A warmer take on the Last Word cocktail, with Krampus Alpine Gin and Krampus Herbal Liqueur standing in for green Chartreuse.
The Last Word is a cult-classic cocktail of equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime. Bartenders love it, and it is one of the most searched classic gin drinks.
Green Chartreuse has become scarce and expensive, so this version uses Krampus Alpine Gin and Krampus Herbal Liqueur in its place.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Krampus Alpine Gin
- ¾ oz Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- ¾ oz maraschino liqueur
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
Directions
- Shake all ingredients hard with ice.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe.
Glass: Coupe · Garnish: Brandied cherry
Tip
This won't taste like the Chartreuse version. Krampus is nuttier and more honeyed, and the juniper-forward Alpine Gin carries the herbal notes. Read why Krampus works as a Chartreuse substitute in The Green King Is Gone.
Variations
For a Final Ward, swap the gin for Krampus Bottled in Bond Rye and the lime for lemon.
A Brief History of the Last Word
The Last Word dates to around 1916 at the Detroit Athletic Club, where it appeared on the menu during the years just before Prohibition. It is often credited to a vaudeville performer named Frank Fogarty, and it was recorded in Ted Saucier's 1951 cocktail book Bottoms Up.
Then it disappeared for half a century, until bartender Murray Stenson revived it at Seattle's Zig Zag Café in the early 2000s. From the Pacific Northwest, it spread to bars around the world.
Why Make It With Krampus
Green Chartreuse is made by Carthusian monks in limited amounts, and it has become hard to find. Krampus Herbal Liqueur won't imitate it. Instead, it brings honey, roasted hazelnut and spice, and Krampus Alpine Gin, juniper-forward and bottled at 96 proof, supplies the herbal, alpine notes. The result is a warmer, rounder Last Word that still keeps the drink's sweet, sour and herbal balance. Read more in The Green King Is Gone.
FAQ
What can I use instead of green Chartreuse?
No liqueur matches it exactly. Herbal liqueurs like Krampus Herbal Liqueur give a different but balanced Last Word, especially paired with a juniper-forward gin.
Why is green Chartreuse so hard to find?
Its makers limit production, and demand has grown faster than supply, so many stores and bars now run short.