Cocktail of the Week: The Last Word

I've mentioned that this is high cocktail time at our house.  A couple of friends dropping by, something grown up while dinner is cooking, even a full-blown cocktail party...all are reasons to skip traditional highballs like gin and tonic and getting the shaker and martini glasses out.

Now, these are not things you make by the pitcher.  And this particular one (which I found in Bon Appetit magazine...it's credited to a New Orleans place called French 75) uses exotic liqueurs that you might not keep on hand.  But the complex and balanced cocktail that results is probably worth the investment.  This is a great high-octane sipper for a festive occasion.

The Last Word
Makes one (on the large side) cocktail.

2 ounces gin
2 tablespoons Chartreuse liqueur
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons maraschino liqueur (i.e. Luxardo)

Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker and shake vigorously.  Strain into a cocktail glass...and enjoy.