This may be your first time hearing about the Last Word cocktail, but don’t worry! You’ll be all caught up by the end of this article, so be sure to read on.
The history of the Last Word cocktail
This intriguing cocktail actually dates back to the Prohibition era. It is believed to be crafted at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920’s by vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty. The drink became an instant hit but faded into obscurity over time.
Fortunately for the Last Word cocktail, craft cocktails rose back into popularity in the early 2000’s when bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts began exploring forgotten recipes. This resurgence played a significant role in the revival of the cocktail. During this period, bartender Murray Stenson rediscovered the recipe and repopularised the Last Word cocktail at the Zig Zag cafe in Seattle.
What makes the Last Word cocktail unique?
The Last Word cocktail’s uniqueness lies in the perfect balance of four ingredients: gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
The combination of these ingredients brings a distinct flavour profile to the mix, creating a cocktail that is both complex and refreshing. Because of the equal-parts recipe, the Last Word cocktail is also easy to remember and replicate.
Another point of uniqueness lies in the ingredient green Chartreuse. This recipe for this liqueur has been made and passed down by Carthusian monks from generation to generation. The drink consists of a secret recipe of 130 herbs and plants, and the exact recipe is known by only two monks in the world at any given time!
Variations of the Last Word cocktail
Although the original recipe calls for equal parts, mixologists and bartenders throughout the years have experimented with different spirits and liqueurs to create different variations of the same cocktail throughout the years.
A few notable ones are:
- The Final Ward: substitutes gin for rye whiskey and lime juice with lemon juice, resulting in a richer and spicier cocktail
- The Paper Plane: contains equal parts bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice, offering a bittersweet twist
- The Naked and Famous: combines mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime for a smoky and vibrant flavour profile
How to make the Last Word cocktail
Looking to make the Last Word cocktail home? It's surprisingly simple! Here's a step-by-step guide:
You’ll need:
- 5 ml gin
- 5 ml green Chartreuse
- 5 ml maraschino liqueur
- 5 ml fresh lime juice
To make your own cocktail, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Then, shake vigorously until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, and garnish with a cherry or lime twist if you fancy it.
And there you have it—a perfectly balanced Last Word cocktail ready to be enjoyed.
If you love exploring unique and historical cocktails, the Last Word cocktail is a must-try. Its balanced flavours of herbal, sweet, and tart make it a versatile drink that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
Gather the ingredients to make your own Last Word cocktail at minuman.com or from the minuman.com Superstore!
