The Last Word is a fresh and herbaceous equal parts cocktail; simple and easy to make with a foolproof recipe!
The Last Word is a timeless classic, one that gained huge popularity early on before disappearing, only to reappear years later stronger than ever. Originating during the Prohibition Era in the early 1920s, this cocktail found its humble beginnings at the renowned Detroit Athletic Club. The club holds a storied legacy as a prestigious private club founded in 1887. Located in downtown Detroit, it has been a hub for social gatherings, athletic events, and business meetings. Today, it is well known as the birthplace of the Last Word.
The Prohibition Era
If you are unfamiliar with the Prohibition Era – it was a tumultuous time marked by the ban on alcohol. It did however give rise to a fascinating array of cocktails that became clandestine symbols of rebellion and indulgence. Speakeasies became havens where mixologists crafted inventive drinks to mask the inferior quality of bootlegged spirits. As well as the Last Word, iconic drinks like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Sidecar were born during this era, showcasing the creativity of bartenders who skillfully balanced flavors with syrups, bitters, and fresh citrus. These Prohibition-era cocktails not only endured but thrived, leaving an enduring legacy on the modern craft cocktail scene.
Despite waning in popularity over the years, the Last Word experienced a renaissance in 2003 when bartender Murray Stenson of Seattle’s Zig Zag Cafe reintroduced it to the world. Part of the love for this cocktail is attached to the ease of creation. It’s an equal parts cocktail, therefore easy to remember. Featuring gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, this concoction stands as a testament to the golden age of mixology. The green chartreuse gives the drink a slightly sweet, herbal flavour, complementing the botanicals of the gin and tang of citrus.
Watch the video here. If you make this drink, don’t forget to tag me on TikTok or Instagram. I love to see it!
Last Word
Ingredients
- 22.5 mL gin
- 22.5 mL green chartreuse
- 22.5 mL maraschino liqueur
- 22.5 mL lime juice
- Maraschino cherry to garnish
Instructions
- Add gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice to the base of a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake to chill.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry on a cocktail pick.
Looking for more gin cocktails? Try the Gin Basil Smash or Gin & Jam.
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