Mezcal Last Word

The Mezcal Last Word is a modern classic that substitutes the traditional gin with the earthy, smoky notes of mezcal. This equal-parts cocktail masterfully balances the complex herbal character of Green Chartreuse, the subtle sweetness of Maraschino liqueur, and the bright acidity of fresh lime juice. The result is a powerfully flavored, sophisticated, and memorable drink that is both challenging and rewarding to the palate. It is a testament to how a single ingredient change can completely redefine a classic recipe.
Mezcal Last Word

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Mezcal Last Word is firmly categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It's a direct variation of a Prohibition-era classic, updated with a different base spirit that reflects contemporary tastes and the rise of mezcal's popularity in mixology.

Serving

This potent cocktail is served straight up in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its serving size is typical for a classic sour-style drink, delivering a concentrated burst of flavor.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Around 28-32% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

While the original Last Word dates back to the Prohibition era, this mezcal variation is a product of the 21st-century craft cocktail revival. It gained popularity in the early 2000s, a time when bartenders were enthusiastically embracing mezcal. Though its exact origin is debated, it is often associated with bars like Death & Co. in New York, which were instrumental in popularizing mezcal-based cocktails. The drink showcases mezcal's ability to stand up to other powerful ingredients like Chartreuse.
Origin
United States, early 2000s. This cocktail is a modern creation, born from the resurgence of classic cocktails and the growing popularity of mezcal in American bars.

Mezcal Last Word

This cocktail is most commonly known as the Mezcal Last Word, a direct reference to the classic it is based on. An alternative and evocative name is "Last of the Oaxacans," which pays homage to the Oaxacan origin of most mezcal.
Original name
Mezcal Last Word
Alternative name
Last of the Oaxacans

Characteristics overview

This is a complex cocktail with a smoky aroma and a taste that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and intense herbal notes. It has a smooth, crisp texture and a lingering, warming aftertaste that makes it a memorable experience.
Flavor
smoky, herbal, sweet, tart, complex, earthy, cherry
Aroma
agave, herbaceous, lime, cherry, botanical
Taste balance
sweet, sour, herbal, smoky
Aftertaste
long, warming, herbal, smoky, complex
Fizziness
still
Color appearance
pale green, hazy, vibrant, cloudy
Texture
smooth, crisp, silky
Seasonality
refreshing, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense, led by a strong sourness from the lime, balanced by sweetness from the liqueurs. The cocktail is very strong, completely still, and carries a noticeable smoky and herbal character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring four key ingredients: smoky mezcal, complex Green Chartreuse, sweet Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
  • Mezcal22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    An unaged (joven) mezcal with a moderate level of smoke works best to balance the other ingredients.
  • Green Chartreuse22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This potent, sweet, and spicy herbal liqueur is essential for the cocktail's unique profile.
  • Maraschino Liqueur22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Use a quality brand like Luxardo for its distinct funky, sweet cherry and almond notes.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the bright, tart flavor needed to balance the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a measuring jigger and two types of strainers (Hawthorne and fine mesh) for a clean pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions
  • Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh strainer for a smooth, ice-free texture

Instructions

The process involves chilling a glass, shaking all four ingredients with ice until very cold, and double straining into the glass to ensure a smooth texture. A final garnish completes the drink.
1. Place your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes.
2. Measure and pour all four ingredients (mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, and lime juice) into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with cubed ice.
4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside is frosted and very cold.
5. Double strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a small lime wheel on the rim or a lime twist expressed over the drink's surface.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lime wheel or a lime twist is perfect, adding a touch of citrus aroma to the first sip. Expressing the oils from the twist over the drink enhances the experience.
  • Lime wheel or twist, expressed over the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally vegan and free from common allergens like gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is fully alcoholic and caffeine-free.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the two high-proof liqueurs. Carbohydrate levels are also moderate due to the sugar in the liqueurs.
Calories
Approximately 220-250 kcal / 920-1046 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail, perfect for a dedicated cocktail hour. Its complex profile also makes it an excellent nightcap or a unique choice for a celebratory toast among cocktail enthusiasts.
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Celebratory Toast
  • Nightcap

Pairing suggestions

The cocktail's bold, smoky, and herbal flavors pair exceptionally well with spicy and savory foods. It can cut through rich dishes like grilled meats and complement the complex spices found in Mexican cuisine.
  • Spicy Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor
  • Grilled vegetables with herbs
  • Salty snacks like spiced nuts or olives

The Mezcal Last Word: A Smoky Symphony of Flavors

The Mezcal Last Word is a vibrant and assertive cocktail that delights with its perfect equilibrium of smoke, herb, sweet, and sour. Its equal-parts formula makes it easy to remember, yet its flavor profile is anything but simple, offering layers of complexity from its four powerful ingredients. This drink is a must-try for fans of the original Last Word and anyone looking to explore the dynamic world of mezcal cocktails. Served ice-cold in a coupe, it is a sophisticated and potent drink suitable for any discerning cocktail enthusiast.

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