The Last Word

The Last Word is a cocktail, but I’m willing to bet you’ve probably never heard of it. I must admit, I love the name and I think it’s an appropriate cocktail to celebrate Mother’s Day. Truthfully speaking, as a mom, I don’t always get the last word in, but I strive for it.

Although The Last Word dates back to Prohibition, it has remained forgotten about for decades. This old-timer was rediscovered a few years ago when Seattle bartender Murray Stenson began serving it to customers at the Zig Zag Cafe. Fast forward to today, the Last Word is now considered a revived classic, popping up at bars and eateries across continents. But my discovery was made through my husband, who began sipping on this cocktail during the COVID lockdown last spring.

The Last Word is a surprising mixture of four simple, equally balanced ingredients; gin, lemon, Marachino liquor, and green Chartreuse. For my recipe, I sub out lemon juice for lime to make what I call, the perfect union. Although petite in size, this pint-sized beauty, served up, is both flavorful and memorable, even if you’re not a gin fan.

What is Chartreuse

The Last Word has a lovely, natural pale green hue like no other cocktail I’ve seen. That stunning shade comes from the green Chartreuse, which is the only liqueur in the world with a completely natural green color and complex flavor.  Recently, Green Chartreuse has been enjoying a modern-day comeback.

Chartreuse has been made by Carthusian Monks since 1737 and was originally concocted as an elixir of long life. Like many European liqueurs, Green Chartreuse comes with its fair share of mystique. Made from a secret blend of 130 herbs, seeds, and spices, it has a curious and impalpable flavor: sweet yet spicy, herbaceous yet refreshing, with a much smoother finish.

For Mother’s Day this year, I encourage you to make The Last Word in honor of your mother, no matter where she may be. And make sure to take a moment, and raise your glass to all the invaluable things your mother taught you through the years, including all those times she didn’t get the last word in.