Last Word

Last Word

The Last Word cocktail is a classic gin-based drink that was first created in the 1910s at the Detroit Athletic Club. The recipe for the Last Word is simple, yet it packs a punch with its unique combination of flavors. It consists of equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.

The name “Last Word” is believed to have come from the fact that it was often ordered as the final drink of the night. The combination of gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice creates a unique balance of flavors that is both refreshing and complex. The gin provides a strong juniper flavor, while the green chartreuse adds a hint of herbal sweetness. The maraschino liqueur adds a touch of cherry and almond, and the lime juice adds a bright and acidic element to the drink.

Directions

1. Fill a shaker with ice
2. Add 45ml/1.5oz of Gin
3. Add 45ml/1.5oz of Green Chartreuse
4. Add 45ml/1.5oz of Maraschino Liqueur
5. Add 45ml/1.5oz of Green Chartreuse
6. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel or cherry

The Last Word quickly became popular in the Detroit area and eventually made its way to other parts of the country. It was featured in several cocktail books in the 1920s and 1930s, including “The Savoy Cocktail Book” and “The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks.” However, the Last Word fell out of popularity during the mid-20th century and was largely forgotten by the general public.

In the early 2000s, the Last Word was rediscovered by bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts. The resurgence of interest in classic cocktails and the growing popularity of gin helped to bring the Last Word back into the spotlight. Today, the Last Word is considered a classic cocktail and is featured on the menus of many bars and restaurants.

The Last Word is a great choice for gin lovers, as it highlights the juniper flavor of the gin and pairs it with other unique flavors. The use of green chartreuse, an herbal liqueur made by Carthusian Monks since the 17th century, makes it a bit more complex and interesting than the gin and tonic.