The Last Word (a Classic Gin Cocktail)

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(Note: this post was originally published on August 20, 2022. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)

The Last Word, a Classic Gin Cocktail

If you're looking for a seductive gin cocktail, then the Last Word is for you. This cocktail combines gin with earthy cherry liqueur, herbal Green Chartreuse, and tart lime juice for a combination that is complex and unforgettable.

History of the Last Word Cocktail

This historic gin cocktail was invented at the Detroit Athletic Club shortly before Prohibition. Although its inventor is unknown, according to this article on Wikipedia it appeared on the menu for the first time in 1916. It was on menus after prohibition as well, but was all but forgotten during World War II. The Last Word didn't make a another appearance until about 60 years later, when it was rediscovered and gained (or rather, re-gained) popularity.

In terms of its lineage and style, the Last Word falls into the broader category of "equal parts" cocktails, where several ingredients are used in equal amounts (in this case, three quarters of an ounce of each). The Negroni, another classic gin cocktail, falls into this category, as does the Paper Plane and other Last Word variations.

Like the major classics, the Last Word appears on the International Bartenders Association List of official recipes under the category "The Unforgettables", reserved for the most historic, iconic, and frequently requested cocktails at bars around the world.

Green-colored Last Word Cocktail made with gin, maraschino liqueur, and Green Chartreuse, garnished with a Luxardo cocktail cherry

How to Make the Last Word Cocktail

This classic cocktail has four components, which all work in harmony together: gin,  maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice (keep scrolling to the ingredients section to see my personal favorite spirits to use for each). It's also typical to use a Luxardo cherry, so arguably there's a fifth ingredient.

Due of the presence of lime juice, this cocktail is classically shaken rather than stirred. You'll just measure the ingredients into a shaker, shake with ice, and strain the cocktail into a pre-chilled coupe (or martini) glass. Add the Luxardo cherry, then serve immediately. Because this is a strong cocktail, pre-chilling the cocktail glass and shaking thoroughly with ice are both important steps.

Variations of the Last Word

This classic combination works beautifully, so I recommend trying the original cocktail recipe before making any changes. That said, you can experiment with some tweaks to the "equal parts" approach and see how you like it. Personally, the most common tweak I'll make is to increase the gin slightly so that it feels a little fresher.

Not sure about this small format cocktail recipe? Although it's far from traditional, you could also serve this over ice and/or add a dash of soda water to lengthen it. The Last Word won't work as a non-alcoholic drink.

There are also numerous Last Word riffs that have sprung up over the years, with the Paper Plane being the most well-known. Check out this article from Difford's Guide if you want to browse more Last Word variations.

Last Word cocktail shown with yellow flowers, lime slices, and a cocktail stirring spoon

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's what you'll need for this classic gin cocktail, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.

  • Fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • Gin. I love Barr Hill Gin, which is distilled here in Vermont (you can see their iconic cork in some of these photos). Make sure you use a high-quality spirit in this cocktail since it's decidedly gin-forward.
  • Maraschino Liqueur. My personal preference is to use Luxardo (look for a tall green bottle with a red cap); it's rich and earthy. You'll see Luxardo playing a starring roll in this Tom & Cherry, this Cherry Chai Manhattan, and this Cinnamon Cherry Paloma. It also works nicely as an addition to a bourbon Old Fashioned.
  • Green Chartreuse. This historical herbal liqueur has been distilled for hundreds of years by monks in France using 130 different herbs and plants. Only two monks at a time know the exact recipe (do a deep dive into this Wikipedia article if you want to know the history of Green Chartreuse). This is a pricey bottle, but a little goes a long way. The flavor is beautifully complex, grassy, floral, and herbaceous. If you can't find it, Genepi is probably the best substitution.
  • Luxardo cherry. These cocktail cherries are an investment, but they're well worth it. Look for them in a jar at high-end liquor stores. You'll see in these photos that I also garnished this one with orange peel, which is definitely not traditional, but the aroma complements the flavors in the drink nicely.

Action photo of pouring a Last Word cocktail from a cocktail stirring glass into a serving glass

Other Gin Cocktails to Explore

If you enjoy gin cocktails, I have a lot here on the blog for you to explore.

For something light, fizzy, and perfect for spring or summer, try this Honey Fig Gin and Tonic or this Purple Rain (a gin and tonic riff inspired by the song from Prince). Similarly, this Ginnie The Pooh, a loose gin and ginger variation, features forest-inspired flavors. For a smaller-format summery sip, check out this Blackberry Limoncello Gin Smash or this Watermelon Mint Gimlet (both of those cocktail recipes have larger-format variations in the blog posts too).

Looking for cozier flavors? This Maple Rosemary Gimlet is versatile and perfect for either spring or fall. For the ultimate comforting sip, this Ginger Bees Knees, a riff on a classic prohibition-era cocktail, uses aged gin and is ideal for a chilly winter night.

Or, for a truly unique gin cocktail, I think you'll love this whimsical and colorful Unicorn Cocktail.

Close-up view of a light green colored Last Word cocktail in a martini glass

Closing Thoughts

If you love classic cocktails and home mixology, then you definitely have to give the Last Word a try. Between its seductive flavors, interesting ingredients, and striking color, it's a great sip for a special occasion.

The four components of this cocktail complement each other perfectly, with each balancing and highlighting the others. The lime is fresh and tart, the gin is botanical, the Luxardo is rich and earthy, and the Green Chartreuse is herbal and floral.

Something about this historic cocktail just keeps you coming back for more. Is it the intriguing flavor combination? The simple, quick recipe? The unique green color against the dark cherry? Who knows, but I hope you love it as much as I do.

Elegant Last Word cocktail, shown with yellow flowers, lime slices, and a spiraled orange rind garnish

Share It!

It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.

Suggested Pairings

Summer Grilled Corn, Strawberry, and Avocado Salad

Grilled Peach and Farro Salad with Basil

Vegan Watermelon, Snap Pea, and Mint Salad

Fresh Herb Green Goddess Hummus

Watermelon Nachos with Avocado Sauce

The Last Word (a Classic Gin Cocktail)

This boozy, historical, gin-based cocktail is seductive, complex, and simply irresistible. It unites gin with maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse, and fresh lime for an unforgettable combination.

Author:
Lee

Ingredients

  • 0.75 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
  • 0.75 oz gin
  • 0.75 oz Luxardo
  • 0.75 oz Green Chartreuse
  • Luxardo cherry for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pre-chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or by filling it with ice water.
  2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  3. Measure all the ingredients into the cocktail shaker and shake well with ice.
  4. Strain into the chilled glass and garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

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Please Share Your Thoughts!

Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.

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