The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye is a contemporary cocktail that offers a refreshing and complex twist on the Prohibition-era Last Word. By replacing the sweet Maraschino liqueur with the bittersweet orange notes of Aperol, the drink gains a vibrant, zesty character. It's an equal-parts cocktail, making it easy to remember and prepare, yet its flavor profile is sophisticated. It masterfully balances gin's botanicals, the herbal intensity of Green Chartreuse, the bright bitterness of Aperol, and the sharp tang of fresh lime.
The Long Goodbye

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This drink is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the "sour" family of drinks and is a direct variation of the Prohibition-era classic, The Last Word.

Serving

The Long Goodbye is served 'up' (chilled, without ice) in a classic chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. It's a spirit-forward yet refreshing drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 105 ml / 3.5 oz (before dilution)
Alcohol content
Estimated 25-29% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

This cocktail is a modern creation, born from the renaissance of classic cocktails in the 21st century. It's a direct descendant of The Last Word, showcasing how modern bartenders deconstruct and reinterpret historical recipes. The name "The Long Goodbye" is a nod to Raymond Chandler's noir novel, evoking a sense of sophisticated melancholy that contrasts with the drink's bright and lively character. It was created by Earl Bernhardt of New Orleans' French Quarter bar, The Swizzle Stick.
Origin
Created by Earl Bernhardt in New Orleans, USA, in the early 2000s.

The Long Goodbye

The cocktail is consistently known as The Long Goodbye. While some might describe it as an "Aperol Last Word" due to its structure, this is a description rather than an established alternative name.
Original name
The Long Goodbye
Alternative name
Aperol Last Word

Characteristics overview

This cocktail presents a complex bouquet of herbal and citrus aromas, leading to a balanced bittersweet flavor. It has a smooth, silky texture and a long, clean finish, making it a wonderfully refreshing choice year-round.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Herbal, Citrusy, Complex, Zesty
Aroma
Juniper, Alpine herbs, Orange peel, Lime
Taste balance
Balanced, Bitter, Sour, Hint of sweet
Aftertaste
Long, Herbal, Clean, Slightly bitter
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy, Pale pinkish-orange, Light coral
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season, Spring, Summer

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intense and complex, with a prominent sour and bitter profile balanced by herbal sweetness and citrus notes. The alcohol presence is noticeable but very well-integrated.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This is an equal-parts cocktail requiring four ingredients: London Dry Gin, Green Chartreuse, Aperol, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
  • London Dry Gin22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    A classic London Dry gin with a strong juniper backbone works best to stand up to the other bold ingredients.
  • Green Chartreuse22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This potent and complex French herbal liqueur is essential for the drink's character. There is no true substitute.
  • Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Provides the bittersweet orange and rhubarb notes that define this cocktail as a riff on The Last Word.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the bright, acidic balance of the drink.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a jigger for measuring and two types of strainers for a smooth, ice-free pour.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and diluting the ingredients.
  • Jigger for accurate measurement of the equal parts.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back the ice after shaking.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining to remove small ice chips.

Instructions

The method is a classic shake and double-strain: combine all four equal-part ingredients with ice, shake until cold, then strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish.
1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer or filling it with ice and water to chill.
2. Measure and pour the gin, Green Chartreuse, Aperol, 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. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
7. Take a fresh lime peel, express the oils over the surface of the drink by squeezing it, and drop it in as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lime twist expressed over the drink to release its oils is the perfect garnish, enhancing the citrus aroma without altering the flavor.
  • Lime twist, expressed over the drink to release aromatic oils.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets as its ingredients are plant-based.
✓ 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 count, primarily from the alcohol and liqueurs. The sugar and carbohydrate content are relatively low compared to many other cocktails.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 750-840 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9-11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif to stimulate the palate or as a sophisticated choice for cocktail parties. Its refreshing nature also makes it an ideal drink for a warm summer evening gathering.
  • Aperitif
  • Cocktail Party
  • Summer Evening
  • Sophisticated Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The drink's bittersweet and sour profile acts as an excellent palate cleanser. It pairs wonderfully with salty and briny foods like oysters or charcuterie boards. It can also cut through the richness of creamy cheeses like fresh goat cheese, making it a versatile aperitif companion.
  • Oysters
  • Light appetizers
  • Goat cheese
  • Cured meats (Charcuterie)
  • Salty snacks like olives or marcona almonds

The Long Goodbye: A Bittersweet Symphony in a Glass

The Long Goodbye is a sophisticated and vibrant modern classic, perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced, bittersweet cocktail. It's an equal-parts riff on The Last Word, cleverly swapping maraschino for Aperol to create a drink that is both familiar and excitingly new. Easy to make yet complex in flavor, it balances herbal, citrus, and bitter notes into a harmonious and refreshing experience. This cocktail serves beautifully as a pre-dinner aperitif or as the star of any celebratory occasion.

Similar Cocktails

The Last Word

The original template for this drink. It uses Maraschino liqueur instead of Aperol, resulting in a sweeter, funkier profile.

Final Ward

Swaps gin for Rye whiskey and Aperol for Maraschino liqueur, creating a spicier, whiskey-forward version.

Paper Plane

Another equal-parts modern classic, but with a different profile: Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol, and lemon juice.

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