The Last Word Cocktail: A Prohibition-Era Classic with a Modern Revival

A Cocktail with a Story Worth Telling

Every great cocktail has a story, and The Last Word is no exception. This drink first appeared at the Detroit Athletic Club in the early 1920s, right in the thick of Prohibition. While the Volstead Act had banned alcohol in the U.S., private clubs like the DAC kept the party alive for well-heeled members who wanted a stiff, sophisticated drink behind closed doors.

At the time, spirits were often rough around the edges, and cocktails leaned on bold mixers to balance them out. The Last Word fit the bill perfectly: sharp, herbal, and just sweet enough to tame the bite of bathtub gin. Word spread quickly through Detroit’s social circles, and soon it was being sipped in speakeasies across the Midwest.

But like many cocktails of the era, The Last Word faded into obscurity after World War II. For decades it was little more than a footnote in old bar manuals. That all changed in the early 2000s, when legendary bartender Murray Stenson at Seattle’s Zig Zag Café dusted off the recipe and put it back on the menu. The revival was explosive — bartenders around the world rediscovered its equal-parts formula and layered complexity, making it a cult favorite in the craft cocktail renaissance. Today, it’s considered one of the defining classics of the modern cocktail canon.

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What You’ll Need

The beauty of The Last Word lies in its simplicity. Just four ingredients, all in equal measure, create one of the most perfectly balanced cocktails you’ll ever sip.

• Gin – The crisp, botanical backbone of the drink. A London Dry gin is traditional, but a more floral or citrus-forward gin can add personality.
• Green Chartreuse – The secret weapon. This vivid green liqueur, made by Carthusian monks in France from a blend of 130 herbs, plants, and spices, delivers an herbal punch that no other spirit can replicate.
• Maraschino Liqueur – Not the syrup from neon-red cherries, but the real deal: a clear, nutty, cherry-based liqueur that adds subtle sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Lime Juice – The zesty glue that ties everything together, brightening the richness of the liqueurs and keeping the drink refreshing.

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Herbal Harmony in a Glass

What sets The Last Word apart is its flawless equilibrium. Each ingredient shines without overpowering the others. The gin’s juniper snap meets the vegetal depth of Chartreuse, softened by the nutty cherry notes of maraschino, then lifted with lime’s tart zing.

It’s also a rare example of an equal-parts cocktail that actually works. Too often, that formula falls flat, but here it’s magic: ¾ oz of each ingredient creates a drink that’s tart, herbal, sweet, and dry — all at once.

Drinkers often describe their first sip as surprising. The flavors are bold and unapologetic, yet everything feels harmonious. It’s a cocktail with confidence — one that lives up to its name.

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Substitutions & Variations

Part of The Last Word’s enduring charm is its adaptability. Bartenders and home mixologists have riffed on it for decades. Here are a few ideas to try:

• The Final Ward – A popular variation created by Phil Ward in New York, swapping rye whiskey for gin and lemon juice for lime. Deeper, spicier, and just as balanced.
• Smoky Last Word – Use mezcal instead of gin for a smoky, earthy twist. The mezcal plays beautifully with Chartreuse’s herbal bite.
• Yellow Chartreuse Swap – If you want a softer, sweeter version, replace Green Chartreuse with Yellow Chartreuse. The lower proof and honeyed notes create a gentler sip.
• Citrus Switch-Up – Lemon juice gives a rounder, less tart profile; grapefruit juice adds bitterness and a touch of tropical brightness.

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Expert Tips for Making The Last Word

A cocktail this simple deserves a little care in preparation. Here are some pro tips to elevate yours:

• Always Use Fresh Lime Juice – Bottled juice just won’t cut it. Freshly squeezed lime is non-negotiable.
• Shake Hard and Fast – Equal parts drinks need proper dilution. A vigorous 10–12 second shake with ice ensures everything integrates and stays frosty.
• Chill Your Glass – Serving in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass makes the drink more refreshing and visually sharp.
• Garnish with Purpose – A lime twist is traditional, but a Luxardo cherry garnish can nod to the maraschino liqueur.
• Food Pairings – Pair it with briny oysters, salty charcuterie, or sharp cheeses. The drink’s herbal bite cuts through richness beautifully.
• Batching Tip – Because it’s equal parts, The Last Word is one of the easiest cocktails to batch for parties. Just scale up, stir with ice in a pitcher, and strain into chilled glasses.

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Why It Still Matters

The Last Word isn’t just another Prohibition cocktail dusted off for nostalgia. It remains relevant because it tastes timeless — bold yet balanced, complex yet approachable. Few drinks feel as modern despite being over 100 years old.

It also embodies the spirit of cocktail culture itself: a little history, a little mystique, and a whole lot of flavor. Whether you’re mixing one at home for the first time or ordering it from a craft bar, The Last Word always delivers a story along with the sip.