The Last Word cocktail has an interesting and historical story behind it, originating during the Prohibition era in the early 1920s. It first came to life in the bar of the Detroit Athletic Club, where it was served throughout this period. The drink gained popularity and was later spread further afield by a vaudeville performer named Frank Fogarty, who was also known as the “Dublin Minstrel”.
During the Prohibition era, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages were prohibited in the United States. However, this didn't stop people from finding ways to enjoy their favorite libations. Speakeasies, hidden bars, and private clubs became popular venues for those seeking to indulge in the forbidden pleasures of alcohol.
One such establishment was the Detroit Athletic Club, a prestigious and exclusive club that catered to the city's elite. It was within the walls of this club's bar that the Last Word cocktail was born. The exact details of its creation are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have been concocted by either a bartender or a member of the club who wanted to create a unique and memorable drink.
The Last Word is a cocktail that combines equal parts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice. It is typically served straight up in a chilled cocktail glass. The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and balanced flavor profile, with the herbal and floral notes of the Chartreuse complementing the floral sweetness of the maraschino liqueur and the bright citrusy acidity of the lime juice.
As the drink gained popularity within the Detroit Athletic Club, it caught the attention of Frank Fogarty, a vaudeville performer and entertainer. Fogarty, who was originally from Dublin, Ireland, became enamored with the Last Word cocktail and began sharing it with his fellow performers and audiences during his travels.
Fogarty's charisma and showmanship helped to spread the popularity of the Last Word beyond the confines of the Detroit Athletic Club. As he performed in various cities across the United States, he would introduce the cocktail to local bartenders and patrons, leaving them intrigued and eager to try this new creation.
The Last Word eventually found its way into cocktail recipe books and became a staple in bars around the country. However, like many classic cocktails, it fell out of favor during the mid-20th century with the rise of more simplistic and mass-produced drinks. It was largely forgotten until the craft cocktail revival of the early 2000s, when bartenders and mixologists began rediscovering and reimagining classic recipes.
Today, the Last Word is once again celebrated as a timeless and beloved cocktail. Its history, rooted in the Prohibition era and spread through the efforts of a vaudeville performer, adds an intriguing layer to its story. Whether enjoyed in a speakeasy-style bar or crafted at home, the Last Word continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts with its unique blend of flavors and its connection to a bygone era of clandestine indulgence.