This cocktail is like a little sip of history and flavor all in one glass. The Last Word is a vibrant, Prohibition-era classic that’s equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. It’s bold, balanced, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just dipping your toes into mixology, this drink is a breeze to make—and even easier to love. Let me show you how to bring this vintage gem to life!
Raspberry Last Word
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Ingredients:
- 0.75 oz (22 ml) gin
- 0.75 oz (22 ml) green chartreuse (a French herbal liqueur with over 130 botanicals)
- 0.75 oz (22 ml) maraschino liqueur (a sweet, cherry-flavored liqueur)
- 0.75 oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
Equipment:
- Shaker (a mason jar with a lid works in a pinch!)
- Strainer (fine mesh or standard cocktail strainer)
- Coupe glass (or a martini glass if that’s what you have)
How to Make It
- Fill your shaker with ice. Add the gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Tip: Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference here—trust me, bottled just won’t cut it.
- Shake it like you mean it! You’ll know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels icy cold, about 15-20 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass. Pro tip: Pop your glass in the freezer while you’re prepping for that extra frosty finish.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a maraschino cherry for a polished touch. Sip and savor every drop!
Why You’ll Love It
The Last Word is a flavor bomb in the best way. The herbal complexity of the chartreuse, the bright punch of lime, the sweet warmth of maraschino, and the crispness of gin all come together in perfect balance. Every sip feels like a celebration, whether it’s a summer evening or a cozy night in.
Helpful Tips
- Substitutions: No green chartreuse? Try yellow chartreuse for a slightly milder, sweeter twist. No maraschino liqueur? A splash of cherry syrup or amaretto can work in a pinch.
- Make-Ahead: While this cocktail is best fresh, you can pre-mix the ingredients (minus the lime juice) a few hours ahead. Just add the lime and shake when you’re ready to serve.
- Scaling Up: Hosting a party? Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a pitcher. Serve chilled in individual glasses.
Perfect Pairings
The Last Word’s bold and herbal notes shine when paired with the right bites. Here are a few ideas:
- Charcuterie Board: Salty cured meats, creamy cheeses, and tangy pickles bring out the cocktail’s botanical flavors.
- Oysters: The briny freshness of oysters makes a perfect match for the limey zip of the drink.
- Dark Chocolate: A square of good-quality dark chocolate complements the herbal and sweet notes beautifully.
Fun Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few spins on the classic:
The Final Say
- Swap the gin for rye whiskey for a richer, spicier flavor.
The First Word
- Replace green chartreuse with yellow chartreuse and lime juice with lemon juice for a softer, citrusy twist.
The Penultimate Word
- Sub in elderflower liqueur for the maraschino for a floral, summery vibe.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the booze and mix equal parts lime juice, non-alcoholic gin, and cherry syrup. Garnish with a mint sprig for a refreshing mocktail.
Common Questions
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is essential for that bright, zesty flavor. Bottled juice will dull the cocktail’s sharpness.
What’s the best gin to use?
A gin with a strong botanical profile works best. Think London dry styles or something with citrus and herbal notes.
Why shake instead of stir?
Shaking chills and aerates the drink, giving it a smooth texture and blending the flavors perfectly.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Absolutely! Mix the ingredients in a pitcher, chill well, and pour into glasses when your guests arrive.
The Last Word is one of those cocktails that never goes out of style. It’s sophisticated yet approachable, and every sip feels like a little celebration. Whether you’re making it for yourself or impressing guests, this drink is sure to leave a lasting impression. Cheers!
