OLD FASHIONED COCKTAILS-Last Word:
When was the Last Word Invented?
Last word made its debut around 1915. It existed before Prohibition and was created by bartender Frank Fogarty. Its recipe appeared in Ted Saucier’s Bottoms Up in 1951, and it went unnoticed after the Second World War.
After decades of neglect, it was rediscovered in the Seattle, where it stood out from the crowd of cocktails due to its balance of tart, sweet and herbal notes. Since then, it has quickly become a hit in bars across the country and has maintained its rightful place in the cocktail world.
What You Need:
- green Chartreuse
- maraschino liqueur
- freshly squeezed lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel or cherry, for garnish
How to Make a Last Word?
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add ¾ oz of gin to the shaker using a jigger.
- Add ¾oz of green Chartreuse to the shaker.
- Add ¾ oz of maraschino liqueur to the shaker.
- Add ¾ oz of freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake the ingredients vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker is frosty.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a strainer to catch the ice and any small particles.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a cherry.
Tip For Making it:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The Last Word is a complex cocktail that relies on the quality of its ingredients. Choose a high-quality gin, such as London dry gin, and use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Measure your ingredients precisely: The Last Word has a delicate balance of flavors, so it’s important to measure your ingredients precisely using a jigger. Use the recommended proportions of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice for the best results.
- Shake vigorously: The Last Word should be shaken vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine the ingredients and create a frothy texture. Use a cocktail shaker or a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid for the best results.
- Strain carefully: Strain the cocktail carefully using a fine mesh strainer to remove any ice or small particles that may have formed during the shaking process. This will ensure a smooth and silky texture for your cocktail.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a cherry: The traditional garnish for a Last Word is a lime wheel, which adds a bright citrusy note to the cocktail. You can also use a cherry for a slightly sweeter flavor and a contrasting red color.
- Experiment with the proportions: The Last Word is a versatile cocktail that can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a more sour flavor, you can add more lime juice, while a sweeter flavor can be achieved by adding more maraschino liqueur. Be sure to adjust the proportions carefully, as the cocktail has a delicate balance of flavors.
Frequently asked questions:
What type of gin should I use in it?
Use a high-quality gin, such as London dry gin or Plymouth gin, for the best results. The gin should have a smooth and clean taste that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.
What is green Chartreuse?
Green Chartreuse is a complex and aromatic liqueur that is made from a secret blend of herbs and botanicals. It has a bright green color and a strong herbal and floral flavor that adds a unique and complex dimension to the Last Word cocktail.
What is maraschino liqueur?
Maraschino liqueur is a sweet liqueur that is made from marasca cherries. It has a distinctive cherry flavor that adds a sweet and fruity note to the Last Word cocktail.
What is the proper way to garnish this cocktail?
The traditional garnish for a Last Word is a lime wheel, which adds a bright citrusy note to the cocktail. You can also use a cherry for a slightly sweeter flavor and a contrasting red color. Twist the lime peel over the cocktail to release the oils and aromas, and then drop it into the glass.
What are some variations of this cocktail?
There are many variations of the Last Word that use different types of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and additional ingredients. For example, you can try using a flavored gin, such as grapefruit or cucumber gin, or adding a small amount of absinthe for a more complex and herbal flavor. You can also adjust the proportions of the ingredients to suit your taste.
Can I adjust the proportions of it?
Yes, the Last Word is a versatile cocktail that can be adjusted to suit your taste. If you prefer a more sour flavor, you can add more lime juice, while a sweeter flavor can be achieved by adding more maraschino liqueur. Be sure to adjust the proportions carefully, as the cocktail has a delicate balance of flavors.
Last Word
Last word made its debut around 1915. It existed before Prohibition and was created by bartender Frank
Fogarty. Its recipe appeared in Ted Saucier's Bottoms Up in 1951, and it went unnoticed after the Second World War.
After decades of neglect, it was rediscovered in the Seattle, where it stood out from the crowd of cocktails due to its balance of tart, sweet and herbal notes. Since then, it has quickly become a hit in bars across the country and has maintained its rightful place in the cocktail world.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz gin
- ¾ oz green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- a longer slice of lime peel for garnish
Instructions
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled coupe.
Notes
Be careful not to over-shake the cocktail, as it can cause the ingredients to become over-diluted and lose their flavor. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, you can use a large glass or a Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid as a substitute.
