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Named after the direct Spanish translation of Last Word, hence the use of mezcal in place of the gin in a classic Last Word cocktail. Pineapple juice...
The pineapple juice adds smoothness to the body of the drink. Comparing to original last word. However, depending on what type of pineapple juice you’re using e.g freshly squeezed, retail pineapple juice - you may get different results. Some pineapple juice may make the drink too sweet and you need to try the pineapple juice beforehand to make a balanced one.
I tried this after a Yellow Cactus Flower and will post the comment from there. I would definitely try them against each other:
Oh wow - these two drinks are so different but at the same time so the same. Both are Mezcal, Lime, Pineapple and Chartreuse - but one yellow the other green. The big change being Suze for Maraschino
Very similar in taste breakdown but with one bright yellow the other a mint green the Eye taste makes a difference.
For me the Ultima takes edges it - marginally sweeter and a faint marmalade flavour.
I followed the recipe (including its simple ratio) here for the Ultima Palabra with the substitution of Yellow for Green Chartreuse, and really enjoyed it. I liked the earthy smokiness of the mezcal coming through as a tangent from the juniper of a gin.
Ok, I did also use a reposado Xicala mezcal, but I don't think the barrel resting mad a difference that came through, but who knows.
Pretty interesting variation. Use fresh pineapple juice or don’t bother. The smoke level of your Mezcal will make or break this drink and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Enjoyed the interplay of the mezcal and chartreuse and the sweet/sour element. Further study and enjoyment required.
The first sip felt very smoky and mezcal forward. However, the next ones I felt the taste of chartreuse to be more dominant. The flavor is so complex I felt like every sip was a little bit different, but each one was delicious. The balance between sourness and sweetness was perfect for me. I'm not an expert on the topic but this was one of the most interesting cocktail experience I've ever had.
It's probably the "ultima" combination of tiki and classic cocktails in a glass, and certainly one of my favourite riffs on The Last Word. I feel like this is one of those cocktails that don't need to be served up, it could just as well be served on crushed ice like a tiki. Wonderful job!
Excellent ! The presence of the mezcal is obvious but the balance is nice with the other ingredients. And one feel the herbal side of chartreuse (and also the pineapple).