Seeking a cocktail that’s both complex and refreshing? The Last Word, a forgotten gem from the Prohibition era, delivers a perfect harmony of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. This equal-parts cocktail offers a fascinating journey of flavors, from herbal and sweet to tart and botanical, making it a must-try for anyone looking to expand their cocktail horizons.

A long shadow from a cocktail glass filled with the Last Word, garnished with cocktail cherries.

Looking for an easy prohibition cocktail recipe?

With a name that hints at its delicious finality (and maybe a touch of post-breakup defiance?), the Last Word Cocktail is an intriguing beverage. This gin-based beauty is a delightful paradox – complex yet refreshing, sweet yet tart, with a hint of herbal mystery thanks to the Green Chartreuse. It’s the perfect drink to level up your cocktail recipes.

What Is a Last Word Cocktail?

The Last Word, a prohibition-era cocktail, boasts a history that’s as intriguing as its flavor profile. Born sometime in the early 1920s, whispers suggest it originated at the Detroit Athletic Club’s bar. From there, vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty helped spread its fame.

While it enjoyed some success for decades, even appearing in Ted Saucier’s 1951 book “Bottoms Up,” The Last Word eventually faded into obscurity by the latter half of the 20th century.

Fast forward to the early 2000s. Seattle bartender Murray Stenson went on a mission to unearth hidden cocktail gems. While thumbing through Saucier’s book, he stumbled upon The Last Word. Intrigued, he added it to the menu at Seattle’s Zig Zag Café, and to his surprise, it became an instant hit.

This resurgence sparked a domino effect, with the drink gaining wider acclaim thanks to establishments like New York City’s Pegu Club. This episode begs the question: how many more forgotten classics are waiting to be rediscovered in dusty old cocktail books?

One unique ingredient in The Last Word deserves a spotlight: Green Chartreuse. This French liqueur, crafted by Carthusian monks, is rumored to contain 130 herbs, resulting in a complex and slightly medicinal flavor profile. A stark contrast to the bathtub gin of Prohibition found in the bees knees cocktail or a Southside cocktail, it adds a touch of historical intrigue to the drink.

Overhead shot of the light green cocktail garnished with cherries on a white table.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

COMPLEX-YET-REFRESHING – Craving a drink that’s both intriguing and invigorating? Look no further than the Last Word! It combines the herbal depth of Green Chartreuse with the bright acidity of lime juice, creating a flavor profile that’s complex yet refreshingly citrusy.
CLASSIC-WITH-A-TWIST – Looking for a historical cocktail with a modern twist? The Last Word perfectly fits the bill. This Prohibition-era drink has seen a resurgence in popularity, offering a taste of the past with a balance of sweet, tart, and herbal notes that feel anything but old-fashioned.

What You Need to Make a Last Word Cocktail

Gin: This is the base spirit, providing a juniper-forward backbone and a touch of warmth to the drink.
Green Chartreuse: This unique French liqueur adds a layer of complexity. It’s known for its herbal notes, which can taste a bit medicinal or minty. It brings some real character to the drink!
Maraschino Liqueur: This sweet cherry liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of cherry flavor. It helps balance out the tartness of the lime juice and the herbal punch of the Green Chartreuse.
Lime Juice: This is the essential source of tartness in the drink. It cuts through the sweetness of the maraschino liqueur and adds a refreshing citrusy kick. Fresh lime juice is always best!
Luxardo Maraschino Cherries (Garnish): These are a classic touch, adding a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Plus, they look fancy! But feel free to skip them if you don’t have any on hand.

How to Make a Last Word Cocktail

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
Add all the ingredients for the cocktail and shake until chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Green Chartreuse being added to a cocktail shaker.

Expert Recipe Tips

The classic recipe calls for equal parts of everything. But feel free to experiment! A touch less maraschino liqueur can tone down the sweetness, while a little more lime juice adds a zippier kick.
Pop your cocktail glass into the freezer for 15 minutes to get it nice and chilly. You can even put the alcohol in the freezer, too, for extra chilly bliss.

A light green last word cocktail in a crystal glass with a cocktail pick and three cherries.

How to Serve This Cocktail

The Last Word shines as an invigorating pre-dinner drink or a conversation starter at an evening gathering. Its balance of sweet, tart, and herbal notes perfectly awakens the palate and adds a touch of historical intrigue to any occasion. Serve it in a chilled cocktail glass.

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The Last Word Cocktail is a classic cocktail that stands the test of time. Its sharp botanical profile intermingles with the minty notes of the Chartreuse and the sweet notes of the maraschino liqueur for a cocktail that’s as memorable as its name. If you’ve had a long day or you want to make a lasting impression, look no further than the Last Word Cocktail. If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment down below to help out the next reader!