Last Word Cocktail: Best Chartreuse Substitutes in the UK

The Last Word cocktail is a prohibition-era gem that's made a serious comeback in craft bars across the UK. Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, fresh lime juice, and maraschino liqueur, it's a beautifully balanced drink with a vibrant herbal note that's utterly distinctive. But here's the thing: if you're halfway through making one and realise you don't have a bottle of green Chartreuse on your home bar shelf, you might feel a bit stuck. Chartreuse isn't the cheapest spirit to source, and it's not always easy to find in smaller off-licences. The good news? There are several solid alternatives that can get you close to the original's charm, and we're going to walk you through them.

Why Chartreuse Matters in a Last Word

Before we talk substitutes, it's worth understanding what makes Chartreuse so special in this cocktail. Green Chartreuse is a French herbal liqueur made with a secret blend of 130 different plants and herbs. It's intensely aromatic, slightly sweet, and has a peppery, almost medicinal finish that gives the Last Word its signature flavour profile. The drink itself was created in the 1920s and published in Harry Craddock's The Savoy Cocktail Book. It's light, refreshing, and that equal-parts structure means every ingredient gets its moment to shine—or clash, if they're not balanced right.

When you're substituting, you're looking for something with similar herbal complexity, a touch of sweetness, and that dry, spicy undertone. It's not just about finding something green; it's about capturing the spirit of the drink.

Best Chartreuse Substitutes Available in the UK

Galbani Liquore or Genepy

If you can get your hands on Galbani or a good-quality Genepy (an Alpine herbal liqueur made from alpine herbs), you're onto a winner. These are closer in character to Chartreuse than most alternatives—herbal, slightly floral, with enough dry spice to work in the equal-parts structure. Genepy is a bit easier to find in UK specialist shops and online, and it's often a touch more affordable. The flavour profile leans towards a slightly more delicate herbal note, so you might find the drink a touch more elegant and less peppery than the original.

Benedictine

Benedictine is probably the most readily available substitute on most UK bar shelves. It's made by monks in France (much like Chartreuse, though with a different recipe), and it's a rich, herbal liqueur with honey and spice notes. The main difference is that Benedictine is sweeter and slightly heavier than green Chartreuse, so the Last Word will feel a bit rounder and less dry. If you use it straight as a one-for-one swap, you might want to cut back slightly—try 0.75 oz instead of 1 oz—to avoid making the drink too sweet. This works best if you like a softer, more approachable herbal cocktail.

Strega

Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur that's golden-yellow and packed with about 70 different herbs and spices. It's more citrus-forward than Chartreuse and a touch sweeter, but it has enough herbal complexity to work reasonably well in a Last Word. You'll end up with a drink that's slightly warmer in colour and flavour, leaning towards spice and citrus rather than pure herbal freshness. It's a fun experiment and produces a genuinely tasty cocktail, even if it's not a perfect match. You can often find Strega in larger Tesco, Sainsbury's, or Waitrose branches, as well as online.

Drambuie or Glayva

Scottish herbal liqueurs like Drambuie and Glayva are much sweeter and more honey-forward than Chartreuse, so they're not ideal one-for-one swaps. However, if you use them in smaller quantities—say 0.5 oz instead of 1 oz—they can add a lovely warming, slightly spiced undertone to your Last Word. You'll need to increase other ingredients slightly to keep the balance, which makes this a bit fiddly. Better to save these for other cocktails where their sweetness is an asset.

Dry Vermouth or Noilly Prat

In a real pinch, a quality dry vermouth can work as a bridge. It won't capture Chartreuse's herbal intensity, but it brings bitterness, herbals, and dryness to the table. Use it as a partial swap—perhaps 0.5 oz of vermouth plus 0.5 oz of another spirit like gin or a lighter herbal liqueur—rather than a straight replacement. This is more of a creative riff than a true substitute, but it's worth trying if you're stuck.

