Last Word Cocktail : Sharp, Herbal and Kinda Mysterious (In the Best Way)

Here’s a cocktail that doesn’t just show up—it announces itself. The Last Word has been holding it down since before the Prohibition era, but it still feels fresh, punchy and a little ahead of its time. With that vibrant green glow and flavor that walks the line between sweet, sour and herbaceous—it’s like your palate’s going on a quick little adventure.

The build? Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice. That’s it. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—this drink is layered. You get the botanical bite from the gin, the bold alpine energy from the Chartreuse, the delicate cherry sweetness from the maraschino and that sharp citrus pop from the lime. It’s balanced, but bold. Light, but lingering. One sip and you’re like, okay, now we’re talking.

It’s the kind of drink that surprises people—in a good way. Serve it at a party and watch someone’s eyes light up mid-sip. Or make it for yourself after a long day when you need something that feels a little elevated without being complicated.

And fair warning: once you try it, you’ll definitely want a second round. The Last Word has a way of becoming a first favorite.

The Last Word: A Classic That Speaks Volumes

Some cocktails whisper. The Last Word? It leans in close and drops the mic. With that electric green hue and a flavor that’s equal parts herbal, tart and lightly sweet, this pre-Prohibition classic, originating from the Detroit Athletic Club in 1916, still knows how to command a room. It’s the kind of drink that feels like a secret passed between bartenders—and once you’re in, you’re in.

Whether you’re sipping it on a warm evening or toasting something worth celebrating, the Last Word is your go-to for when you want a cocktail that feels both vintage and fresh.

Why It Works

Simple structure, complex payoff. It’s a perfect four-way harmony: gin for structure, green Chartreuse for that wild herbal kick, maraschino liqueur for a subtle cherry-sweet depth and lime juice to brighten it all up. Equal parts, total balance. Nothing dominates. Everything shines.

And that Chartreuse? It’s the wild card—floral, grassy, a little mysterious. It’s what turns a “good” drink into an unforgettable one.

How to Make It Sing

Grab your shaker and bring the energy. Pour in equal parts of all four ingredients, add ice and give it a solid shake. This isn’t a gentle swirl—it’s a full-body shake to bring all that flavor together into something crisp and punchy.

Strain it into a chilled coupe glass, watch that green glow catch the light and garnish with a lime twist or cherry if you’re feeling extra. That’s it. No overthinking—just pour, shake, serve and enjoy.

Sip Slow, Speak Easy

The Last Word is more than just a cocktail—it’s a vibe. It’s got elegance, edge and a little wink of mystery. Serve it up when you want to impress or just when you want to treat yourself to something that tastes like it belongs in a smoky jazz bar or a rooftop at golden hour.

Setting the Scene: The Last Word in Style

The Last Word isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a whole moment. Imagine it sitting pretty on a smooth wooden bar, catching the glow of soft lighting, surrounded by the quiet chaos of cocktail tools and the bright green pop of fresh limes. It’s got that “come closer” energy. No flash, no fuss—just timeless style in a coupe glass.

It’s the kind of drink that turns a random Tuesday night into something you want to remember.

The Vibe That Lingers

From the first sip, you’re in that sweet spot between crisp and complex. The lime hits fresh, the Chartreuse rolls in herbal and unexpected and the gin and maraschino bring it all together with depth and clarity. It’s like a conversation that starts light and ends with, “Damn, we should do this more often.”

The Last Word thrives in those in-between moments—small dinner parties that run late, quiet wind-downs after a long day or celebratory clinks when someone’s got news worth toasting.

It’s more than just a drink. It’s an excuse to slow down, lean in and savor something really well made.

The Last Word: Crisp, Complex and Always in Season

This classic cocktail nails the balance game—herbal, citrusy and just sweet enough to keep things smooth. It’s sharp, aromatic and refreshingly light on the palate, making it a natural fit for warm nights, rooftop toasts or any gathering that calls for something a little elevated.

One sip and you’re in the zone. Clean. Bright. Unforgettable.

Ingredients

• 3/4 oz Gin
• 3/4 oz Green Chartreuse
• 3/4 oz Maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lime juice
• Ice
• Lime twist or cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish: Add a lime twist or cherry for garnish, if desired.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Last Word cocktail immediately.

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 217kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 22g

To pin for later:

Fancy trying some other cocktail recipes with Gin? Why not try a gin and tonic, a Gimlet or a Pink Gin?

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Yield: 1

Last Word Cocktail

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A bold, herbal classic! The Last Word cocktail blends gin, Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime for a smooth yet strong drink. Perfect for any occasion!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 22 ml Gin
• 22 ml Green Chartreuse
• 22 ml Maraschino liqueur
• 22 ml Fresh lime juice
• Ice
• Lime twist or cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice.
2. Shake: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
3. Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish: Add a lime twist or cherry for garnish, if desired.
5. Serve: Enjoy your Last Word cocktail immediately.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 217Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.