How to make a balanced Last Word
The Last Word, a classic and sophisticated cocktail, is a perfect example of balance and harmony in the art of mixology. This cocktail, which dates back to the prohibition era, is a balanced combination of gin, Maraschino cherry liqueur, green Chartreuse and fresh lime juice. Each of these ingredients contributes to Last Word's complex and intriguing flavor profile, making it a favorite choice among cocktail connoisseurs.
Ingredients
To make a Last Word, you will need the following ingredients:
- 22.5ml of gin
- 22.5ml Maraschino cherry liqueur
- 22.5ml of Green Chartreuse
- 22.5ml fresh lemon juice
Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- Cocktail meter
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail glass
- Cocktail strainer
Preparation
Now that we have all the necessary ingredients and equipment, let's go step by step on how to prepare a balanced Last Word.
- First, put ice in the cocktail shaker to cool it while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Next, measure and pour the gin, Maraschino cherry liqueur, Green Chartreuse and fresh lemon juice into the cocktail shaker. The key to a balanced Last Word is ensuring each ingredient is accurately measured. This will ensure that no single flavor dominates the cocktail and that all flavors blend harmoniously together.
- After adding all the ingredients, shake the shaker vigorously for about 10 to 15 seconds. Not only does this mix the ingredients well, it also helps cool the cocktail.
- After shaking, use the cocktail strainer to strain the cocktail into a cocktail glass. The sieve will help remove any chunks of ice or lime pulp that may have gotten into the cocktail during the shaking process.
- Finally, for a finishing touch, you can garnish the cocktail with a Maraschino cherry or a slice of lime.
Tips and Variations
While the original Last Word recipe is perfectly balanced as is, there are a few variations you can experiment with to give the cocktail a personal touch.
- You can try different types of gin to see how they affect the flavor of the cocktail. More herbal or citrusy gins can give Last Word a different flavor.
- Instead of lemon juice, you can try lime juice for a sweeter, less acidic taste.
- For a softer version of Last Word, you can try using Yellow Chartreuse instead of Green. Yellow Chartreuse is sweeter and less alcoholic than green, which can mellow out the cocktail.
In conclusion, the Last Word is a cocktail that demonstrates the beauty of balance in mixology. Each ingredient contributes equally to the final flavor of the cocktail, resulting in a drink that is complex, intriguing and deliciously refreshing. With the above recipe and tips, you can create your own perfectly balanced Last Word at home.
