What makes the Last Word cocktail truly special is its revival during the cocktail renaissance, reminding us of its timeless appeal. Rediscovered by enthusiasts and bartenders alike, it’s now celebrated in bars across the globe. Our exploration of this drink not only covers its history but also delves into what it takes to craft this iconic beverage yourself. It’s amazing how good flavors from nearly a century ago can still impress today’s taste buds.
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail aficionado or just beginning your mixology journey, the Last Word offers an intriguing experience with every sip. Its comeback in recent years is not just a trend but a testament to its enduring legacy. Let’s appreciate the past while enjoying the art of a well-crafted drink as we dive deeper into the world of classic cocktails.
5 MINUTES | EASY | SERVES 1
Nutrition per serving:
190 Cals, 0g Protein, 16g Carbs, 0g Fat, 14g Sugar
EQUIPMENT
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Coupe glass
INGREDIENTS
- 0.75 oz gin
- 0.75 oz green Chartreuse
- 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
TO SERVE (OPTIONAL)
- Lime twist
METHOD
- Prepare the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. Add ice.
- Shake: Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
- Strain: Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy.
History and Origin
The Last Word cocktail, a fascinating gem in the cocktail world, has a rich legacy that begins with its origins at the Detroit Athletic Club. This drink gained popularity during Prohibition and saw influences from notable figures like Frank Fogarty and Ted Saucier. Over time, it faded away only to be revived again in more recent years.
The Birth at Detroit Athletic Club
The Last Word was first crafted at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s. As prohibition took hold, the club became an influential gathering spot where this unique cocktail, made with gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, was served. The combination of these ingredients created a balance of flavors that appealed to many during this era.
Popularity During Prohibition
During Prohibition, cocktails like the Last Word thrived as they masked the taste of bootlegged spirits. This cocktail’s reputation soared among speakeasies and underground bars. Its complex flavor profile made it a favorite among those seeking something distinctive. The charm of the Last Word lay in its ability to offer a taste of sophistication even in times of scarcity.
Frank Fogarty and Ted Saucier’s Influence
Frank Fogarty, a vaudeville performer, played a role in spreading the word about this cocktail. Ted Saucier later cemented the drink’s place in history by including it in his 1951 recipe book, Bottoms Up! This publication helped preserve the recipe, keeping the cocktail alive in the minds of cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders for decades.
The Cocktail’s Obsolescence and Resurgence
Despite its early success, the Last Word eventually fell into obscurity. It wasn’t until Murray Stenson of Seattle’s Zig Zag Café rediscovered it in the early 2000s that it reemerged. Stenson’s revival sparked a Cocktail Revival movement, securing the Last Word’s place in what is now known as the Cocktail Canon. This resurgence cemented its status as a classic cocktail enjoyed by many once again.
Ingredients and Flavors
In creating the Last Word, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its unique character. This cocktail blends rich herbal complexity with an intriguing balance of sweet and sour flavors that leave a lasting impression.
Analyzing Herbal Complexity
Herbal complexity defines the Last Word cocktail. Combining gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice results in a drink that balances multiple herbal notes. Each sip reveals layers of botanicals. The herbal flavors are notably influenced by the presence of green chartreuse, which brings a distinct and complex profile. This liqueur, made from numerous herbs, dominates the first impression. Yet, the gin’s botanicals provide another layer to this aromatic experience. Through tasting, we discover how these layers harmonize, delivering an intriguing and dynamic flavor profile.
Gin: The Spirit Base
Gin serves as the main spirit base in the Last Word. Dry gin, such as Tanqueray, is often used to bring out its botanical richness. This choice helps amplify the herbal complexity of the drink, complementing the other elements. Gin drinks like this one rely on these specific notes for depth. Each nip of gin infuses the cocktail with botanicals that enrich the overall experience. As a result, our choice of gin can profoundly influence the final tasting note, allowing each version of the cocktail to shine in its own right.
Green Chartreuse: Key Herbal Liqueur
Green Chartreuse is a crucial component of the Last Word. Known for its intense herbal flavor, it sets the foundation for the complexity in this cocktail. It’s a herbal liqueur crafted from a blend of more than 130 different herbs, giving it a vibrant and potent profile. This flavor carries through every sip, providing depth and character to the cocktail. Green chartreuse brings a dominant and sophisticated herbal undertone, making the drink pop with each taste. Its unique qualities firmly establish it as a key ingredient, contributing both color and taste.
