The Last Word

When I started really getting in to cocktails I started perusing the web for resources and came across Robert Hess‘ video series on Small Screen Network and started devouring them immediately.  I watched all of them and along the way I watched one that really piqued my interest, The Last Word.  Interestingly, it wasn’t the cocktail that immediately grabbed my attention, but rather the advice Robert gave on how to build your home bar.

To summarize, the suggestion was to buy all the ingredients needed to make one drink, then make it over and over again until you had a firm grasp on the cocktail.  I mulled this concept over for a bit.  It really is sage advice.  Rather than building a home bar simply by going out and buying random things, build it one drink at a time.  That way when you’re looking to mix a drink for yourself or your friends you know immediately what you have the ingredients to make and you can offer suggestions as to what they might like.  Yep, that was the route I wanted to take, and thus Cocktail Hacker was born.

Now it’s time to revisit that video and mix up The Last Word.  This is a unique one for me and it’s been on my todo list for quite some time.  But I’ve been a bit hesitant.  This drink calls for Green Chartreuse, an herbal liqueur that I’ve never had before.  Although that’s never stopped me before this particular spirit runs toward the pricey side.  I was worried I’d pick up a bottle and not like it.

Thankfully I can fall back on trustworthy cocktail enthusiasts who have walked this path before me.  I’ve browsed and I’ve not found anything but good reports about Chartreuse, although I’ve heard it can be an acquired taste.  Now sounds like just the right time to do that acquiring.  Robert’s recipe is as good a place as any to start, so let’s get mixing.

The Last Word
1 oz Gin
1 oz Maraschino
1 oz Green Chartreuse
1 oz Lime Juice
1) Combine in a shaker over ice
2) Shake until well chilled
3) Strain in to a chilled cocktail glass

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2 responses to “The Last Word”

  1. Michael Dietsch Avatar

    This is a great place to start, with the Last Word, but my wife and I find it just a touch too sweet. So these days, I increase the gin to 1-1/4 oz, and bump the maraschino down to 3/4 oz. The green ingredients stay the same.

    This is just to say, this recipe is versatile and rewards some tinkering, depending on your tastes.

  2. Reese Avatar

    Thanks for the tip Michael. I’ll definitely make sure to try this variation!