parts ratio is sacred in this drink — measure carefully, as even small deviations throw off the balance Use Luxardo maraschino liqueur specifically; the cheaper alternatives lack the almond and cherry depth this cocktail demands This cocktail spawned an entire family of "Last Word variations" — try swapping the gin for mezcal (Ultima Palabra) or bourbon (Final Ward)