Mezcal Last Word: A Smoky Twist on a Classic Cocktail

The Last Word cocktail is a delightful combination of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. But for those who love a smoky twist, the Mezcal Last Word offers a unique and flavorful alternative.

This recipe takes the classic Last Word and swaps the gin for mezcal, a smoky spirit made from agave. The result is a complex and intriguing cocktail that balances the smokiness of the mezcal with the herbal notes of Chartreuse, the sweetness of maraschino liqueur, and the tartness of lime juice.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce mezcal (adjust to your preference for smokiness)
• 3/4 ounce Green Chartreuse
• 3/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• Lime wheel, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Chill and assemble:  Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, Green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice.

2. Shake it up:  Shake well for about 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients. Shaking properly helps to release the fragrant oils from the lime peel and ensure all the flavors are well-integrated.

3. Strain and serve: Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.

4. Garnish (optional): If desired, express the oils from a lime wheel twist over the glass and then add it as a garnish.

Tips:

• Smoky Scale: Mezcal comes in a variety of smoke levels. Start with a mezcal that has a subtle smokiness and adjust the amount based on your preference.

• Sweetness Tweak: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bar spoon (around 1/4 ounce) of simple syrup to the shaker before shaking.

• No Garnish, No Problem: This cocktail is delicious without a garnish, so feel free to skip it if you don't have a lime on hand.

• Non-alcoholic option: Want a refreshing mocktail? Omit the mezcal and adjust the proportions of the remaining ingredients to your taste. You can add a splash of club soda for some extra fizz.

The Mezcal Last Word is a perfect after-dinner drink or a unique cocktail to impress your friends.  With its smoky depth and balanced flavors, it's a surefire way to explore the world of mezcal cocktails. So, grab your shaker and give this recipe a try!