The Final Ward
A bourbon-based riff on the Last Word created by Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York. Swapping bourbon for gin and lemon for lime transforms the classic template into something warmer, richer, and undeniably American.
Ingredients
- 0.8 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.8 oz Bourbon
- 0.8 oz Maraschino liqueur (Luxardo)
- 0.8 oz Fresh lemon juice
- lemon peel twist (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Pair with French charcuterie and creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert; the herbaceous chartreuse and bright lemon complement cured meats and rich, buttery spreads.
Instructions
Combine green Chartreuse, bourbon, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon 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
Express a lemon peel over the surface of the drink
Rest the lemon twist on the rim or drop it into the glass
Tips
The switch from lime to lemon and gin to bourbon makes this noticeably rounder and warmer than the original Last Word A medium-bodied bourbon like Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams Single Barrel works perfectly without fighting the Chartreuse If you enjoy this, explore the entire Last Word family — each spirit swap creates a meaningfully different cocktail experience