Sometimes, things fall off your radar. I had completely forgotten about this drink until a friend shared it with me last week and I have looked forward to making it ever since. The problem was, I didn’t have one of the ingredients, so I had to exhibit patience, which is not a thing I am known for. I mean, I can be patient…if I have to, but instant gratification is so much more fun. That said, having something to look forward to is definitely a thing. I’m a long time pleasure delayer and a strong believer that desire is often more satisfying than possession. That has been messing with me during “whatever it is we are calling this chapter of life” this week. With so many plans cancelled and the usual rituals with friends on indefinite hold, I’m kinda drifting with the tide with no clear destination in sight. Not saying it’s all been bad, it’s just different. I miss things to look forward to, but I ain’t special, we are all there, always. That’s really the thing isn’t it? We are all being pulled between desires and needs and responsibilities, all the time. But maybe, that is what makes a life. That’s a lot of words, huh? Probably too many. So, with a look to brighter days a-coming, I present The Last Word. 

This is a classic super simple to make, remarkably complex cocktail. It’s like this thing is arguing with itself, pulling in four different directions, but, as you will see, it works. Grab your tins and pour in equal parts, 3/4 ounces each, of quality Gin, Green Chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino Cherry liqueur and fresh squeezed lime juice. That’s it, well I added 2 drops of 18-21 Prohibition Aromatic bitters, but that was just for kicks. Shake over ice and double strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with whatever feels right, which may be nothing in this case. I went with a lime twist, because I wasn’t feeling terribly creative.

These simple ingredients are all over the place, a citrus forward Mischief Gin, super herbal Chartreuse bringing bitter notes, nutty sweet cherry luxardo and the bright flavor of fresh lime. It’s like all those instruments in Rhapsody in Blue, sometimes echoing the same melody, sometimes in raucous counterpoint but coming together in a moment of perfection. That’s The Last Word. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.