Ginger Last Word
Muddle; Shake ∙ 4 min ∙ 23.3% ABV ∙
The Ginger Last Word is the equal-parts Last Word with muddled fresh ginger: gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime, shaken and served up.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- In the base of the shaker, muddle: Fresh ginger root 2 slices
- Add the remaining ingredients: London dry gin 20 mlHerbal liqueur (e.g., Green Chartreuse) 20 mlMaraschino liqueur 20 mlLime juice 20 ml
- Shake with ice and fine strain into the chilled glass
- Express a grapefruit twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Muddle the two ginger slices gently; a light press releases the juice, while pounding shreds stringy fibers into the drink.
- Keep the Chartreuse and maraschino to an exact 20 ml each. Both are strong-tasting, and a heavy pour buries the gin and ginger.
History
The Ginger Last Word is a modern riff created in 2016 by London bartender Riccardo Aletta at Holy Birds, a restaurant and cocktail bar in London. Aletta reportedly called his creation a "Vegan Last Word," and it later circulated under the "Ginger" name for the muddled ginger root added to the shaker, which layers a spicy note onto the original formula.
The drink builds on the Last Word, an equal-parts gin cocktail generally traced to the Detroit Athletic Club and first documented on a club menu in 1916, and keeps that structure intact.
FAQ
What are the ingredients in a Ginger Last Word?
Two thin slices of fresh ginger, muddled, plus 20 ml each of London dry gin, an herbal liqueur such as green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice.
What are some tips for making the perfect Ginger Last Word?
Muddle the ginger with a light press; pounding shreds stringy fibers into the drink. Keep the Chartreuse and maraschino at exactly 20 ml, fine-strain, and express the grapefruit twist right at service.
