Last Word Cocktail Recipe - A four-ingredient cocktail that is super easy to make. Gin, chartreuse and maraschino liqueur blend with tangy lime. This prohibition-era cocktail is a perfectly balanced drink!
Next time try a Whiskey Old Fashioned, I love this classic cocktail!
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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 Cocktail 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!
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add equal parts gin, chartreuse and maraschino liqueurs.
- Squeeze in the lime.
- Add the lid and shake it vigorously until the cocktail is chilled.
- Strain into glasses and garnish with a lime twist or lime wheel. Bottoms up!
Equipment
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- Coupe Cocktail Glass - a small 5-6 oz. glass is best for this mixed drink.
- Cocktail Shaker Set - This has everything you need!
Best serving glasses:
A coupe glass is the first choice, a martini glass would also work in a pinch!
This is a strong cocktail. If you're going to purchase glasses, look for smaller 5-6 oz. glasses.
FAQ's
It's tart and dry and just a tiny bit sweet. This cocktail is perfectly balanced.
The last word dates back to 1922. It was created just before Prohibition and first served at the Detroit Athletic Club, served by Frank Fogarty. Revived in the 2000's by Murray Stenson at the Zig Zag Cafe in Seattle.
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.
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.
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 Cocktail came from, it goes back to the prohibition era and bathtub gin. It wasn't fancy and this cocktail packs a PUNCH!
Tips
- Shake the cocktail 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.
Related recipes
- The Paloma Cocktail is perfect for a summertime cocktail 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 cocktail hour.
- The Ocean Breeze Cocktail is fun & fruity tropical drink perfect for a hot summer's day.
- The classic Wisconsin cocktail Whiskey Old Fashion Sour is my go-to favorite!
More gin based cocktails
- Gin and Tonic - only two ingredients and a twist of lime. An easy after work libation.
- Gin Fiz Cocktail - a perfectly balanced, sweet/tart fizzy drink!
- Tom Collins - bright citrusy and refreshing!
- Paper Plane Cocktail - 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 Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 1 shot chartreuse liqueur
- 1 shot maraschino liqueur
- 1 shot gin
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
- Add a shot of each liqueur to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Squeeze the lime into the shaker.
- Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds, strain into glasses.
Notes
- 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!
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Nutrition
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 cocktail 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 Cocktail Recipe will sneak up on you. Similar to a Long Island Ice Tea, this drink packs a punch!
jennifer stewart says
Chartreuse is such an underutilized liqueur and I am so excited I now have a new way to enjoy it!
Erin Parker says
Oh, now THIS is the perfect cocktail to serve on New Year's Eve! Tried one last night to taste test, and we're good to go. SO GOOD!
Michelle says
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 cocktail...it's going on the menu! 🙂
MICHAELA KENKEL says
We mixed these up last night and they were AMAZING!!
Bowl Me Over says
Fabulous! Cheers and Happy New Year!