Last Word

The story

The Last Word cocktail originated in the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the 1920s at the Detroit Athletic Club. It was largely forgotten until its revival in the early 2000s, thanks to its inclusion in cocktail culture and bars focusing on classic drinks. Its unique balance of flavors has helped it endure as a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.

How it tastes

The Last Word is a complex cocktail with herbal notes from the Green Chartreuse, a hint of sweetness from the Luxardo Maraschino, and a refreshing acidity from the lime juice. It is best served as a pre-dinner drink or during cocktail hour.

Getting it right

The key to a well-made Last Word lies in the balance of its ingredients. Proper shaking is essential to chill the drink thoroughly and integrate the flavors. Using fresh lime juice is also crucial for achieving the right acidity and brightness.

Variations

• Final Word — This variation substitutes bourbon for gin, adding a richer, warmer profile while maintaining the original's balance.
• The Last Word (with Mezcal) — Using mezcal instead of gin introduces a smoky element, creating a unique twist on the classic.

Substitutions

• Green Chartreuse — If Green Chartreuse is unavailable, consider using a similar herbal liqueur, though the flavor will differ.
• Luxardo Maraschino — You can substitute with another cherry liqueur, but the distinctive flavor of Luxardo may not be replicated.

Questions

What is the alcohol content of a Last Word?

The Last Word has an approximate ABV of 20%, depending on the specific brands of gin and liqueurs used.

Can I make a Last Word without Chartreuse?

While you can experiment with other herbal liqueurs, the unique flavor of the Last Word is heavily reliant on Green Chartreuse.

Is the Last Word served straight or on the rocks?

The Last Word is typically served straight up in a chilled glass, allowing the cocktail's flavors to shine.

This text was drafted by a language model from the catalogue’s data and is machine-translated outside English.

Updated October 5, 2026