Last Ward recipe
A vibrant modern classic featuring rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon.
Method: Shake ·
Glass: Chilled Coupe ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: Modern Classics
Ingredients
- 0.75 oz Rye Whiskey
- 0.75 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.75 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 0.75 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
How to make a Last Ward
- Add rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously for approximately 12 to 15 seconds until the exterior of the shaker becomes frosted.
- Strain the chilled mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish the drink with a brandied cherry placed on the rim or dropped into the glass.
- Serve immediately while ice-cold and perfectly balanced.
Garnish
Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Pro tip
Ensure your rye whiskey is a higher proof bottling around 100 proof so the assertive whiskey backbone holds its ground against the intense herbal sweetness of the Chartreuse.
History of the Last Ward
Created by bartender Phil Ward at Death & Co in New York City in 2007, this cocktail emerged as a celebrated sibling to the famous Last Word. By swapping out gin for rye whiskey and lemon for lime, the recipe reinterprets an iconic equal-parts template with deep, spicy character.
Flavour profile
Herbal, Citrus, Spicy, Complex
Variations
- Final Ward — Uses lemon juice and rye whiskey in an identical equal-parts structure.
- The Last Word — The original 1916 Detroit Athletic Club classic utilizing gin and lime juice.
- Closing Argument — Replaces gin with mezcal and lemon juice for a smoky, earthy profile.
Practise making the Last Ward in the free Virtual Bar game.