A Last Word cocktail variation that’s every bit as classic as the classic.
There’s a general rule that if something is a classic, you don’t mess with it. There’s a reason it’s called a classic, after all. However, in the realm of cocktails, which is governed by proportions, there is always the possibility for classic formulas to be given interesting variants by simply tweaking the spirits.
Nowhere are the possibilities as endless as they are in the equal-parts cocktail kingdom. How many fantastic variations on the venerable Negroni or Old Fashioned have you had?
Other than the Negroni, one of my favorite equal-parts cocktails is the Last Word – gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino and lime juice. And the Naked and Famous cocktail from Death and Co. in New York City’s East Village is more than a worthy variation.
Naked and Famous Recipe
.75 oz. Mezcal
.75 oz. Yellow Chartreuse
.75 oz. Aperol
.75 oz. Lime Juice
Combine the mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice in a mixing glass. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.
Other than the Chartreuse and the proportions, the taste of the Naked and Famous is much different than the classic that inspired it. In fact, if it weren’t for the Chartreuse, I’d wager that we couldn’t be calling this a Last Word variation.
The mezcal lends a smoky flavor, as it has been known to do, while the Aperol adds a touch of grapefruit bitter, where you’d usually taste the unmistakable brand of sweetness of the maraschino.
STILL THIRSTY? Sidle up to the HSS bar for another round.
This recipe comes from the Death & Co. cocktail book, which is a great one to add to your library of bar books, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style
Photography by Robin West.
