📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 20%
Calories 163 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 15g
Prep time 2 minutes
Are you ready to discover the magic of a Raspberry Last Word cocktail? This delightful drink combines the tangy sweetness of raspberries with the complexity of herbal liqueur to create a refreshing taste sensation. We’ll explore its history, flavors, and the best ways to enjoy it, so let’s dive in and mix up some fun! ⬇️
History
The Raspberry Last Word is a colorful twist on the classic Last Word cocktail, a Prohibition-era drink. Originally made with gin, chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime, it’s been reinvented with a raspberry flair. This drink’s unique blend of flavors has made it a beloved choice for cocktail connoisseurs.
- The Last Word was first shaken at the Detroit Athletic Club in the 1920s.
- It was nearly forgotten until rediscovered in Seattle in the early 2000s.
- The raspberry version adds a fruity twist to the century-old favorite.
The taste of a Raspberry Last Word?
Imagine sipping on a drink that’s both tart and sweet, with a herby backdrop that makes your taste buds dance. The Raspberry Last Word is just that—a vibrant mix of berry sharpness and botanical depth that’s both invigorating and smooth.
I personally adore the Raspberry Last Word for its playful balance of flavors that can brighten up any occasion.
Interesting facts about Raspberry Last Word
- The original Last Word cocktail was once priced at a whopping 35 cents during the 1920s.
- Its resurgence in popularity is often attributed to bartender Murray Stenson of Seattle’s Zig Zag Café.
- Raspberries in the drink not only add flavor but also a vivid pop of color, making it a visual treat.
Ingredients
- Gin: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Green Chartreuse: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Maraschino Liqueur: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Fresh Lime Juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
- Fresh Raspberries: A handful
A Coupe glass is the ideal vessel for a Raspberry Last Word. Its wide brim and shallow bowl showcase the drink’s vibrant hue and allow the aromas to entice your senses. Alternatively, a Martini glass also makes for an elegant presentation.
Recipe. How to make Raspberry Last Word
- Muddle a handful of fresh raspberries in a shaker.
- Add 0.75 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of green Chartreuse, 0.75 oz of maraschino liqueur, and 0.75 oz of fresh lime juice.
- Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled Coupe glass.
- Garnish with a few whole raspberries or a lime twist.
Cocktails like the Raspberry Last Word can be high in sugar, but you can always swap in some natural sweeteners or use fewer raspberries for a less sweet version. While alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, this drink’s lime juice provides a bit of vitamin C!
Food Pairings
Certain dishes can elevate the experience of sipping on a Raspberry Last Word. The following pairings are designed to harmonize with its unique flavor profile.
Charcuterie
The saltiness of cured meats beautifully counterbalances the Raspberry Last Word’s zesty tartness, while the fat content complements the drink’s velvety texture.
Dark Chocolate Desserts
The bitterness of dark chocolate juxtaposes the Raspberry Last Word’s sweetness, creating a sophisticated and indulgent pairing.
Cheese Platter
A selection of creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the Raspberry Last Word, as the creaminess tames the cocktail’s sharpness.
I find the Raspberry Last Word’s combination of fresh raspberry and tangy lime to be delightfully refreshing, like a lively dance on my palate.
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Bartender Advice
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor.
- Chill your glass in advance to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing.
- To extract maximum flavor, gently muddle the raspberries rather than crushing them.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Raspberry Last Word, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Raspberry Last Word
- Gin: Can be swapped with vodka for a smoother taste.
- Green Chartreuse: Try yellow Chartreuse for a sweeter and milder herbal note.
- Maraschino Liqueur: Use raspberry liqueur to intensify the berry flavor.
Raspberry Last Word Variations
Blueberry Last Word
- Ingredients: Substitute raspberries with blueberries.
- Recipe: Follow the original recipe, muddling blueberries instead of raspberries.
Spicy Raspberry Last Word
- Ingredients: Add a slice of jalapeño to the mix.
- Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño with the raspberries for a spicy kick.
Raspberry Last Word Royale
- Ingredients: Top with champagne instead of shaking with ice.
- Recipe: Pour the shaken mixture into a glass and top with champagne.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a Virgin Raspberry Last Word is just as delightful. Simply replace the alcoholic ingredients with raspberry syrup, limeade, and a dash of soda water for fizz.
Q&A
Can I use frozen raspberries for this cocktail?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries can work, especially if you let them thaw first for maximum flavor extraction.
What if I can’t find green Chartreuse?
You could use another herbal liqueur, though it will alter the taste. Experiment to find your preference!
Is it possible to batch this cocktail for a party?
Sure thing! Multiply the ingredients based on the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher, adding ice just before serving.
Can the Raspberry Last Word be made sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar-free raspberry syrup and a low-calorie sweetener for the maraschino liqueur.
What’s the best way to garnish a Raspberry Last Word?
A few whole raspberries or a lime twist both add a pop of color and an extra zing.
How should I store leftovers of this cocktail?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just be sure to give it a good stir before enjoying it again.
