Last Flight

The Last Flight is a modern cocktail that brilliantly combines the worlds of two other modern classics. It features the bold character of bourbon, the herbaceous complexity of Green Chartreuse, the bitter-orange notes of Aperol, and the funky sweetness of maraschino liqueur. Tied together with fresh lime juice, it's a vibrant, multi-layered drink that is both intriguing and delicious for the adventurous palate.
Last Flight

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Last Flight is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It's a spirit-forward drink that follows the sour template (spirit, sweet, sour) but with a complex, multi-ingredient build typical of the modern craft cocktail movement.

Serving

This drink is served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It's a spirit-forward but refreshing cold cocktail with a significant alcoholic kick.
Serving size
Approx. 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Last Flight was created by bartender Phil Ward at the legendary New York City bar Death & Co. around 2007. It's considered part of the family of "equal parts" or near-equal-parts cocktails that Ward and others popularized during that era. Its name is a clever play on its two main inspirations, the Paper Plane cocktail and The Last Word.
Origin
Created in New York City, USA, around 2007 at the bar Death & Co. by Phil Ward.

Last Flight

The name "Last Flight" is the original and most commonly used name for this cocktail, cleverly referencing its two primary inspirations, the Paper Plane and The Last Word.
Original name
Last Flight

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a complex journey of flavors, from herbaceous and bittersweet notes to bright citrus, with a silky texture and a long, warming finish. Its beautiful amber-pink color makes it visually appealing, and it's suitable for any time of year.
Flavor
Herbaceous, bittersweet, citrusy, complex, stone fruit, cherry
Aroma
Herbal, orange peel, cherry, oak, lime zest
Taste balance
Balanced, sour, sweet, bitter
Aftertaste
Long, complex, herbal, warming
Fizziness
None, still
Color appearance
Amber, orange-pink hue, clear
Texture
Silky, smooth, medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, all-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

A well-balanced drink with moderate sweetness, sourness, and bitterness, complemented by a notable fruitiness and high alcohol strength. It is a still, non-creamy cocktail with intense, complex flavors.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring five key ingredients: Bourbon, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, and fresh lime juice. The quality of each component is crucial for the final taste.
  • Bourbon Whiskey22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A bourbon with a good rye content can add a nice spicy backbone.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides the drink's signature bittersweet orange notes and vibrant color.
  • Green Chartreuse22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Essential for its intense, complex herbal flavor profile.
  • Maraschino Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Adds a unique funky, sweet-sour cherry and almond note. Luxardo is the classic choice.
  • Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for brightness and balance.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You'll need a standard cocktail shaker set to build this drink. A jigger ensures the equal-parts ratio is accurate, and double straining provides a clean, professional finish.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for measuring
  • Hawthorne strainer for primary straining
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double straining

Instructions

This is a straightforward shaken cocktail. Simply combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake until perfectly chilled, and double-strain into a pre-chilled coupe glass for a perfect serve.
1. Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass by filling it with ice and water, or by placing it in a freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Carefully measure and pour all ingredients (Bourbon, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur, and fresh lime juice) into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with fresh, hard cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is frosty and well-chilled.
5. Empty the ice from your prepared serving glass.
6. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled glass to remove any ice shards or citrus pulp.
7. Serve immediately while cold.

Garnishing

The Last Flight is traditionally served without a garnish. Its appealing color and complex aroma are considered sufficient adornment.
  • None (traditionally)

Dietary Information

This is an alcoholic beverage that is typically free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. As it contains no animal products, it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail is moderately caloric and contains a significant amount of sugar, primarily from the three liqueurs and aperitif used in its recipe. It is not considered a low-calorie or low-sugar drink option.
Calories
Averagely 220 kcal / 920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 16g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a perfect cocktail for a sophisticated happy hour or as an aperitif before a nice dinner. Its complexity also makes it a great conversation starter at a cocktail party or for a quiet, contemplative evening.
  • Cocktail Party
  • Pre-dinner Drink
  • Sophisticated Evening
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The complex, bittersweet, and sour profile of the Last Flight pairs exceptionally well with salty and fatty foods that can stand up to its bold flavors. Consider serving it as an aperitif with a charcuterie board featuring sharp cheeses and cured meats, or with simple salty snacks like marinated olives or roasted nuts.
  • Charcuterie Board
  • Sharp Cheeses (e.g., aged cheddar, parmesan)
  • Salty Olives
  • Cured Meats (e.g., prosciutto, salami)

The Last Flight: A Harmonious Fusion of Modern Classics

The Last Flight is a sophisticated and complex modern classic cocktail born from the creative minds at Death & Co. It masterfully balances the boldness of bourbon with the herbal intensity of Green Chartreuse, the bittersweet orange of Aperol, and the unique funk of Maraschino liqueur. This equal-parts sour is a testament to balance, delivering a multi-layered tasting experience that is both challenging and rewarding for the palate. It is an excellent choice for connoisseurs who appreciate cocktails like the Paper Plane or The Last Word and are seeking a new, intriguing favorite.

Similar Cocktails

The Last Word

An inspiration for the Last Flight. Uses gin instead of bourbon and omits the Aperol.

Paper Plane

An inspiration for the Last Flight. Uses Amaro Nonino and lemon juice instead of Green Chartreuse, Maraschino, and lime juice.

Final Ward

Also created by Phil Ward. Uses rye whiskey and lemon juice, and omits the Aperol.

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