Final Ward Cocktail Drink

Final Ward

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you looking for a standout cocktail? This Final Ward recipe is your answer! It’s an exciting drink with excellent ingredients that’s a breeze to make.

Final Ward Recipe

Warm up your evenings with this straightforward Final Ward recipe! The rye whiskey, lemon juice, green Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur make this cocktail a perfect pick-me-up.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

175 kl

Ingredients

  • ¾ oz Rye Whiskey
  • ¾ oz Green Chartreuse
  • ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Chill your coupe glass.
  • Squeeze into a shaker ¾ oz lemon juice.
  • Add ¾ oz Green Chartreuse to the shaker.
  • Measure and pour in ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur.
  • Pour in ¾ oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  • Fine strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: If you don't have rye whiskey on hand, bourbon is a good substitute that I've used before. It's sweeter and less spicy than rye, but it still works well in this cocktail.
  • Green Chartreuse: This is a unique ingredient and hard to replace, but I've found that Yellow Chartreuse can work in a pinch. It's milder and sweeter than its green counterpart.
  • Maraschino Liqueur: I've substituted this with cherry brandy or even cherry syrup when I didn't have maraschino liqueur available.

Making a Pitcher of Final Ward:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That would be 6 oz: rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute. There are several brands available that mimic the flavor of whiskey quite well.
  • Green Chartreuse Substitute: Make a simple syrup infused with various herbs to mimic the complex flavor of green Chartreuse.
  • Maraschino Liqueur Substitute: Use a cherry-flavored syrup or juice instead.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Anyway, make sure to check the label of your spirits and liqueurs as some may use animal-derived products during production.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
175
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
0.4
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Potassium
 
23
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

Final Ward Cocktail Drink

Final Ward Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up your evenings with this straightforward Final Ward recipe! The rye whiskey, lemon juice, green Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur make this cocktail a perfect pick-me-up.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 175

Ingredients
 

  • ¾ oz Rye Whiskey
  • ¾ oz Green Chartreuse
  • ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer & Fine-strainer
  • Coupe Glass

Instructions

  • Chill your coupe glass.
  • Squeeze into a shaker ¾ oz lemon juice.
  • Add ¾ oz Green Chartreuse to the shaker.
  • Measure and pour in ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur.
  • Pour in ¾ oz Rye Whiskey.
  • Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake vigorously until well chilled.
  • Fine strain the mixture into your chilled coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Rye Whiskey: If you don't have rye whiskey on hand, bourbon is a good substitute that I've used before. It's sweeter and less spicy than rye, but it still works well in this cocktail.
  • Green Chartreuse: This is a unique ingredient and hard to replace, but I've found that Yellow Chartreuse can work in a pinch. It's milder and sweeter than its green counterpart.
  • Maraschino Liqueur: I've substituted this with cherry brandy or even cherry syrup when I didn't have maraschino liqueur available.

Making a Pitcher of Final Ward:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. That would be 6 oz: rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice cubes and stir well.
  • Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rye Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey substitute. There are several brands available that mimic the flavor of whiskey quite well.
  • Green Chartreuse Substitute: Make a simple syrup infused with various herbs to mimic the complex flavor of green Chartreuse.
  • Maraschino Liqueur Substitute: Use a cherry-flavored syrup or juice instead.
  • Proceed As Usual: Replace the alcoholic ingredients with these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Anyway, make sure to check the label of your spirits and liqueurs as some may use animal-derived products during production.

What is a Final Ward?

A Final Ward is a whiskey-based cocktail made of rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires four ingredients in equal parts; however, precision in measurement is crucial for achieving the perfect balance between its intense flavors.

The Final Ward is a variant of the well-known Last Word cocktail. The main difference is substituting gin with rye whiskey and lime juice with lemon juice.

A side shot of a Final Ward cocktail in a cocktail glass on a coaster placed on a white table with a green cloth and a bowl with lemon wedges around.

What is a Final Ward made of – The ingredients

To concoct a Final Ward, use these ingredients:

  • Rye Whiskey: This is the cocktail’s base spirit, providing a robust and spicy foundation.
  • Green Chartreuse: A French liqueur made by Carthusian Monks since 1737, adds herbal complexity and a touch of sweetness.
  • Maraschino Liqueur: This clear, cherry-flavored liqueur contributes a subtle fruity note and additional sweetness.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: It brings acidity to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients, enhancing their flavors and adding a refreshing element.
  • Lemon Twist for Garnish: This not only adds visual appeal but also imparts a light citrus aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience of the cocktail.

Rye Whiskey, green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur and lemon juice laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Final Ward?

Follow our simple steps to learn how to make your Final Ward:

1
<p>Start by filling a coupe glass with ice cubes. This will ensure the drink won't warm up too quickly once served.</p>

Start by filling a coupe glass with ice cubes. This will ensure the drink won't warm up too quickly once served.

2
<p>Pour 3/4 ounce of lemon juice into the shaker. The acidity of the lemon juice will balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a harmonious flavor profile.</p>

Pour 3/4 ounce of lemon juice into the shaker. The acidity of the lemon juice will balance the sweetness of the other ingredients, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

3
<p>Add 3/4 ounce of green Chartreuse to the shaker. This French liqueur, made by Carthusian Monks since 1737, adds a unique herbal complexity to the cocktail.</p>

Add 3/4 ounce of green Chartreuse to the shaker. This French liqueur, made by Carthusian Monks since 1737, adds a unique herbal complexity to the cocktail.

