The Last Word is a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era, known for its balanced yet complex flavor profile. It originated at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s and was revived in the 21st century by Murray Stenson, a iconic Seattle bartender who won the Best Bartender in America in 2010 by Tales of the Cocktail.
“The drink became a cult hit around Seattle, then Portland and was eventually picked up at cocktail dens in New York City, where many bartending trends are set. The Last Word then started to appear on drink menus in Chicago and San Francisco and spread to several cities in Europe—especially around London and Amsterdam—and beyond,” said Stenson in an article by Tan Vinh published in The Seattle Times on March 11, 2009.
The cocktail is an equal-parts mix of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice, creating a blend of herbal, citrus, and sweet notes. Its distinct green hue and intricate taste have made it a favorite among bartenders and cocktail connoisseurs. The Last Word’s resurgence showcases the timeless appeal of well-crafted, vintage cocktails.
Last Word
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz Gin
- 3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
- 3/4 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 3/4 oz Fresh lime juice
- Brandied Cherry