Can the Last Word Cocktail Survive the Green Chartreuse Shortage?

Synopsis: The Last Word, a classic cocktail known for its balanced blend of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice, faces an uncertain future due to a global shortage of its essential ingredient, green Chartreuse. Chartreuse, an herbal liqueur made exclusively by Carthusian monks in France, has been capped at limited production since 2021 as the monks prioritize their monastic commitments. This decision has led bars worldwide to experiment with substitutes like Dolin Génépy and Faccia Brutto’s Centerbe to recreate the drink. While the shortage poses challenges, the exclusivity has ironically boosted the popularity of the Last Word, with many establishments finding innovative ways to keep the cocktail alive. The legacy of the Last Word is unlikely to fade, even if the liqueur itself becomes a rare indulgence.

Written By: Phoebe Fry
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Published January 3, 2024