Last word (cocktail)

Last Word is a cocktail that was likely created in the early 20th century. The drink is a Prohibition-era cocktail, which means it was created during the time when the sale, production, and transportation of alcohol were banned in the United States. The Last Word is a gin-based cocktail that also includes green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

History

The Last Word cocktail is believed to have been first served at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 20th century. However, the cocktail fell into obscurity after the end of Prohibition. It was rediscovered in the early 21st century by a bartender in Seattle, who found the recipe in a Prohibition-era cocktail book.

Preparation

The Last Word is made by combining equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. The ingredients are shaken with ice and then strained into a cocktail glass. The cocktail is typically garnished with a cherry or a lime wheel.

Variations

There are several variations of the Last Word cocktail. The most common variation is the Final Ward, which substitutes rye whiskey for the gin and lemon juice for the lime juice. Other variations include the Closing Argument, which uses mezcal instead of gin, and the Last Laugh, which uses applejack instead of gin.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Prohibition in the United States
• Cocktail garnish