Last Word Recipe

Prepare cucumber-infused gin (if not using pre-infused)

Thinly slice about 1/4 of a cucumber and place the slices in a small jar with 3–4 oz of gin. Let infuse at room temperature for 30–60 minutes for a light cucumber flavor (longer for stronger flavor). Strain out the cucumber and reserve the infused gin. Use immediately.

Chill glass

Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill while you prepare the cocktail.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker add: 1 oz Empress gin, 0.5 oz cucumber-infused gin, 0.75 oz Green Chartreuse, 0.75 oz maraschino liqueur, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice. If you prefer the drink slightly sweeter, add 0.25 tsp simple syrup.

Add ice and shake

Fill the shaker 2/3 full with ice and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is very cold and well-chilled.

Double strain and serve

Discard ice from the chilled glass (or remove the glass from the freezer). Double strain the cocktail (through both the shaker strainer and a fine mesh strainer) into the chilled coupe to ensure no ice shards or cucumber solids remain.

Garnish

Float a thin cucumber slice on the surface and drop a maraschino cherry onto the bottom of the glass or skewer the cherry and rest it on the rim. Serve immediately.

Notes

The classic Last Word uses equal parts gin, Chartreuse, maraschino, and lime. This variant uses Empress gin for color and a touch of cucumber-infused gin to echo the cucumber note. Adjust cucumber infusion time and optional simple syrup to taste. Serve straight up (no ice).