This cocktail has been my go-to for summer evenings or when I want to impress friends with something colorful and unique. The Raspberry Last Word is a fresh, fruity twist on a classic cocktail, blending the tartness of raspberries, the zing of lime, and the herby complexity of green Chartreuse. It’s bright, vibrant, and oh-so-smooth—a drink that’s as fun to make as it is to sip!
Raspberry Last Word
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- Gin: 3/4 oz (22 ml)
- Green Chartreuse: 3/4 oz (22 ml)
- Maraschino Liqueur: 3/4 oz (22 ml)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 3/4 oz (22 ml)
- Fresh Raspberries: A handful (about 6-8 berries)
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
- Fine strainer
- Coupe or Martini glass
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Method
- Muddle: Place the raspberries in your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them. Don’t crush them to bits—just press enough to release the juices and flavor.
- Combine: Add the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake: Fill the shaker with ice, seal it up, and give it a good shake—about 15 seconds should do the trick. You want it ice-cold.
- Strain: Double strain (through a fine strainer) into a chilled coupe or martini glass to catch any seeds or pulp.
- Garnish: Top it off with a few whole raspberries or a lime twist for that extra pop of color and aroma.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh lime juice. It makes all the difference in flavor—bottled juice just won’t cut it here.
- To keep your drink extra cold, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.
- When muddling, go easy on the raspberries to avoid over-crushing them. You’re after juice, not pulp.
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re hosting, you can prep the muddled raspberries and lime juice a few hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, then mix everything together when you’re ready to serve. Just don’t shake the cocktail until the last minute—it’s best fresh.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gin Swap: Prefer vodka? Go for it! It’ll give the drink a smoother, less botanical flavor.
- Herbal Liqueur: Can’t find green Chartreuse? Yellow Chartreuse is a little sweeter but works beautifully.
- Berry Boost: Swap maraschino liqueur for raspberry liqueur to amp up the berry flavor.
- Frozen Raspberries: Fresh is ideal, but frozen works in a pinch. Just let them thaw first for easier muddling.
Fun Variations
- Blueberry Last Word: Replace raspberries with blueberries for a deeper, slightly sweeter twist.
- Spicy Raspberry Last Word: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker while muddling for a kick of heat.
- Raspberry Last Word Royale: Skip the shake and top the cocktail with champagne for a bubbly upgrade.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it great for dinner parties or casual gatherings:
- Charcuterie Board: The salty, savory bites balance the cocktail’s fruity tartness.
- Dark Chocolate Desserts: Think chocolate mousse or a flourless chocolate cake—the bitterness complements the sweetness of the drink.
- Cheese Platter: Creamy cheeses like Brie or tangy goat cheese are a natural match.
Bartender Advice
- Always double strain the cocktail to keep it silky smooth.
- If you’re batching this for a party, mix everything except the ice and raspberries ahead of time. Then muddle and shake each serving to order.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! Just let them thaw first so they’re easier to muddle and release their juices.
What if I can’t find green Chartreuse?
You can substitute another herbal liqueur, but the flavor will change. Experiment to find what you like best!
How do I scale this up for a party?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, mix in a pitcher, and keep it chilled. Shake each serving with ice before straining.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Replace the gin, Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur with raspberry syrup, limeade, and a splash of soda water for fizz.
How long will leftovers keep?
This cocktail is best fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just stir it well before serving again.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Last Word is a cocktail that’s as stunning to look at as it is to drink. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, its vibrant flavors are sure to make any moment feel special. Try it out, play with the variations, and make it your own—you might just find your new favorite drink!
