The Last Word co*cktail (Classic Recipe) (2024)

Last Updated on: January 25, 2024

Though not a household name, the Last Word co*cktail is a delicious mixed drink.

It’s a flavorful blend of gin, lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and Chartreuse.

This is a sophisticated concoction unlike any you’ve ever tried. It’s botanical and herby, subtly sweet, tangy, and earthy – all rolled into one.

You may not have heard of it yet. But once you try it, you’ll never forget the Last Word co*cktail.

It will leave a lasting impression with its impeccable fusion of ingredients.

Now, let’s delve into the history of the Last Word, its ingredients, how to make it, and more.

History of the Last Word co*cktail

This delightfully balanced co*cktail isn’t super well-known. But it also isn’t a new refreshment.

Rumor has it that a bartender at the Detroit Athletic Club created the drink in either 1915 or 1916.

That’s why you’ll often see it on lists of roaring 1920s co*cktails23 Roaring 1920s co*cktails and Iconic Drinks!

It takes its name from Frank Fogarty, a vaudeville performer and frequent Detroit Athletic Club patron. He was known for gettingthe last wordin any conversation.

However, the co*cktail never took off– not even after being the 1951 co*cktail book. It didn’t find its niche until a Seattle bartender rediscovered it in 2004.

After that, it became a regular item on the Zig Zag’s menu. Now, its popularity is picking up speed.

You can find it in bars all over the US and, of course, on TikTok.

Ingredients

The Last Word has an intriguing mix of ingredients. This makes it so perfectly balanced. The ingredient list is quite specific.

You’ll need:

• Ice-Use large cubes for the shaker. You won’t need any in the actual serving glass.

• Gin-You can experiment with different gin varieties to see which ones you like best. However, London Dry Gin is probably the best option. Its dry, juniper-forward flavor pairs well with all of the other ingredients.

• Green Chartreuse-If you’re new to this liqueur, you might find its robust herbal flavor too overpowering. While the classic recipe uses equal parts, you can adjust the ratio to your taste.

• Maraschino Liqueur-You can use whatever brand of maraschino liqueur you have. Just be sure it’s high-quality. You need it to add depth of sweetness to the co*cktail.

• Lime Juice-Opt for freshly squeezed lime juice for the best taste.

• Garnishes-Though optional, the typical garnishes for this drink are a maraschino cherry and a lime wedge. Add them or leave them off, as you prefer.

How to Make a Last Word co*cktail

Follow these steps to make the Last Word:

Tips and Tricks

This drink is so easy to make. Anyone (with or without bartending skill) can do it. Still, I have a few tips and tricks for you!

• Avoid very floral gins.While you can select any gin, heavily floral-flavored gins aren’t the best option. Their flowery sweetness upsets the otherwise perfect balance of the drink.

• Chill your glasses beforehand.You won’t serve this co*cktail over ice, so chilling the glass is the best way to keep it cool.

• Maraschino liqueur is not maraschino cherry juice.Don’t just reach for your jar of maraschino cherries and pour out the juice.Maraschino liqueuris something entirely different. You can find it at most liquor stores.

• Use high-quality ingredients.Top-shelf gin is best, as is freshly squeezed lime juice. Ensure your other ingredients are also fresh and of good quality.

• Stick to green Chartreuse.While yellow Chartreuse will work in a pinch, it throws off the balance of flavors in the drink. It will not taste the same.

• Final Word and Dirty Word variations.These co*cktails are much like the Last Word, with one distinction. The Final Word usesrye whiskeyinstead of gin. The Dirty Word substitutestequila.

More co*cktails To Try

Paper Plane

Pimm’s CupVodka Soda

The Last Word co*cktail (Classic Recipe)

Servings

1

serving

The Last Word co*cktail is a prohibition-era drink with notes of mint, pine, cherry, & lime. It’s ideal for those who love a semi-sweet, herbal, & complex sip.

Ingredients

• Ice

• 3/4 ounce gin

• 3/4 ounce green Chartreuse

• 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur

• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

• Maraschino cherry, for garnish (optional)

• Lime wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Shake vigorously until well chilled, about 20-30 seconds.
• Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or co*cktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and lime wedge, if desired.
• Serve and enjoy!