The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Debra Clark · 5 Comments

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Last Word co*cktail Recipe - A four-ingredient co*cktail that is super easy to make. Gin, chartreuse andmaraschino liqueur blend with tangy lime. This prohibition-era co*cktail is a perfectly balanced drink!

Next time try a Whiskey Old Fashioned, I love this classic co*cktail!

The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (1)
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Equipment
  • Best serving glasses:
  • FAQ's
  • Recipe backstory
  • Tips
  • Related recipes
  • More gin based co*cktails
  • Serve with
  • The Last Word Recipe
  • Recipe backstory

This recipe is meant for people over 21 years old. Please drink responsibly.

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ it's not too sweet.

✔️ the Last Word co*cktail is a classic recipe and super easy too make!

✔️ it's perfect for a party or to ring in the New Year!

Ingredients

  • Gin - you don't need to purchase the most expensive gin. It's ok to use a mid-range selection. Bombay would be great, we like Pomodore Gin.
  • Green chartreuse liqueur- Chartreuse a French herbal liqueur comes in both yellow and lime green, be sure to choose the green.
  • Maraschino liqueur- a dry liquor that tastes like sour cherries and is slightly sweet. There are many brands of maraschino liqueur. Choose the one that works for your budget.
  • Fresh lime juice - great citrus flavor and tangy goodness - don't skip the lime!
The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (2)

Instructions

  1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add equal parts gin, chartreuse and maraschino liqueurs.
  3. Squeeze in the lime.
  4. Add the lid and shake it vigorously until the co*cktail is chilled.
  5. Strain into glasses and garnish with a lime twist or lime wheel. Bottoms up!

Equipment

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Best serving glasses:

A coupe glass is the first choice, a martini glass would also work in a pinch!

This is a strong co*cktail. If you're going to purchase glasses, look for smaller 5-6 oz. glasses.

The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (3)

FAQ's

What does the last word co*cktail taste like?

It's tart and dry and just a tiny bit sweet. This co*cktail is perfectly balanced.

Where was the last word co*cktail created?

The last word dates back to 1922. It was created just before Prohibition and first served atthe Detroit Athletic Club, served by Frank Fogarty. Revived in the 2000's by Murray Stensonat the Zig Zag Cafe in Seattle.

What is the best gin for a last word?

Because this is a mixed drink, you do not need an expensive gin for this recipe. London dry gin, Bombay Gin or Pomodore Gin would all be good choices.

Can you substitute lemon juice for the lime?

Of course you can, but I don't recommend it. This mixed drink has complex flavors and sticking with the original recipe will ensure it's perfectly balanced.

What is Chartreuse liqueur?

Chartreuse is a French liqueur with a herbaceous note that comes in yellow and green. It's a secret blend made by monks since the early 1700's.

Recipe backstory

If you're wondering where the Last Word co*cktail came from, it goes back to the prohibition era and bathtub gin. It wasn't fancy and this co*cktail packs a PUNCH!

Tips

  • Shake the co*cktail vigorously! Shaking not only mixes the liquid, but it also chills it.
  • No martini shaker? You don't have to buy one. You can also use a mason jar with a screw-top lid.
  • I found Chartreuse and Maraschino liqueur at Total Wines and More, but I'm sure you can find it at any liquor store.
  • The Paloma co*cktail is perfect for a summertime co*cktail or festive event. It's super easy to make and delicious!
  • Got lemons? Then make an adult lemonade, well a martini anyway Lemon Drop Martinis are always a favorite for co*cktail hour.
  • The Ocean Breeze co*cktail is fun & fruity tropical drink perfect for a hot summer's day.
  • The classic Wisconsin co*cktail Whiskey Old Fashion Sour is my go-to favorite!

More gin based co*cktails

  1. Gin and Tonic - only two ingredients and a twist of lime. An easy after work libation.
  2. Gin Fiz co*cktail - a perfectly balanced, sweet/tart fizzy drink!
  3. Tom Collins - bright citrusy and refreshing!
  4. Paper Plane co*cktail - sweet and tangy served with a slice of orange or twist of lemon.

Serve with

If you want to make it a party, you'll want to add some appetizers and bites!

  • Stuffed Mushrooms - these are SO. GOOD. I've made a meal out of these. One of my favs!
  • Roasted Grape Crostini - surprisingly easy and so fancy, this is an AMAZING bite!
  • Pot Stickers - fun to make and always popular! You can even make these ahead and freeze. Then cook just cook at party time, YUM!

The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (4)

5 from 3 votes

The Last Word Recipe

Last Word co*cktail Recipe - Only 4 ingredients to party fun! This co*cktail is super easy to make and the liqueurs blend perfectly with tangy lime for a yummy balanced co*cktail! This one packs a punch!

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Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time0 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 199kcal

Cost: $12

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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 shot chartreuse liqueur
  • 1 shot maraschino liqueur
  • 1 shot gin
  • 1 lime juiced

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Instructions

  • Add a shot of each liqueur to a co*cktail shaker filled with ice.

  • Squeeze the lime into the shaker.

  • Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, strain into glasses.

Notes

Tips to make The Last Word co*cktail

  • When a recipe calls for "shaking", shake it vigorously! Shaking not only mixes the liquid but it also chills it.
  • No martini shaker? Substitute with a mason jar with a screw top lid!

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

Recipe backstory

This fall when we traveled to New Mexico we had a loonnngggg layover in San Diego. Now I wasn't about to complain because we used free airline points and didn't spend a dime.

But when you're stuck in the airport for hours.... what do you do? We ate. We read. Then when we got bored, we stopped at the co*cktail bar!

