How Green Chartreuse Helped Resurrect The Last Word

How Green Chartreuse Helped Resurrect The Last Word

Everything You Need to Know About the Last Word

The cocktail renaissance has found mixologists dusting off bottles that once sat unused at the end of the bar. The French liqueur Green Chartreuse is one such bottle, and its renewed popularity has resurrected forgotten libations that take advantage of its complex blend of 130 herbs and spices. According to legend, The Last Word came slinking out of Detroit’s speakeasies during Prohibition. Despite its century-old vintage, its mix of bitter and sweet with a botanical allure and hearty gin kick is bracingly modern and utterly delightful. While the original emerald version is a classic, those looking for a slightly softer, more floral profile often substitute the original with its milder, saffron-infused sibling, Yellow Chartreuse.

The Last Word

Prep Time3 min
Yield1 Cocktail
Base SpiritGin, Chartreuse

Ingredients

  • 0.75 oz Gin
  • 0.75 oz Chartreuse Verte Green Liqueur
  • 0.75 oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
How Green Chartreuse Helped Resurrect The Last Word

Instructions

  1. In a shaker, combine gin, fresh lime juice, maraschino liqueur, and Green Chartreuse.
  2. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
  3. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.
  4. Garnish with a brandied cherry or a slice of lime (optional).
Pro Tip
For an extra touch of elegance, consider expressing the oil from a lime peel over the drink. This small step enhances the citrus aroma, elevating The Last Word to a sophisticated libation reminiscent of the roaring twenties.

The Last Word Riff

For a smokier, more modern edge, try the Wordsmith. This riff swaps the gin for a funky pot-still rum or a mezcal. The switch replaces the botanical snap of gin with deep notes of tropical fruit or earthy smoke, which provides a much sturdier backbone for the aggressive herbs in the Green Chartreuse.