4
<p>Follow this with 3/4 ounce of Maraschino liqueur. This clear, relatively dry liqueur made from Marasca cherries will add a subtle fruity sweetness to your Final Ward.</p>

Follow this with 3/4 ounce of Maraschino liqueur. This clear, relatively dry liqueur made from Marasca cherries will add a subtle fruity sweetness to your Final Ward.

5
<p>The final spirit to add is 3/4 ounce of rye whiskey. This will give your cocktail a robust, spicy backbone, contrasting nicely with the Maraschino's sweetness and the Chartreuse's herbal notes.</p>

The final spirit to add is 3/4 ounce of rye whiskey. This will give your cocktail a robust, spicy backbone, contrasting nicely with the Maraschino's sweetness and the Chartreuse's herbal notes.

6
<p>Ice up the shaker.</p>

Ice up the shaker.

7
<p>Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This not only mixes and chills the ingredients but also helps to dilute the cocktail properly.</p>

Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This not only mixes and chills the ingredients but also helps to dilute the cocktail properly.

8
<p>After shaking, fine strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass. This will remove the ice and any potential pulp from the lemon juice, resulting in a smooth, clean cocktail.</p>

After shaking, fine strain the cocktail into your chilled coupe glass. This will remove the ice and any potential pulp from the lemon juice, resulting in a smooth, clean cocktail.

9
<p>For the final touch, garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist for a zesty aroma.</p>

For the final touch, garnish the cocktail with a lemon twist for a zesty aroma.

Variations

Considering other versions? Here are a few that we highly recommend:

  • Naked and Famous: This one blends mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice to create a unique, smoky profile that really stands out. The mezcal provides a robust, earthy base that contrasts beautifully with the herbal sweetness of the Chartreuse and the citrusy sharpness of the lime. Personally, I love how the smoky flavor of mezcal pairs with the bright notes of lime; it’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
  • Industry Sour: This creation mixes rye whiskey with Fernet-Branca, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a touch of egg white. The spicy kick of rye is tempered by the bitter herbal notes of Fernet-Branca. The lemon and syrup lend a perfect counterbalance of tartness and sweetness, making it a complex, layered delight.
  • Dutch Word: Here, genever (Dutch gin) takes the stage, combined with green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. The malty, botanical qualities of genever are enriched by the earthy green Chartreuse and the sweet, cherry flavors of maraschino. Moreover, the tangy lime juice cuts through, bringing a refreshing clarity to each sip.
  • Oh My Word: This twist features bourbon, blue Curaçao, lemon juice, and simple syrup. The bourbon grounds the drink with its rich, vanilla and caramel tones, while the blue Curaçao adds a playful, citrus-forward twist. Additionally, the lemon juice injects a vital burst of acidity that lifts the whole ensemble.
  • Closing Argument: This involves mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, lime juice, and a splash of agave syrup. The mezcal’s smokiness is again at play, but here, it melds seamlessly with the smooth, sweet herbal qualities of Chartreuse. The lime and agave syrup brighten and sweeten the mix, creating a persuasive, refreshing appeal. I particularly enjoy the way the herbal notes of the Chartreuse blend with the smokiness of mezcal, giving it a mysterious and alluring quality.
  • Next to Last Word: This combines aquavit, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. The aquavit, known for its caraway and anise flavors, pairs unexpectedly well with the potent green Chartreuse. The maraschino liqueur introduces a hint of sweetness that complements the sharpness of the lime, resulting in a balanced, invigorating finish.

A Final Ward cocktail, shot from above, in a cocktail glass on a beige table surrounded by Rye Whiskey, green Chartreuse, Maraschino Liqueur and lemon juice

History and Origin of the Final Ward

The Last Word, a classic cocktail from the Prohibition era in Detroit, inspired Phil Ward, a famous mixologist and bar owner. This drink mixes gin, lime juice, green Chartreuse, and maraschino liqueur equally. People loved it at the Detroit Athletic Club, where it first appeared.

Phil Ward decided to change The Last Word a bit. He used rye whiskey instead of gin and lemon juice instead of lime juice. These changes led to a new cocktail, which he named the Final Ward.

People quickly started loving the Final Ward because of its balanced taste. The rye whiskey gives a strong base, while the lemon juice brings a fresh sourness. The green Chartreuse and maraschino liqueur add herbal and sweet flavors, making the drink interestingly complex.

Nowadays, you can see the Final Ward on cocktail menus worldwide. Its clever twist on a classic recipe shows Phil Ward’s creativity and talent as a bartender. Even though it’s pretty new, the Final Ward has already made its mark in cocktail history.

 

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FAQ

How many calories does the Final Ward cocktail contain?
The Final Ward cocktail typically contains around 200 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of alcohol used.
How strong is the Final Ward cocktail?
The strength of the Final Ward cocktail depends on the ratio of its ingredients. Generally, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of about 25%, translating to 50 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in the Final Ward cocktail?
The Final Ward cocktail combines rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice. The unique blend of these alcohols gives it its distinctive taste.
In what kind of glass is the Final Ward served?
Traditionally, bartenders serve the Final Ward in a chilled coupe glass. This type of glass helps to enhance the overall presentation of the drink.
What does the Final Ward taste like?
The Final Ward offers a complex flavor profile that balances sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The rye whiskey provides a spicy base, while the green Chartreuse adds herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness.
What is the ratio of ingredients in the Final Ward cocktail?
The standard ratio for a Final Ward cocktail is equal parts of all four ingredients: 3/4 ounce each of rye whiskey, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lemon juice.
How is the Final Ward served with ice?
The Final Ward is typically shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled coupe glass without ice - this serving style is often called "up."

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