Maraschino and Lime: Sweet and Sour Balance
Balancing sweetness and acidity is key to the Last Word’s appeal. The maraschino liqueur contributes a sweet touch with its cherry undertones, often associated with Luxardo. This cherry liqueur pairs seamlessly with the tartness of fresh lime juice. Together, they create a balanced sweet and sour profile that elevates the overall taste. The lime juice introduces refreshing brightness and acidity that cuts through the herbal elements. When garnished with a brandied cherry, the cocktail gains not just an aesthetic touch but also an extra hit of sweetness, rounding off the experience beautifully.
Preparation and Serving
Making a perfect Last Word cocktail requires knowing the right techniques and tools. Key elements include using proper mixology methods, employing a cocktail shaker effectively, and serving in a chilled coupe glass for the best experience.
Mixology Techniques
Mastering the cocktail recipe for the Last Word involves using precise techniques. We start by ensuring that every measure is exact: 0.75 oz each of gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. This balance is crucial for the cocktail’s complex flavors to shine.
Shaking the ingredients is essential. We emphasize a vigorous shake, around 10-20 seconds, to blend everything perfectly. The aim is not just to mix but to chill the drink thoroughly for a refreshing taste. This step highlights our mixology skills, improving both the texture and the temperature of the cocktail.
The Role of a Cocktail Shaker
A cocktail shaker is pivotal when preparing the Last Word. It ensures the ingredients mix well and chills them at the same time. When we add ice to the shaker, it rapidly cools the mixture.
Vigorously shaking the ingredients not only integrates them but also brings the drink to the right consistency and coldness. Furthermore, a well-chosen shaker enhances control over the pour, ensuring no ingredients go to waste.
Using a shaker gives our drink a slightly frothy texture, a sign it’s perfectly mixed. We see this as the blend of artistry and science fundamental to making a top-tier cocktail.
Serving in a Chilled Coupe Glass
Presentation is key, and using a chilled coupe glass elevates the drinking experience. We typically chill the glass by filling it with ice while preparing the cocktail. This step ensures that the drink stays cold longer.
After mixing, we strain the cocktail into the chilled glass, removing ice fragments. A coupe glass enhances aromas, allowing us to fully enjoy the herbal notes of Green Chartreuse and the lime’s citrusy zing.
Finally, garnishing with a maraschino cherry or lime twist adds a pleasing visual touch and a hint of extra flavor, making the presentation as delightful as the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our exploration of the Last Word signature drink uncovers its unique ingredients, historical background, and flavor profile. We dive into its classic recipe and how variations can change its taste. Let’s understand what makes this cocktail stand out and which foods complement it best.
What are the traditional ingredients of a Last Word cocktail?
The Last Word cocktail is traditionally made with equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. This perfect combination gives the drink its distinctive taste. Using quality ingredients ensures the flavors are well-balanced and harmonious.
What variations exist for the Last Word cocktail recipe?
Bartenders often experiment with the Last Word by switching out gin for other spirits like vodka or mezcal. Some might replace lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different twist. These changes can create new but equally enjoyable versions of this classic drink.
How does green Chartreuse influence the flavor profile of the Last Word?
Green Chartreuse adds a complex, herbal note to the Last Word cocktail. Its natural green color and unique flavor come from various botanicals. This contributes a rich and layered taste that makes the drink memorable and distinct.
Can the Last Word cocktail be considered a strong drink?
The Last Word is a strong cocktail due to its use of gin and green Chartreuse, both of which have high alcohol content. The balance of flavors, however, ensures that the alcohol doesn’t overpower the taste experience.
What food pairings work well with a Last Word cocktail?
Cheese platters, especially those featuring sharp or blue cheeses, pair beautifully with the Last Word. Charcuterie boards and smoked meats also complement the drink’s rich flavor profile. These foods enhance the herbal and citrus notes of the cocktail.
What is the historical origin of the Last Word cocktail?
The Last Word originated at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 20th century. It was a popular choice during the Prohibition era. It made a comeback in craft cocktail bars worldwide in the early 2000s, highlighting its timeless appeal.
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