Last Word

The LAST WORD is a classic pre-Prohibition cocktail that was re-popularized 20 years ago by Murray Stenson. a famous Seattle mixologist who passed away in 2023 at 74. It’s enjoyed for its balance of sweet, sour and herbal flavors. The recipe preparation is easily remembered for its equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

Requirements: gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur (Luxardo preferred), lime juice, maraschino cherry and/or lime peel for garnish

• 3/4 oz. gin
• 3/4 oz. green Chartreuse
• 3/4 oz. maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 maraschino cherry and/or lime peel for garnish

Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry and/or lime peel.

History: Originally published in a 1951 book called Bottoms Up, the Last Word was one of pre-Prohibition’s most popular cocktails before starting to fade into oblivion. Murray Stenson began serving them at Seattle’s Zig Zag Cafe in the 2000’s. It’s popularity spread nationwide and was one of the drinks that became part of a classic cocktail resurgence that he helped start in the 2000’s. Murray Stenson was a mixology guru and bartender who rebelled against the sugary-sweet mixes of the 1970’s, preferring instead the tried-and-true balanced recipes like the Last Word which used quality liqueurs instead of added sugars. Mr. Stenson was awarded the Best Bartender in America award in 2010 at an annual conference in New Orleans.*

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Murray Stenson

*NY TIMES obituary, 10/9/23