Last of the Oaxacans
A modern classic that brilliantly substitutes the gin in a traditional Last Word with the smoky complexity of mezcal.
33%
ABV
200
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
Flavor Journey
History & Heritage
“The Last of the Oaxacans was created in 2016 by Rick Dobbs at his bar, The Last Word, in Livermore, California. The cocktail is a direct variation on the classic Last Word, with the innovation of replacing the traditional gin with mezcal. The name is a clever play on the name of the bar and the origin of the base spirit, with Oaxaca being the primary region for mezcal production in Mexico.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
Double-strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
The equal-parts formula creates a perfectly balanced cocktail where no single ingredient overpowers the others.
A vigorous shake and double-straining are crucial for a silky-smooth texture.
Use a high-quality mezcal with a balanced smokiness to complement the other ingredients.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Last of the Oaxacans.
Last Word
Equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino and lime shaken cold—a neon green Prohibition relic turned modern darling.
Naked and Famous
A quintessential modern classic created by Joaquín Simó at Death & Co. in 2011. This audacious equal-parts cocktail combines smoky mezcal, honeyed Yellow Chartreuse, bittersweet Aperol, and fresh lime juice in perfect harmony.
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Dublin Minstrel
A modern classic cocktail that reimagines the Last Word with Irish whiskey, created by Simon Difford in 2015.
Green Chartreuse Naked and Famous
A bold, herbaceous variation of Joaquín Simó's modern classic, substituting Green Chartreuse for Yellow to create an intense, vegetal, and profoundly complex equal-parts cocktail with assertive mezcal.
Last Word
Equal parts gin, Green Chartreuse, maraschino and lime shaken cold—a neon green Prohibition relic turned modern darling.