Closing Argument

The Closing Argument is a perfectly balanced, equal-parts cocktail that delivers a powerful sensory experience. The earthy smoke of mezcal plays beautifully against the sweet, complex botanicals of Green Chartreuse and the subtle bitter cherry notes of Maraschino liqueur. Fresh lime juice ties everything together, providing a sharp, acidic backbone that keeps the drink refreshing and vibrant despite its intensity.
Closing Argument

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Closing Argument is a cocktail from the Modern Classic category. It is typically enjoyed as an apéritif or a digestif due to its complex and palate-awakening flavors. Its structure and origin place it firmly within the renaissance of classic bartending in the early 21st century.

Serving

The Closing Argument is a potent, spirit-forward cocktail served chilled and "straight up" in a coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its strength and complexity make it a drink to be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approximately 4 oz / 120 ml (after shaking)
Alcohol content
Approximately 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This modern classic was created by bartender Richard Boccato around 2006 at the influential New York City bar, Milk & Honey. It's a direct and inspired variation of the Prohibition-era classic, "The Last Word," which features gin. Boccato's substitution of mezcal was a pioneering move that helped popularize the spirit in modern mixology, creating a new classic in its own right.
Origin
Created in New York City, USA, circa 2006.

Closing Argument

The drink is almost universally known as the Closing Argument. It is sometimes descriptively called a "Mezcal Last Word" because it directly substitutes mezcal for gin in the classic Last Word cocktail recipe.
Original name
Closing Argument
Alternative name
Mezcal Last Word

Characteristics overview

This drink presents a complex symphony of flavors, leading with smoke and herbs, balanced by sharp citrus and a hint of sweetness. The aroma is equally intricate, offering a preview of the bold, silky, and memorable taste experience.
Flavor
smoky, herbal, complex, tart, subtly sweet, earthy
Aroma
smoky agave, lime zest, herbaceous botanicals, anise
Taste balance
sour, sweet, herbal, smoky
Aftertaste
long, warming, smoky, herbal finish
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
pale greenish-yellow, hazy
Texture
silky, smooth, crisp
Seasonality
all-season, refreshing yet complex

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely driven by sourness and alcohol strength, with a moderate sweetness and fruitiness to balance the profile. It is a bold, complex drink with no saltiness, creaminess, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail is an equal-parts build requiring four key ingredients: smoky mezcal, herbaceous Green Chartreuse, complex Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice. The quality of each component is crucial for the final taste.
  • Mezcal0.75 ounces / 22.5 ml
    An unaged (joven) mezcal with a moderate level of smoke works best.
  • Green Chartreuse0.75 ounces / 22.5 ml
    There is no substitute for its unique blend of 130 herbs and botanicals.
  • Maraschino Liqueur0.75 ounces / 22.5 ml
    Use a quality brand like Luxardo or Maraska for its distinct funky, floral, and nutty notes.
  • Fresh Lime Juice0.75 ounces / 22.5 ml
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set for this drink. A jigger ensures the equal-parts ratio is perfect, and double-straining with two strainers creates a clean, professional texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
  • Hawthorne strainer for straining from the shaker
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all four equal-parts ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake hard, and double-strain into the glass. Finish by garnishing with an expressed lime twist.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in a freezer for 10-15 minutes.
2. Measure and pour the mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass. This removes small ice shards and citrus pulp.
7. Cut a swath of lime peel for the garnish. Twist it over the surface of the drink to express its oils, then drop it in or place it on the rim.

Garnishing

A simple lime twist is the ideal garnish. Expressing the peel over the glass releases essential oils onto the surface, adding a fragrant citrus dimension that complements the drink's aroma.
  • Lime twist, expressed over the drink to release aromatic oils

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a moderately caloric cocktail, with its energy content coming primarily from the alcohol and the sugars in the liqueurs. It is relatively low in total carbohydrates compared to fruit-heavy drinks.
Calories
averagely 200-220 kcal / 837-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a versatile cocktail suitable for sophisticated occasions. Its complex, herbal profile makes it an excellent apéritif to stimulate the appetite or a digestif to enjoy after a meal.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Before Dinner (Apéritif)
  • After Dinner (Digestif)
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The smoky, herbal, and tart notes of the Closing Argument make it a fantastic partner for bold flavors. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats and cheeses, complements the spice in Mexican dishes, and provides a surprising counterpoint to dark chocolate.
  • Spicy tacos al pastor
  • Grilled halloumi cheese
  • Dark chocolate with chili
  • Smoked almonds

Closing Argument: The Smoky Verdict on a Classic

The Closing Argument is a testament to the power of a well-conceived variation. By swapping just one ingredient from The Last Word, it transforms the drink from a bright, botanical classic into a smoky, earthy, and profound modern masterpiece. It's an assertive and complex cocktail that rewards the adventurous palate, perfectly balancing smoke, herbs, sweetness, and sourness in every sip. For lovers of mezcal, Chartreuse, or simply spirit-forward cocktails, the Closing Argument is an essential drink to try.

Similar Cocktails

The Last Word

The original inspiration. It uses gin instead of mezcal for a brighter, more juniper-forward and less smoky profile.

Final Ward

Created by Phil Ward, this version uses rye whiskey instead of mezcal, resulting in a spicier, grain-forward flavor profile.

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