The Last Word is a classic cocktail that originated in Detroit during the Prohibition era. It is a unique and delightful drink that combines equal parts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly pressed lime juice. Each ingredient brings its own distinct flavor profile to the mix, resulting in a well-balanced and flavorful cocktail.
The first ingredient in the Last Word cocktail is gin. Gin is a spirit that is primarily flavored with juniper berries, giving it a distinct herbal and slightly piney taste. The choice of gin can greatly impact the overall flavor of the cocktail, so it's important to choose a gin that you enjoy. Some people prefer a more juniper-forward gin, while others prefer a more citrus or floral-forward gin. Experimenting with different gins can be a fun way to personalize your Last Word cocktail.
Next, we have green Chartreuse, a liqueur that is made from a secret blend of over 130 different herbs and botanicals. It has a complex and herbal flavor profile, with notes of mint, anise, and various spices. Green Chartreuse adds a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the Last Word cocktail. Its vibrant green color also adds a visually appealing element to the drink.
Maraschino liqueur is another key ingredient in the Last Word cocktail. It is made from Marasca cherries, which are a sour variety of cherry. The liqueur has a unique flavor that is both sweet and slightly tart, with hints of almond and cherry. It adds a fruity and floral note to the cocktail, balancing out the herbal and citrus flavors of the other ingredients.
Lastly, freshly pressed lime juice is added to the mix. Lime juice provides a bright and refreshing citrus element to the Last Word cocktail. Using fresh lime juice is crucial to ensure a vibrant and zesty flavor. Bottled lime juice simply doesn't compare to the freshness and acidity of freshly squeezed lime juice.
To prepare the Last Word cocktail, all the ingredients are combined in a shaker with ice. The shaker is then vigorously shaken to chill the drink and properly mix all the flavors together. After shaking, the mixture is strained into a glass using a cocktail strainer, ensuring that the cocktail is served straight up without any ice.
The Last Word cocktail is a true delight to the senses. Its vibrant green color is visually appealing, and its flavor profile is complex and well-balanced. The herbal and citrus notes from the gin and Chartreuse are complemented by the sweetness and fruitiness of the maraschino liqueur and lime juice. It is a cocktail that can be enjoyed by both seasoned cocktail enthusiasts and those new to the world of mixology.
The Last Word cocktail is a classic drink that showcases the harmonious combination of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly pressed lime juice. Its equal parts recipe allows each ingredient to shine and create a well-rounded and flavorful cocktail. Whether you're sipping it at a fancy cocktail bar or enjoying it at home, the Last Word is sure to leave a lasting impression. Cheers!