The Homemade Herbal Liqueur Route

If you're feeling ambitious and have a bit of time, you can make your own herbal infusion to approximate Chartreuse. Steep a mixture of dried herbs—think fennel seed, aniseed, coriander, cardamom, and a touch of dried lemon peel—in a neutral spirit like vodka or grain alcohol for a couple of weeks, then strain and sweeten lightly with a touch of simple syrup. It won't be identical to Chartreuse (which has a much more complex recipe), but it can give you a fresh, herbal spirit that works better in a Last Word than many shop-bought alternatives. This is a fun project if you're interested in infusion work—read more about creative spirit techniques on our blog if you want to explore further.

Adjusting Your Cocktail for Substitutes

Here's the thing: once you're using a substitute, the equal-parts recipe might need tweaking. If you're using something sweeter than Chartreuse (like Benedictine), reduce it slightly and perhaps add an extra squeeze of lime juice to balance. If you're using something drier (like Genepy), you might want to increase the maraschino slightly to keep the drink from becoming too austere. The best approach is to make small adjustments and taste as you go. Keep your measurements in mind—use a jigger to stay accurate—and write down what works so you can repeat it.

Sourcing Chartreuse in the UK

Before you settle on a substitute, it's worth knowing that green Chartreuse is actually quite findable in the UK if you know where to look. Specialist independent bottle shops, larger supermarket chains, and online retailers stock it regularly. Master of Malt usually has several versions available, including both the standard green Chartreuse and the higher-proof Chartreuse VEP if you want to explore. It's pricier than many liqueurs—expect to pay £35–50 for a bottle—but it lasts a long time, and you'll use it in more than just Last Words. If you're building a serious home bar, it's worth the investment. And if you're after more ideas for classic cocktails and their components, our AI cocktail generator can help you explore what's possible with the spirits you already have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use yellow Chartreuse instead of green?

Yellow Chartreuse is sweeter and milder than green, so it's not ideal for a Last Word. You'd be better off with one of the herbal liqueurs mentioned above. That said, if it's all you have, use 0.75 oz of yellow Chartreuse and increase the lime juice slightly to keep the drink balanced.

What's the closest single substitute for green Chartreuse?

Genepy or Galbani are your best bets for a one-for-one swap that stays closest to the original. They have similar herbal complexity and dryness. If you can't find either, Strega is probably your next best option.

Is the Last Word still worth making if I have to use a substitute?

Absolutely. The cocktail is built on good bones—gin, fresh lime, and maraschino—so even with a substitute, you'll get a delicious, balanced drink. It just might taste a bit different, which isn't a bad thing.

Can I make a Last Word with vodka instead of gin?

Technically you can, but you'd lose a lot of the character that makes this drink special. Gin's botanical notes complement Chartreuse beautifully. If you want a milder base spirit, use a lighter gin rather than vodka.

How long does green Chartreuse keep once opened?

Green Chartreuse is a spirit with a high alcohol content, so it keeps for years once opened if stored in a cool, dark place. You won't have to worry about it going off, so buying a bottle is a sensible investment.

Should I chill the glass before making a Last Word?

Yes, it's a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail, so a chilled glass (or an up glass served chilled) is ideal. Chill it in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice while you build the drink, then tip out the ice before straining.

Can I batch a Last Word for a party?

Yes, batch cocktails are brilliant for hosting. Mix equal parts gin, Chartreuse (or substitute), fresh lime juice, and maraschino liqueur in larger quantities, then stir with ice and strain into chilled glasses for guests. You can prep it in advance and keep it chilled, though lime juice is best added as close to serving time as possible.

A Quick Word on Home Bar Planning

If you find yourself needing substitutes regularly, it might be worth thinking about which spirits and liqueurs are worth investing in for your home bar. The Last Word is just one classic that relies on a specific ingredient; there are dozens of other cocktails that call for Chartreuse, maraschino, or rum. Building a thoughtful bar means you'll have the tools ready when inspiration strikes—and you won't have to improvise quite so often. That said, improvisation is part of the fun, and sometimes a substitution leads you to something new you love.

Whether you go with a substitute or track down a bottle of the real thing, the Last Word is a cocktail worth mastering. It's refreshing, beautifully balanced, and impressive without being pretentious. If you're keen to explore more classic cocktails and discover what you can make with spirits you already have, head over to the site and give our cocktail generator a go. It's a fun way to see what's possible in your home bar right now.

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