The Last Word Cocktail

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/13/21
The Last Word Cocktail Recipe

The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
203 Calories
0g Fat
14g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 203
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 7mg 35%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 0%
Potassium 36mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The last word cocktail is a classic that offers an amazing taste anyone can appreciate. The recipe is simple and the flavor is complex, often surprising drinkers as to how well it works. It's definitely an enlightening gin martini and one that everyone who values fine cocktails should taste at least once because it's an experience you will not forget.

According to Ted Saucier's 1951 book, "Bottoms Up," it's believed that the last word was developed during Prohibition at the Detroit Athletic Club. It is arguably one of the better drinks to come out of the nationwide "drought" when spirits were either hard to find or of the inferior "bathtub" quality. It has stood the test of time and is a spectacular drink that continues to receive a well-deserved spotlight on many modern cocktail menus. It's also one of the most sophisticated green cocktails you'll find.

The recipe is fairly easy, pouring equals parts of the four ingredients. The gin's botanicals are accented with the herbal array of Green Chartreuse and the dry, semi-bitter cherry of maraschino liqueur. The lime simply brings it all together with a tinge of tartness.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 ounce gin

  • 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse Liqueur

  • 3/4 ounce ​maraschino liqueur

  • 3/4 ounce lime juice

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for Last word cocktail

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  2. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice.

    Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  3. Shake well.

    shake the cocktail share with the cocktail ingredients

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Serve and enjoy.

    Strain The Last Word Cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass

    The Spruce / Ali Redmond

Tips

  • Top-shelf gin is highly recommended. Most fans of this drink prefer a good dry gin with bold botanicals and plenty of juniper that will pop through the drink's other flavors.
  • Use a jigger to measure the four ingredients so you pour each as accurately as possible. The last word relies on a fine balance that can easily be ruined by overpouring one element.
  • Don't substitute another cherry liqueur for the maraschino. Most are decidedly sweeter and will simply not work out well in this recipe.
  • Since the lime gets equal billing with quality ingredients, the last word really is best with fresh lime juice. You'll want to measure it to maintain balance, but a single lime should produce the perfect amount of juice for this recipe.

How Strong Is a Last Word Cocktail?

The last word may taste and look all sweet and innocent, but it's a potent little cocktail. This one shakes up 27 percent ABV (54 proof), nearly as strong as the classic gin martini.

Recipe Variation

While you're enjoying gin and Green Chartreuse, take the time to mix up a Chartreuse martini. Its taste is not as complex as the last word, as it simply adds dry vermouth to the botanical duo, but it is a nice way to continue exploring its potential.