I asked the bartender to surprise me. I explained I like drinks that aren't too sweet like a Poloma. She suggested this and I said sure, I'd give it a try!

Whew, I was glad we had nothing to do but rest and relax! This Last Word co*cktail Recipe will sneak up on you. Similar to a Long Island Ice Tea, this drink packs a punch!

More Appetizers, Snacks and Beverages

  • Roast Beef Rollups Recipe
  • Carrabba's Pomegranate Martini Recipe
  • Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Nachos Recipe
  • Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings

About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jennifer stewart

    The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (9)
    Chartreuse is such an underutilized liqueur and I am so excited I now have a new way to enjoy it!

    Reply

  2. Erin Parker

    The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (10)
    Oh, now THIS is the perfect co*cktail to serve on New Year's Eve! Tried one last night to taste test, and we're good to go. SO GOOD!

    Reply

  3. Michelle

    Did a test run on this one for the holiday party we are throwing AFTER the holidays this year...ran out of time for this particular get together! Great co*cktail...it's going on the menu! 🙂

    Reply

  4. MICHAELA KENKEL

    We mixed these up last night and they were AMAZING!!

    Reply

    • Bowl Me Over

      Fabulous! Cheers and Happy New Year!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

The Last Word co*cktail Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does the Last Word co*cktail taste like? ›

It's a magical combination of gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice that boasts both sweet and sour notes, as well as a deeply complex herbaceous bitter flavor. The Last Word originates back to 1915, just a few years before Prohibition.

What is the story behind the Last Word co*cktail? ›

The Last Word is a Prohibition-era co*cktail that got its beginnings in the Detroit Athletic Club's bar in the early 1920s. The drink was served at the bar throughout this period and was spread further afield by vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty – also known as the 'Dublin Minstrel.

What gin is best for last word? ›

Gin contains 40% alcohol by volume and 97 calories per 1.5 ounce shot. The best gins to use in the Last Word co*cktail are London Dry Gin, Beefeater, and Tanqueray.

What is a substitute for maraschino liqueur? ›

Substitutions. If you're looking for a substitute for maraschino, Cherry Heering and kirsch are your best options. Kirsch is a clear cherry brandy that has a similar bitterness to maraschino because it also includes the pits in production.

Is Last Word co*cktail strong? ›

The Last Word is a strong drink, which is perhaps why it was popular soon after it was listed at the Detroit Athletic Club around 1916.

What is the most controversial co*cktail? ›

The Most Debated co*cktail Of All Time - The Martini.

What is Luxardo Maraschino liqueur used for? ›

Luxardo Maraschino Originale can be enjoyed in many classic co*cktails or neat as an after dinner drink. It is also ideal over fruits such as strawberries, pineapples, oranges etc. or as a flavor in confectionary and ice creams.

What kind of drink is Chartreuse? ›

What Is Chartreuse? Chartreuse is a French liqueur produced with 130 herbs and botanicals. It is known as one of the few liqueurs on the market that has the ability to get better with age. Chartreuse was first produced by Carthusian Monks in 1737 from a recipe discovered by François Annibal d'Estrées in 1605.

What is the most expensive gin? ›

Watenshi Gin is recognized as the world's most expensive gin and the first gin to be distilled purely from Japanese botanicals. Since its launch, Watenshi Gin has garnered an elite group of gin enthusiasts as its sole consumers.

Can you make a Last Word without chartreuse? ›

We have a Last Word variation just for you. It's called the Penultimate Word and cuts out the Chartreuse completely. Since many of the other co*cktails on this list contain Chartreuse, this version of the drink is a great way to avoid it in favor of bitter orange Aperol.

Is cherry brandy the same as maraschino liqueur? ›

Not necessarily. Maraschino is a sour cherry. Most cherry liqueurs are really sweet, maraschino is less sweet.

Can you drink maraschino liqueur straight? ›

Maraschino liqueur can be sipped neat, on its own, but it's typically used as a modifier in co*cktails. A good choice for slightly tarter drinkers, it's less sweet than simple syrup or many other fruit liqueurs but still works to balance a co*cktail.

What's the difference between grenadine and maraschino? ›

Contrary to popular belief, grenadine is not a cherry-flavored syrup. Maraschino cherries have nothing to do with it. This sweet-tart syrup is actually made from pomegranates, and it is surprisingly easy to make at home. Think of grenadine the way you might consider simple syrup and sour mix.

What is the signature drink at the Dirty Shirley wedding? ›

Ingredients
  • Ice.
  • 2ounces vodka.
  • 1ounce grenadine.
  • 8ounces lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7Up)
  • 1maraschino cherry, for garnish.

Is the Last Word shaken? ›

The Last Word consists of equal amounts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly pressed lime juice, which are combined in a shaker with ice. After shaking, the mix is poured through a co*cktail strainer and served straight up without ice.

How would you describe the taste of a co*cktail? ›

Here's a standard list of tasting notes with their accompanying descriptions:
  1. Boozy. The characteristic flavor and aroma of the presence of alcohol in a large percentage. ...
  2. Sweet. Perception of the presence of sugars. ...
  3. Sour. Perception of the presence of acids. ...
  4. Bitter. ...
  5. Spicy. ...
  6. Savory. ...
  7. Fruity. ...
  8. Smoky.

What does green Chartreuse taste like? ›

Green Chartreuse has bold, herbaceous, peppery, and mint notes, as well as flavors of anise and licorice. If you don't have yellow Chartreuse on hand, alpine liqueur Genepi (also known as Genepy) is a great alternative, as is Italian Strega.

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