Slightly sweet and perfectly balanced, this Last Word cocktail is my modern take on the prohibition-era classic. Whether you’re unwinding after work or entertaining friends, this bright, refreshing drink is sure to impress.
When I first tasted Chartreuse and Maraschino liqueur I wasn’t an immediate fan — they are flavors you often have to get used to. Now I enjoy both, especially Luxardo-style Maraschino liqueur. Chartreuse, with its herbal complexity, pairs beautifully with a London dry gin such as Bombay Sapphire.
The Last Word is known for its balance. It pours a pale green and delivers a harmony of slightly sweet, tart, and herbaceous notes. The equal parts formula of the four ingredients is what gives this cocktail its signature, perfectly even flavor.
This version follows the classic proportions and is simple to make. It’s a timeless cocktail that’s easy to replicate at home — I hope you enjoy it.
History of the Last Word cocktail
The Last Word is believed to have first appeared at the Detroit Athletic Club around 1915, just before Prohibition. It became a popular drink of the era and later spread more widely, possibly helped along by Frank Fogarty, a vaudeville performer also known as the Dublin minstrel.
Helpful tips
- One average lime yields roughly 1 ounce (30 ml) of juice. For the two-cocktail batch below you’ll need about 3 limes.
- Wash citrus before juicing or using as a garnish, especially if you plan to float slices in the drink.
- For just a few limes, clean them by rubbing with a small amount of unscented soap, scrubbing with a vegetable brush, then rinsing thoroughly under cold water.
- If washing many limes, soak them in a bowl of 3 cups water mixed with 1 cup white vinegar for 10 minutes, then rinse and scrub.
- To extract more juice, roll a lime firmly on a hard surface with the palm of your hand before cutting and juicing.
- A handheld citrus squeezer makes juicing quick and tidy; a reamer also works well if you prefer that method.
- Serve this martini-style cocktail in a chilled martini or coupe glass for the best experience.
How to make the Last Word cocktail
Pre-step
Prepare a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice. Have a measuring glass and two chilled martini or coupe glasses ready. Cut four thin lime wheels for garnish. Measure the ingredients and add them to the shaker.
Step one
Gather: green Chartreuse, gin, Luxardo-style maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Step two
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) gin.
Step three
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) green Chartreuse.
Step four
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) maraschino cherry liqueur.
Step five
Measure 3 ounces (90 ml) fresh lime juice.
Step six
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until well chilled. Strain evenly into the two chilled glasses.
Step seven
Float two thin lime wheels in each cocktail as garnish.
Enjoy the view and sip slowly to appreciate the balance of flavors.
I hope you enjoy this Last Word cocktail as much as I do. It’s simple to prepare and rewarding to drink.
Other lime-based cocktails
- Kamikaze
- Gin Lime Rickey
- French Gimlet
And as always, may all your dishes and drinks be delish!
Last Word Cocktail
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin
- 3 ounces Chartreuse liqueur
- 3 ounces maraschino cherry liqueur
- 3 ounces lime juice (fresh)
Garnish
- 4 thin lime wheels
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and chill your glasses.
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Add the gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
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Cap the shaker and shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled. Strain and divide the liquid between the two glasses.
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Float two thin lime wheels in each cocktail as garnish.
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Sip, smile, and enjoy.
Equipment
Notes
- One lime typically yields about 1 ounce of juice, so plan for approximately 3 limes for this recipe.
- Wash citrus before juicing or garnishing to remove any residues.
- For a quick clean of a few limes, rub with unscented soap, scrub with a vegetable brush, then rinse thoroughly.
- To extract more juice, roll the lime with firm pressure on a countertop before cutting and squeezing.
- Use a citrus squeezer or reamer to make juicing easier and cleaner.
- Serve the cocktail in chilled glassware — martini or coupe glasses both work well.