Find history, mystery, and a world of herbaceous flavors in this gin-based drink that just may have the final word on classic cocktails!
Fairness is a hallmark of diplomacy. It’s not about naming winners or losers but finding common ground where all parties can agree. And it’s almost never about getting the last word.
This last word cocktail recipe could be a metaphor for diplomacy. It’s all about fairness—with equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice coming together to create a flavor profile that rises to something very grand, indeed.
While gin lays an herbaceous foundation for the drink, Chartreuse liqueur contributes equally distinct flavor notes and a vibrant green hue—along with a compelling narrative about reclusive French monks who extract essences from herbs to craft the spirit, then age it in massive oak barrels in their stark mountain retreat.
I got to visit the Monastery of the Grand Chartreuse and its adjacent distillery several years ago. The tour offers a good sense of the quiet lives of devotion the monks live, and the tasting room allowed me to explore several iterations of the herby, anise-tinged liqueur. You may have to check several liquor stores to find Chartreuse in the States—but I strongly advise against using anything else in its place. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it, and it brings layers of complexity to this cocktail.
Every sip delivers perfectly balanced, vibrant flavors with just the right herby, tart, sweet, and fruity notes. From the drink’s storied ingredients to its origins at the Detroit Athletic Club in 1916 to its renaissance in Seattle in the early 2000s—it could very well be the final word on modern classic cocktails.
The mysterious secret behind this cocktail
Only a handful of monks know the recipe for Chartreuse. The legacy of this herbaceous liqueur began in 1084, when Saint Bruno and his fellow Carthusian monks founded the Grande Chartreuse monastery in the French Alps, 3,900 feet above sea level and only accessible by foot. They led an austere and contemplative life on the rugged mountainside, eventually becoming renowned for their knowledge of herbs and distillation. In 1605, French nobleman and trusted patron of the monks, François Annibal d’Estrées, gave them a mysterious alchemical manuscript containing a secret recipe for an “elixir of long life.” Its complex blend of 130 herbs, plants, and flowers became the foundation for Chartreuse liqueur. Through war, exile, and even government confiscation of their distillery, the Carthusians remained resilient, relocating as needed and never surrendering the recipe—which remains a closely guarded secret to this day. By the 20th century, production settled in Voiron, where the tradition continues to connect visitors to nearly a millennium of monastic craftsmanship and mystery.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover last word cocktails in a well-sealed bottle or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze these drinks for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for 30–60 minutes, then shake with ice before serving to restore the texture. If you’re batching ahead of time for a party, combine all ingredients except the lime juice and chill in the fridge or freezer. Add freshly squeezed lime juice just before shaking and serving for optimal flavor.
Serving suggestions
A last word cocktail pairs exceptionally well with seafood and herb-infused dishes. Serve it alongside Tuna Ceviche for a light meal or Thai Basil Chicken for a more substantial dinner. It’s also a delightful complement to citrusy desserts, like these Cranberry-Lemon Bars.
Ingredients
- 3/4 ounce gin
- 3/4 ounce green Chartreuse
- 3/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- Lime wheel optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel placed on the rim of the glass or floating in the drink, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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